Tradeling, an innovative and disruptive eMarketplace, focused specifically on business-to-business (B2B) transactions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is now live. It marks the true evolution – from a start-up idea to reality – of Dubai Blink, which was announced last year by the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), as part of the Dubai 10X initiative, to serve as an innovative B2B smart commerce platform.  Tradeling has also been endorsed by the Dubai Free Zones Council, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority.

The venture, led by startup veteran Muhammad Chbib as Chief Executive Officer, and Mohamed Meabed as Chief Technology Officer, focuses on unlocking the value of the digital economy and creating a vibrant e-marketplace for businesses across the MENA region and beyond. 

Until the end of 2020, global and regional suppliers as well as MENA based buyers can register on Tradeling free of charge and with no commission highlighting its focus on supporting companies during the ongoing Covid-19 situation. To ensure a reliable and smooth trade process, Tradeling also provide logistics, legal and financing solutions.

Tradeling has announced its Care Basket Campaign that commences this week whereby companies can order baskets of sanitisers, masks, gloves and other wellbeing essentials for dispatching to employees, suppliers and partners. 

Announcing the official roll-out, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed, said: “Tradeling serves as an innovative model for the future of global supply chains that will strengthen global trade and position Dubai as the hub for smart B2B transactions. In addition to leveraging next-generation technology to mitigate risks, it offers a seamless platform for the global business community to come together, more so during the current period of economic stress, and explore new opportunities for growth and expansion. The launch of Tradeling further defines Dubai’s focus on leveraging digital technology to drive the trade sector.”

Dr. Mohamed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority, said: “Trade has been the backbone of Dubai’s diversified economy, and Tradeling sets a new international model in digitising the supply chain for business-to-business transactions. It will help overcome trade barriers, create new opportunities for Dubai-based trade SMEs, and create a vibrant new ecosystem for global suppliers and MENA-based businesses that is tech-driven, reliable, easily accessible and risk-free.”

Muhammad Cbib added: “With Tradeling, we are delivering on the vision of the leadership to accelerate non-oil trade through a future-oriented, tech-driven eMarketplace. We connect global suppliers with demand from the MENA region, offering a wide range of products. SMEs and procurement managers in the region will now have seamless access to the global marketplace, ensuring that they achieve the highest levels of operational, logistical and cost-efficiency. With Tradeling, we are creating a vibrant new digital ecosystem, focused on strengthening the UAE’s reputation as a global trade hub.” 

Tradeling, now in its beta stage with new features added regularly through data collection and optimisation, focuses on the online trade of Food & Beverages as the core vertical as well as Office Supplies. A wide range of products by global suppliers are already showcased on the eMarketplace, assuring more cost-effectiveness for buyers in the MENA region. In the coming months, categories such as Beauty Products, Electronics & Accessories, Apparel, Industry Materials, Machinery and others will be added. 

During its shocase at Gulfood 2020, Tradeling received overwhelming response from F&B suppliers, with over 1,000 MENA and international F&B providers expressing interest to showcase their products on the platform. 

Tradeling brings several key value propositions: The first is the ease it provides for suppliers and buyers, with a rich product upload and management. It also assures a safe digital marketplace, where sellers are offered support for onboarding as well as high standards of customer service. All suppliers on Tradeling are verified ensuring trust in operations. Further, by facilitating communication between buyers and sellers, Tradeling operates to the highest standards of transparency. With several exclusive products, Tradeling brings in-depth industry knowledge that will support its customers. 

Tradeling plans to expand its footprint to Saudi Arabia and other regional markets and will also look at strengthening its operations in other core markets. The venture has also gained strong interest from venture capitalists, financial institutions and large investors, notably from Saudi Arabia and the region, to expand its operations.

Muhammad Chbib concluded: “As a digital B2B marketplace, our ambition is to be the number one search engine for business buyers in MENA. The response we have gained also reflects the promising startup environment of the UAE, and it will inspire young Arab entrepreneurs to create new tech ventures that support the ongoing digital transformation of the region.”