7.1 billion KD in online purchases over 5 months
- Diversification of payment services reflects the shift toward the digital economy
- E-commerce law provides a more reliable environment for consumers and businesses
- Abdulaziz Bandar to "Al-Rai": KD 300 million in sales for the electronic delivery market in the first quarter
- Fahad Al-Tariqi to "Al-Rai": KD 25,000 in sales for the first cooperative society to go online within a month
The market for online shopping in Kuwait has witnessed significant growth since the beginning of 2026, driven by the continued expansion in the use of digital payment methods and increased reliance on e-commerce, alongside the rapid growth of electronic payment services, reflecting the ongoing transition toward the digital economy.
The spread of digital payments in Kuwait reflects a high level of digital readiness and consumer comfort in using digital payment solutions for daily transactions, particularly following the issuance of the E-Commerce Law, which clarifies refund policies and dispute resolution mechanisms, thereby supporting the growth of digital commerce and providing a more reliable environment for consumers and businesses.
According to data from the Central Bank of Kuwait, the value of electronic transactions executed for purchases via websites, both within and outside Kuwait, reached approximately KD 7.103 billion during the first five months of the current year, comprising 155.2 million transactions.
The data showed that electronic transactions executed within Kuwait accounted for the largest share, valued at KD 6.57 billion across 131.6 million transactions, while the value of transactions executed via websites outside Kuwait reached approximately KD 424.6 million, through 19.08 million transactions.
This growth reflects the expanding use of the service among individuals and businesses, and the enhanced reliance on instant payment solutions for executing daily financial transfers and transactions.
He clarified that the main attractions for online shopping include free delivery, as well as discounts and promotional offers, while customer retention factors encompass product quality, adherence to delivery schedules, cleanliness of drivers and vehicles, and customer service approach, making these elements a key standard for consumer loyalty.
He noted that estimates issued by reports from the committee of delivery company owners indicate that the sales value of the electronic delivery market in the country during the first quarter of 2026 ranges between KD 250 million and KD 300 million, with an average of approximately 450,000 to 550,000 orders per day.
Regarding the growing interest in the cooperatives sector as one of the new sectors joining delivery platforms, Fahad Al-Tariqi, CEO of the Tawaati Delivery platform, stated that the total number of cooperative societies participating in the platform’s delivery services has reached 15, with work underway to add 26 more out of the 78 operating nationwide. He explained that the first cooperative society to join achieved sales of KD 25,000 in its first month, followed by similar results from other societies.
