Initially driven by necessity and then by convenience in the post-pandemic era, Middle East's digital marketplace is on track to become a $100 billion industry in the next couple of years. Regional businesses as well as global e-tailers followed consumers in the Arab world, as they rushed to buy everything from groceries to gadgets, via online stores during the lockdown.

As existing market leaders raised their e-commerce game, smaller sellers also rolled out online displays to showcase products in a highly connected world. While bigger players have their algorithms to collect and process consumer information, tech titan Google has stepped in to boost new digital ventures with insights in Arabic.

The global internet powerhouse has launched its 'Grow my Store' mechanism in the Middle East, to help local businesses understand the target audience in their regional language. People with online stores simply need to enter their site's link into the digital tool, and it generates a report about their progress based on standards set by the industry.

In addition to updating entrepreneurs about their popularity among buyers, Google has also commissioned multiple surveys to measure consumer behaviour. Through this process, the digital solution provides insights and tips for business owners, including the positioning of products along with most relevant details.

So far, Google's research in the Middle East has revealed that electronics followed by apparel and food products, are the most popular among Arab netizens sifting through e-stores via smartphones. It also highlighted the need for speedy service, since 66% consumers were found to ignore sites that took too long to load.

Along with this, the big tech firm has also joined Dubai Chamber to develop a solution, which empowers small online sellers in the UAE, to amplify their digital presence. Retailers can do this by creating customised business profiles which pop up on Google search and maps.

The dashboard also enables growing Emirati ventures to update contact details, in addition to promotional offers and seasonal discounts.