Abu Dhabi gets one of its largest electronic stores

By Rajive Singh

DUBAI 15 January 2019: United Arab Emirates based electronics retail giant ECity rolled out ambitious multi-million-dollar expansion programme with the launch of one of Abu Dhabi’s largest electronics and gadgets stores, which covers over approximately 2,000 sqm.

The Albatha Group flagship electronics retail arm also announced plans to launch four more ECity stores by early 2019 with two in Dubai, in addition to the recently opened store at Deira City Center, as part of its Dh67 million expansion bid which also includes a significant investment in their soon to be launched e-commerce venture.

ECity has earmarked the UAE as its launch pad for its regional growth in the GCC as it makes its much-anticipated debut in Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, Sahara Mall, Al Zahiya shopping center and other projects soon to be revealed.

“We are proud to announce that our strategic expansion drive in the GCC market has officially begun… The region’s ballooning demand for electronic goods is our main driver. The additional stores is not only our way of meeting this demand but to also expose the region to emerging trends and that at favourable price points,” said Jaouad Dakir, ECity CEO.

Saudi and Oman Expansion

Apart from the UAE market, ECity is also eyeing the Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Oman markets as its next growth frontier.

A report by the Fitch Group indicates that Oman’s mobile phone sales, computer hardware sales, and Audio-Visual sales are all expected to register a compound annual growth rate of 2.6 per cent, 1.5 per cent, and 1.3 per cent respectively.

ECity, is also optimistic of recording a 20 – 25% per cent growth in this year’s sales and recruit an additional 120 staff over six months.

“Our ability to listen and decipher what our consumers need has always enabled us to change the retail experience for them and deliver exactly what they need, whenever they need it,” noted Dakir.