Overview

Amazon’s dedicated marketplaces for the United Arab Emirates (amazon.ae) and Saudi Arabia (amazon.sa) have quickly become two of the most dynamic e‑commerce venues in the Middle East. Both platforms opened to third‑party sellers in 2020, offering access to affluent, internet‑savvy consumers across the Gulf. Expanding into these sites lets sellers tap into high‑spending shoppers, leverage Amazon’s regional logistics, and diversify revenue beyond the crowded US and European arenas.

Key Points

• Fast‑growing buyer base — Combined, the UAE and Saudi sites host millions of active shoppers, with annual growth rates that outstrip many mature markets.
• Arabic language and local currency — Listings are displayed in Arabic and priced in AED or SAR, providing a native shopping experience.
• Mandatory 5 % VAT — Sellers must obtain VAT registration in each country and remit the tax to the respective authorities.
• Local FBA infrastructure — Amazon operates fulfillment centers in Dubai and Riyadh, enabling Prime‑eligible delivery for stocked inventory.
• Category restrictions — Products such as alcohol, pork, and certain health items are prohibited; others (e.g., cosmetics) require special approvals.
• Cross‑border logistics options — Vendors can ship from existing overseas warehouses or use Amazon’s Global Logistics service to move stock into the Gulf.

How to Start Selling on Amazon UAE & Saudi Arabia

1. Create a single Seller Central account — Register once on sellercentral.amazon.com and add the UAE and Saudi marketplaces under “Manage Your Marketplaces.” A US‑based fashion label, for example, can activate both amazon.ae and amazon.sa without opening separate accounts.
2. Register for regional VAT — Apply for a VAT number in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, then enter the identifiers in the “Tax Settings” area. A home‑decor seller would upload the UAE Federal Tax Authority certificate to prevent listing blocks caused by missing tax data.
3. Add local banking details — Provide a bank account capable of receiving disbursements in AED or SAR; many sellers use multinational banks that support multi‑currency payouts. An electronics vendor might link a Dubai‑based account so Saudi sales are automatically converted and deposited in AED.