{"id":1317,"date":"2025-05-15T09:40:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T09:40:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/?p=1317"},"modified":"2025-05-15T09:40:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T09:40:02","slug":"top-gulf-cities-to-launch-a-cod-e-commerce-business-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/2025\/05\/15\/top-gulf-cities-to-launch-a-cod-e-commerce-business-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0623\u0639\u0644\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u062f\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0644\u064a\u062c\u064a\u0629 \u0644\u0625\u0637\u0644\u0627\u0642 \u0627\u0644\u0642\u062f \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0639\u0645\u0627\u0644 \u0648\u0627\u0644\u062a\u062c\u0627\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0644\u0643\u062a\u0631\u0648\u0646\u064a\u0629 \u0641\u064a \u0639\u0627\u0645 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

As online shopping becomes a central part of life across the Gulf region, Cash-on-Delivery (COD)<\/strong> continues to dominate as a preferred payment method, especially in emerging e-commerce markets. While digital wallets and cards are growing, a large portion of consumers in the Khaleej (GCC)<\/strong> still trust cash at the door\u2014a trend entrepreneurs are keen to tap into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For startups and SMEs looking to enter the regional e-commerce space with a COD model, selecting the right city can make all the difference. Based on logistics infrastructure, internet penetration, consumer behavior, and regulatory support, here are the best places in the Gulf to launch a COD-based e-commerce business in 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Dubai, UAE \u2013 The E-Commerce Capital of the Gulf<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dubai remains the top choice<\/strong> for launching a COD e-commerce business in the GCC. With high smartphone penetration, world-class logistics through companies like Aramex, Fetchr, and Amazon<\/strong>, and tax-friendly policies in free zones like Dubai CommerCity<\/strong>, Dubai offers the infrastructure needed for rapid scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COD is still popular among lower-income consumers and in certain categories such as fashion, electronics, and health supplements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cEven though card payments are growing, nearly 45% of e-commerce orders in the UAE are still paid in cash,\u201d said Rami Al-Khoury, a logistics expert at GulfPay.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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2. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia \u2013 A Booming Market with High COD Demand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saudi Arabia is the largest e-commerce market in the GCC<\/strong>, with Riyadh at its commercial heart. While the government is pushing for more digital payments under Vision 2030, over 50% of online shoppers still prefer COD<\/strong>, especially outside major cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For businesses that can manage COD logistics and offer Arabic-language support, Riyadh offers massive opportunity. The Saudi e-commerce sector is projected to surpass SAR 90 billion ($24 billion)<\/strong> by the end of 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Platforms like Salla, Zid<\/strong> Shopify Arabia<\/strong> have made it easier for local businesses to launch quickly and offer COD as a default option.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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3. Kuwait City, Kuwait \u2013 Small Market, Big Margins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kuwait has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the Arab world and strong purchasing power per capita. COD remains common, especially in the fashion, luxury, and home decor segments<\/strong>, due to trust issues with online payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the market is smaller compared to Saudi or the UAE, margins can be higher, and logistics partners like DHL, Aramex, and local courier startups offer reliable COD services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cKuwait is ideal for niche COD brands targeting high-income segments with limited competition,\u201d noted Noor Al-Dabbous, founder of a beauty e-commerce startup.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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4. Manama, Bahrain \u2013 The Underrated Logistics Hub<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Often overlooked, Bahrain<\/strong> is quickly rising as a regional e-commerce logistics hub. Thanks to its low entry barriers for foreign businesses<\/strong>, supportive government regulations, and proximity to Saudi Arabia\u2019s Eastern Province, Manama offers a strategic base for cross-border COD operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Startups can benefit from Bahrain\u2019s cloud-first IT policy<\/strong>, easy licensing under the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB)<\/strong>, and reliable last-mile delivery partners like Bahrain Post and Talabat Logistics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Muscat, Oman \u2013 Emerging Market with Loyal Shoppers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oman\u2019s e-commerce ecosystem is still maturing, but it offers strong long-term potential for COD-focused businesses. While digital payment adoption is growing, more than 60% of Omani online shoppers still opt for cash on delivery<\/strong>, especially outside Muscat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With fewer competitors, a loyal customer base, and government support for SMEs, Oman offers a great testing ground for brands willing to localize content and manage COD fulfillment across a wide geography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Honorable Mention: Sharjah & Ajman (UAE)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While not as large as Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman have emerged as cost-effective alternatives<\/strong> for e-commerce startups. Warehousing, staffing, and delivery costs are lower, yet access to UAE\u2019s major logistics infrastructure remains intact. COD is still popular in these emirates, especially in categories like modest fashion, home goods, and electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Considerations When Starting a COD E-Commerce Business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Reliable Last-Mile Delivery<\/strong>
    COD success depends heavily on timely deliveries and cash reconciliation<\/strong>. Partner with regional couriers that specialize in COD handling and offer real-time tracking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Clear Return and Refund Policies<\/strong>
    COD shoppers are more likely to cancel or return orders. Make sure you have a streamlined reverse logistics process<\/strong> in place.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Localized Marketing<\/strong>
    Arabic content, GCC-specific promotions (e.g., Ramadan deals), and influencer partnerships significantly boost conversion rates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Free Zone Incorporation<\/strong>
    Consider setting up in free zones<\/strong> like Dubai CommerCity, RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah), or Bahrain\u2019s Startup Hub for 100% foreign ownership and customs benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    COD may be declining globally, but in the Khaleej<\/strong>, it remains a dominant and trusted method for millions of shoppers. For entrepreneurs and SMEs, cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuwait City<\/strong> offer fertile ground to build scalable e-commerce brands tailored to local preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As digital payment adoption grows alongside COD, the Gulf region offers a rare opportunity to serve both ends of the consumer trust spectrum\u2014blending convenience with cultural familiarity.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\u0643\u0645\u0627 \u0644\u0644\u062a\u0633\u0648\u0642 \u0639\u0628\u0631 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0646\u062a\u0631\u0646\u062a \u0623\u0635\u0628\u062d \u062c\u0632\u0621\u0627 \u0623\u0633\u0627\u0633\u064a\u0627 \u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062d\u064a\u0627\u0629 \u0641\u064a \u0645\u0646\u0637\u0642\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0644\u064a\u062c \u060c \u0646\u0642\u062f\u0627 \u0639\u0646\u062f \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0633\u0644\u064a\u0645 (COD) \u0644\u0627 \u062a\u0632\u0627\u0644 \u062a\u0647\u064a\u0645\u0646 \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u062d\u0633\u0628 \u0637\u0631\u064a\u0642\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062f\u0641\u0639 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0641\u0636\u0644\u0629 \u060c \u0648\u062e\u0627\u0635\u0629 \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u062a\u062c\u0627\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0644\u0643\u062a\u0631\u0648\u0646\u064a\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0627\u0634\u0626\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0633\u0648\u0627\u0642. \u0641\u064a \u062d\u064a\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0631\u0642\u0645\u064a\u0629 \u0645\u062d\u0627\u0641\u0638 \u0648\u0628\u0637\u0627\u0642\u0627\u062a \u062a\u062a\u0632\u0627\u064a\u062f \u0646\u0633\u0628\u0629 \u0643\u0628\u064a\u0631\u0629 \u0645\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u0633\u062a\u0647\u0644\u0643\u064a\u0646 \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0644\u064a\u062c (\u0645\u062c\u0644\u0633 \u0627\u0644\u062a\u0639\u0627\u0648\u0646 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0644\u064a\u062c\u064a) \u0644\u0627 \u064a\u0632\u0627\u0644 \u0639\u0644\u0649 \u062b\u0642\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0642\u062f\u064a\u0629 \u0641\u064a \u0627\u0644\u0628\u0627\u0628\u2014\u0627\u062a\u062c\u0627\u0647 \u0631\u062c\u0627\u0644 \u0627\u0644\u0623\u0639\u0645\u0627\u0644 \u062d\u0631\u064a\u0635\u0648\u0646 \u0639\u0644\u0649","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1318,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1317"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1319,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1317\/revisions\/1319"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/injiglobal.ae\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}