Noon.com is finally live in Saudi Arabia ... and people are excited

After a long wait and a few delays, Noon, a new Arab online shopping platform is finally live in Saudi Arabia. 

Earlier this year, the e-commerce website successfully launched in the UAE and has now expanded to the kingdom. 

In his statement on the Saudi launch of the online retailer, Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Noon, said: 

“Saudi Arabia is entering a new era of economic and digital transformation led by the Saudi Vision 2030. Noon brings a dynamic, locally-driven and customer-oriented digital marketplace to the Kingdom serving the community and offering a new retail and much improved experience.

With talented young Saudis driving its operations, along with being powered by Saudi and regional retailers showcasing their amazing products, the platform also offers Saudi entrepreneurs, including start-ups, to be part of a fast-growing digital ecosystem," he added. 

The e-commerce platform is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and a group of prominent Gulf investors. 

It showcases "a broad range of exciting products and offers designed to meet the lifestyle aspirations of people," and a customer-centric technology that "powers a dedicated secure payment gateway, delivery fleets and advanced fulfillment centers."

The online retailer also aims to support local and international business initiatives through partnering with "market leaders and small & medium enterprises, helping them gain a greater share of the e-commerce market in the region." 

Alabbar, who's also the founder and chairmen of UAE-based Emaar properties, announced plans to launch Noon in early 2017. 

However, the launch was delayed several times, with many speculating that Noon had been scared away by Amazon's plans to acquire Souq.

At the time, Alabbar's bid to acquire Souq, with an aim to purchase Noon's major competitor, failed. 

Nevertheless, and even though Amazon won the bid over Souq, Noon still went ahead and has now become a major competitor in the region's ever-growing online retail industry. 

"Finally; congratulations."  

"The competition is on in the region's online retail sector, between Wadi, Noon, Souq and many others."

"I made my first purchase at Noon today and I'll hopefully be sharing a review of my experience soon."