Souq.com posts 32% growth in smartphones sales in 2015

Sunaina Rana / Emirates Business

Leading UAE-based e-commerce website Souq.com has observed a significant 32% growth in smartphones sales in 2015.
The Google Insights report stated that the UAE has witnessed the highest rate of device ownership in the world. The average consumer in the Emirates in 2015 owned three connected devices. Souq.com has been experiencing a 100% increase in smartphones searches on its platform – highlighting the increasing consumer thirst for new technology.
Ronaldo Mouchawar, souq.com CEO and Co-Founder,­ told Emirates Business, “The Emirates is among the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world and Souq.com is currently experiencing a 100% increase in smartphones searches.
“In addition, the UAE is the world’s third most connected population as per the latest Connected Consumer Index meaning souq.com’s ‘May Mobile Mania’ is perfectly targeted to benefit consumers looking for their next device.”
The eCommerce industry in the region has been witnessed exponential growth that has further been projected internet users in the Middle East is 90 Million and only 15% of Middle East businesses have an online presence. Also, B2C eCommerce sales in MENA will reach an estimated $15 billion in 2015 (up from $9 billion in 2012). The value of mCommerce in MENA could reach US $4.9 billion by 2015. Check out our infographic ‘Ecommerce in the Middle East’ for more such latest statistics and trends, according to Go-Gulf.ae.
However, according to souq.com database in 2015, the ‘May Mobile Mania’ event the online platform sold 1.3 times more devices in the UAE than an average month on the platform. “This time with further incredible deals on smartphones, souq.com is expecting to exceed the last year’s record,” Mouchawar added.
The Google Insights report also stated that the smartphone market in the UAE has seen device prices fall, a greater variety of choice of smartphone models available and the introduction of faster and more reliable wireless networks in addition to affordable and attractive data plans by operators across the country. These three factors have had a measureable impact on consumers that view feature packed connected devices as the most attractive option.
Mouchawar comments, “The UAE has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, so we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best value deals and also empowering them to make better choices. The innovative global brands that are available on our site offering the best deals which our customers will capitalise, we are set to see a significant uplift in sales of smartphone devices.”