We asked Khaleejis what they think of online shopping, here's what they said

In recent years, online shopping has seen massive growth across the Arab world.

Platforms like Souq.com and noon now offer millions the chance to shop in the comfort of their homes. 

We asked people living in the region what impact the rising trend has had on their lives and what they think of it. 

Here's what they told us: 

Speaking to StepFeed, Dubai-based graphic designer Mira said online shopping made things easier for her in both her professional and personal life. 

"I've been shopping online for a few years now and honestly I can't even remember what my life was like before it. It's something that has made my life so much easier. I mean, with the kind of busy lives we all lead today, it's just so convenient to be able to get stuff ordered and paid for online," she said. 

"I shop online for everything from gifts, to household items, groceries and even materials for work," she added. 

The designer also stated that though many continue to have concerns regarding the use of credit cards online in the region, she has always found it completely secure to shop online. 

"I think I've never had an issue with online security while shopping because I only shop on websites I trust. If you use online stores that offer a secure payment system, I am sure you won't have problems with buying things on the web," she explained. 

Saudi-based business manager Lara told StepFeed online shopping has become an integral part of her life and a sort of obsession.

"I've become so addicted to buying things online. It's super convenient for me as an expat woman living in Saudi, especially because I still don't have a driver's license and getting around can be expensive when my husband is at work," she said. 

"I often find myself browsing for things online and in recent months I noticed that this market has expanded so much. I find most of what I need on local websites now," she added. 

When asked what are the items she shops for on the web, Lara responded saying:

"I mainly purchase clothes, cosmetics, and electronics. But I also get a few household items here and there." 

Kuwaiti PhD student Abdullah told StepFeed that while he does shop online every now and then, he thinks the trend has its good and bad side. 

"It's not all perfect, especially in the Arab world. E-shopping has its pros and cons here. A few pros is that it certainly makes buying things you need more convenient. However, we can't overlook the fact that delivery costs in our countries continue to be high. Also, using credit cards online in the region isn't 100 percent safe," he said.

When asked if the pros outweigh the cons for Arab online shoppers, Abdullah explained: 

"I personally think they do. This is because there are solutions to some of the downsides of shopping online. For example, when it comes to credit cards, you can always use prepaid ones or e-credit cards that solve security issues for most people."

"Also, this is a market that's expanding in the region, so it'll keep developing, advancing, and getting better for us as online customers," he added. 

In a statement to StepFeed, Ayham, a Saudi-based Egyptian interior designer, said he has yet to join the online shopping trend. 

"So many of my friends buy things online, but to me I just find it better to see things for yourself when shopping. I've seen so many people get things that didn't even look like what they originally ordered online and then had to return it. I see it as such a hassle," he said.

"Also, I'd never use my credit card online in the region. Not in Saudi or Egypt. If I desperately needed to get something from a website, I'd certainly use a prepaid card because no online store offers full security for customers who use their credit cards," he added. 

When asked if he'd change his mind on the matter given that the online shopping market is constantly developing, he explained: 

"I would consider it when it becomes more convenient than offline shopping. At this point, I still don't think it is. There's a long way to go for that to happen."

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