The online retailer Noon.com has launched in the United Arab Emirates after months of delays, more than $1 billion in pledged investments and Amazon’s entry into the market.
The website went live without fanfare late Saturday night. It’s led by Mohamed Alabbar, the CEO of the state-backed real estate developer Emaar.
The company issued a statement quoting Alabbar as saying the website’s launch was an « important first step in our journey. » The company made no one available to speak to journalists Sunday.
Its launch comes after Seattle-based Amazon purchased the Middle East’s biggest online retailer Souq.com in March. Emaar made an unsuccessful $800 million bid for Souq.com just before Amazon bought it.
Noon.com was to launch in January. The company offered no explanation for the delay.
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