Dubai might soon become the first city globally to introduce buildings without kitchens, as food delivery and e-commerce sectors are experiencing rapid growth in the emirate. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the founder of Noon, a prominent e-commerce platform, disclosed that plans for kitchenless buildings in Dubai are already in motion. "We have already designed a few," he stated. Alabbar elucidated that the swift surge of online food delivery has significantly altered dining practices. "I foresee us selling apartments without kitchens. Our food order growth is soaring. Nowadays, one family member might crave Chinese, another cheeseburger, or another Mexican," the Dubai-based billionaire mentioned on Monday.
The expansion of online food delivery businesses in the UAE has been notably significant post-pandemic. Noon, launched in 2017 with a $1-billion investment, has risen as one of the UAE’s leading digital platforms, rivaling global behemoths like Amazon. Alabbar anticipates that Noon Food will dominate the UAE market within the next three to six months, seizing "market share from any competitor". "Whoever is in competition will lose out. We conduct business uniquely compared to others. We are passionate about every business we undertake. We are always proactive," said Alabbar, who is also the founder of Emaar Properties.
"We operate business straightforwardly – with all resources on the table," he humorously added, emphasizing that "Dubai is our hometown, and we do not take it lightly. In every business endeavor, we prioritize our country first. There is a profound nationalistic sentiment. We are accountable to our ruler and society." "We owe it to our people and our country that Emaar should be a beacon in the world. The same applies to Noon." He advised foreign companies to concentrate on their core markets in the US or Europe.
Alabbar highlighted that Dubai's open market framework inherently fosters competition. He also praised the UAE and Dubai governments for their progressive policies that stimulate swift business growth. According to him, these policies are vital for business success, stating, "The UAE and Dubai governments' policies make all of us heroes. Government policies facilitate easy business success… The Dubai and UAE governments...understand global dynamics and formulate policies accordingly. We do everything with excessive love." He further emphasized that large corporations bear substantial responsibility to the nation, asserting that their success, including that of Emaar, Noon, and others, stems from adhering to regulations, particularly anti-competition laws.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
