Dubai CommerCity Leadership Highlights U.A.E.’s Digital Commerce Growth 
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(L to R): Faisal Jassem, Senior Director at Dubai CommerCity, Abdulrahman Shahin, Senior Vice President – Property Management and Supply Chain at Dubai CommerCity, Mitch Bitterman, SVP Commercial at Dubai CommerCity, and U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a discussion on the “Future of Digital Commerce in the U.A.E.” with leadership from Dubai CommerCity on Monday, September 15th, 2025 at Dubai CommerCity’s headquarters in Dubai.

Dubai CommerCity representatives outlined the ways in which the U.A.E. is emerging as a global digital commerce hub and highlighted how the free zone is catalyzing growth in this dynamic sector. They emphasized the following:

  • The U.A.E. digital commerce sector has grown rapidly since 2015–2016, fueled by the region’s young population of over 60 million and rising demand for digital solutions.
  • Dubai CommerCity, part of DIEZA, provides an integrated ecosystem combining physical and digital infrastructure to support e-commerce businesses of all sizes. Dubai CommerCity has distinguished itself from its peers as a hub for SMEs and high-growth firms.
  • Recent milestones include partnerships with global players such as eBay, enabling sellers to access the U.A.E. market more easily, as well as agreements with payment gateway providers.
  • Free zones such as Dubai CommerCity play a pivotal role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and creating an enabling ecosystem for U.S. and international companies.
  • Opportunities for U.S.-U.A.E. partnerships in digital commerce are expanding, particularly in areas such as logistics, AI-driven e-commerce solutions, and cross-border trade facilitation.

The session also included a moderated discussion led by U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright, during which participants explored collaboration opportunities between Dubai CommerCity and U.S. companies across strategic sectors.

  • Executives spoke about the need to nurture startups, citing advocacy programs that help entrepreneurs secure licenses, raise capital, and access logistics solutions. Participants agreed that creating a supportive ecosystem for small firms is key to long-term sector growth.
  • Discussion also focused on ways the U.A.E.’s regulatory environment, including 100% foreign ownership and preferential tax treatment, continues to make Dubai a magnet for digital commerce operators. 

For more information on Dubai CommerCity, please visit their website. 

For more information about the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s programming and this event, please contact Matthew Gardell at mgardell@usuaebusiness.org.