Amazon launches "15-minute" delivery service in UAE

Amazon has launched its delivery service Amazon Now across the UAE, according to an announcement on Amazon’s website published on October 21st.

The new service is available to all Amazon customers and aims to deliver everyday essential items, such as fruits, personal care and electronics, to customers in “15 minutes.”

The company operates micro fulfilment centres across the UAE to allow for faster deliveries. These centres are positioned close to neighbourhoods and use inventory systems that adopt product placement based on demand.

“We are continuing to take convenience to the next level with Amazon Now, our fastest delivery service yet in the UAE,” said Amazon Middle East, Africa and Turkey vice president Ronaldo Mouchawar.

Mouchawar also said: “Every innovation at Amazon starts with our customers, and Amazon Now is designed for their pace of life here, bringing everyday essentials to customers in minutes—with customers across some locations receiving deliveries as fast as 6 minutes. Whether it’s a phone charger, last-minute groceries, or baby products, we’ve got them covered.”

The e-commerce company recently launched a two-hour delivery service for customers in the UAE across a wide range of items.

Both delivery services are live across most of the UAE, with plans to expand to additional areas in a matter of months.

Meanwhile, Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba’s cloud business launched its second data centre in Dubai. Alibaba Cloud said in a statement that the launch was part of its pledge to invest $54 billion (£40 billion) in a three-year period. Nine years ago, Alibaba Cloud launched its first unit.

Alibaba Cloud International’s vice president and general manager of the Middle East, Turkey and Middle Asia for Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, Eric Wan, said that the UAE’s open market makes it a good location for encouraging big investments in cloud infrastructure and AI.

”The Middle East’s advantageous position in fast-tracking AI adoption and its collaborative ecosystem are crucial enablers for private and public sector companies to thrive,” said Wan.

Amazon, Maghrebi.org