To launch an online store in the UAE you need four things: a platform (WooCommerce, Shopify or custom), a UAE payment gateway (Telr, PayTabs or Stripe, often with Tabby or Tamara), a plan for 5% VAT, and delivery you can actually run. Budget from around AED 8,000 for a solid store, more for advanced features.
Step 1: Choose the right platform
For most UAE businesses, WooCommerce hits the sweet spot: you own the store, it talks to local gateways, and it lives on WordPress your team can edit. Shopify is right when you want a hosted shop and accept the landlord. Custom is for catalogues and checkout logic a CMS should not fake. See WordPress vs custom.
Step 2: Set up UAE payments (this is critical)
The gateway changes conversion. In 2026 operators typically look at Telr or PayTabs for AED onboarding, Stripe where the licence and flow fit, and Tabby / Tamara for buy-now-pay-later. Fees are commonly around 2.5–2.9% plus a small fixed AED amount, subject to 5% VAT — confirm with the provider, not a blog. Test a real dirham checkout on a phone before ads run.
Step 3: Handle 5% VAT correctly
If you are VAT-registered, prices and invoices must be honest. If you are not, do not display a TRN you do not have. The site should not invent tax logic. Your accountant owns the rule; the store must follow it.
Step 4: Sort out delivery
Same-day in Dubai is not the same as Northern Emirates. Name zones, fees and cut-off times. A “shipping calculated at checkout” surprise is how carts die. Integrate the courier you actually use, not a US plugin left on defaults.
Step 5: Build for trust and mobile
Real product photos, AED, returns in plain English (and Arabic if you sell locally), WhatsApp for pre-sales questions. Luxury or high-ticket still needs speed. See trust signals and mobile-first.
What it costs
Public ranges for UAE stores run about AED 8,000–110,000+ depending on catalogue size, BNPL, and custom features. ITZ quotes after the catalogue and gateway are named. No traffic guarantees. Proof sits on the live portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Which payment gateway is best for a UAE store?
There is no universal winner. Telr or PayTabs often onboard local AED sales smoothly; Stripe suits some licensed businesses with international cards; Tabby and Tamara matter if your customer expects BNPL. Pick from how you take money, not from a banner.
Do I charge VAT on an online store?
If you are VAT-registered, follow FTA rules on the invoice and the price the customer sees. If you are not registered, do not pretend. Confirm with your accountant; the website should match that advice.
How much does an e-commerce site cost?
Typically AED 8,000 to AED 110,000+ in the UAE in 2026. Catalogue size, gateway and custom checkout logic move the number. ITZ quotes after a short brief.