Dubai CommerCity, the UAE's first free zone dedicated exclusively to digital commerce, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global e-commerce giant eBay — a deal that opens eBay's 132 million active buyers across 190 markets to businesses operating within the free zone.
MoU Signed at Dubai CommerCity Headquarters
The Dubai CommerCity eBay partnership was formalised on 11 September 2024 at a signing ceremony held at Dubai CommerCity's headquarters. Abdulrahman Shaheen, Executive Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, signed on behalf of the free zone, while Ashish Chhabra, Vice President and General Manager of Global Verticals at eBay, represented the e-commerce platform.
Shaheen highlighted the significance of the agreement for tenants: "This partnership will go a long way in achieving our mission of providing guidance to various organisations on how to develop and grow their business front across the world."
What the Deal Offers Free Zone Businesses
Under the terms of the MoU, companies based at Dubai CommerCity will gain several concrete benefits:
- Three months free on an eBay Basic store subscription - Expert-led training seminars and webinars on cross-border digital trade - Digital export assistance to help businesses navigate international markets
Chhabra noted that eBay has observed healthy demand in the UAE — particularly in auto parts and luxury goods — and that the cooperation is designed to channel that demand into sustainable export growth for local sellers.
UAE E-Commerce Free Zone Meets Global Marketplace
Dubai CommerCity is a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties. It was built specifically to support the digital economy, offering smart logistics, advanced infrastructure, and technology support to e-commerce businesses of all sizes.
The partnership can be seen as a deliberate effort to reshape the UAE electronic business landscape — giving domestic enterprises the tools and marketplace reach needed to compete globally. With eBay operating in 190 countries, the agreement positions Dubai CommerCity tenants to access one of the world's largest cross-border selling platforms from day one.
This collaboration aligns closely with Dubai's broader ambition to establish itself as a global digital trade hub, and offers a clear, low-friction path for UAE businesses ready to expand beyond regional borders.
