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Online stores for retailers and brands selling in the UAE and GCC

E-Commerce Website Development in Dubai & the UAE

We build online stores for UAE retailers and brands on Shopify, WooCommerce or a custom Next.js storefront, with UAE payment gateways, buy-now-pay-later, Arabic and English, courier integrations, and stock kept in sync with your POS or ERP.

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What is included

  • The right platform for your size

    Shopify for fast launches, WooCommerce when you want full control on your own hosting, and a custom Next.js storefront when performance or unusual requirements justify it.

  • Payments UAE shoppers use

    Any payment gateway with an API: cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, buy-now-pay-later with Tabby or Tamara, and cash on delivery if you offer it.

  • Delivery and returns

    Shipping rates by emirate, same-day or next-day options, courier label printing and tracking, and a returns flow customers can use themselves.

  • Stock synced with your systems

    Inventory, prices and orders kept in sync with your POS or ERP, so you never sell what is not on the shelf.

  • Arabic and English storefronts

    Product pages, checkout and emails in both languages with a proper right-to-left layout.

  • A checkout that converts

    Guest checkout, saved addresses, clear delivery fees and VAT shown before payment, and abandoned cart reminders.

Shopify, WooCommerce or a custom store

Shopify is the fastest way to launch and needs the least maintenance; you pay a monthly plan and some apps. WooCommerce runs on WordPress on your own hosting, with no platform fee and full control, but it needs more care with updates and security.

A custom storefront, usually Next.js on top of a commerce backend, suits brands with large catalogues, B2B pricing, complex product configuration or strict speed targets. We recommend the simplest option that meets your requirements.

Payments and checkout in the UAE

UAE shoppers expect Apple Pay and Google Pay alongside cards, and buy-now-pay-later services such as Tabby and Tamara have become common for fashion, electronics and furniture. We integrate any payment gateway that offers an API, and have already delivered Stripe, Amazon Payment Services (formerly PayFort), Checkout.com and Tap.

For GCC stores we have also integrated regional methods such as KNET in Kuwait and Mada in Saudi Arabia. Other UAE gateways, such as Network International, Telr and PayTabs, connect the same way, and the merchant account is always in your company name.

VAT, prices and invoices

Prices shown to consumers in the UAE must include the 5 percent VAT, and your store has to issue proper tax invoices. We set up VAT-inclusive pricing, the correct invoice details, and reports your accountant can use.

If you also sell to other businesses, B2B invoices will fall under the UAE e-invoicing mandate from 2027 depending on your revenue, and we can connect your store to an accredited e-invoicing provider.

Delivery, returns and customer service

Customers in the UAE are used to fast delivery and easy returns. The store has to handle:

  • Delivery fees and minimum orders by emirate, with free delivery thresholds.
  • Integration with local couriers for labels, pickup and tracking links.
  • Order status emails and WhatsApp notifications.
  • A returns and exchanges flow that matches your policy.

Stores we have built

For Cultkw, a retail brand in Kuwait, we built a headless e-commerce platform with a fast checkout and live inventory sync. The Coop Cart grocery app, for customers in the UAE and Kuwait, handles complex carts, live driver tracking and local payments.

Both are on our portfolio page.

How the project runs

  1. 1

    Discovery

    Catalogue size, markets, payments, delivery, systems to integrate and the launch date.

  2. 2

    Platform and design

    We confirm the platform and design the home, category, product and checkout pages.

  3. 3

    Build and integrations

    The store, payments, couriers, POS or ERP sync, emails and analytics.

  4. 4

    Catalogue and content

    Product import, categories, filters, and SEO for category and product pages.

  5. 5

    Testing

    Real orders, refunds, returns and stock updates tested end to end before launch.

  6. 6

    Launch and growth

    Launch, then conversion tracking, search and ads to grow sales.

Timelines by project size

Timelines depend on the size of the project. You get a fixed quote and schedule after a short discovery call.

  • Starter store

    Shopify or WooCommerce, up to 100 products, a UAE payment gateway and delivery rates by emirate.

    Timeline
    2–3 weeks

  • Growth store

    Arabic and English, Tabby or Tamara, courier integration, and stock synced with your POS or ERP.

    Timeline
    4–6 weeks

  • Custom storefront

    A headless Next.js store for large catalogues, B2B pricing or configurable products.

    Timeline
    6–10 weeks

What affects the cost of an online store

We give a fixed quote after discovery. The main factors:

Platform
Shopify, WooCommerce or a custom storefront.
Catalogue size and complexity
Variants, bundles, custom options and B2B pricing.
Integrations
POS, ERP, couriers, marketplaces and accounting software.
Languages and markets
Arabic, multiple currencies and other GCC countries.
Design depth
A refined theme, or a fully custom storefront.

Related

Frequently asked questions

Shopify if you want to launch quickly with little maintenance, WooCommerce if you want full control on your own hosting, and a custom storefront for large catalogues, B2B pricing or strict performance targets.

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Websites, apps and custom software for businesses in Dubai and across the UAE. Free consultation, with a reply within 24 hours.

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