The UAE's Amazon shoppers can expect discounts of up to 70 per cent in its Everything For You Sale in July. AP Photo
The UAE's Amazon shoppers can expect discounts of up to 70 per cent in its Everything For You Sale in July. AP Photo
The UAE's Amazon shoppers can expect discounts of up to 70 per cent in its Everything For You Sale in July. AP Photo
The UAE's Amazon shoppers can expect discounts of up to 70 per cent in its Everything For You Sale in July. AP Photo

Lifestyle

Why Amazon Prime Day has been a bit underwhelming in the UAE

UAE shoppers don't get the same deals as those in the US and UK do

Sophie Prideaux
Sophie Prideaux

July 16, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

For many UAE shoppers, the arrival of Amazon earlier this year was a welcome one. The world’s largest e-tailer promised customers unparalleled choice and access to its exclusive deals, such as the ones offered on Amazon Prime Day.

Customers in the UAE are no stranger to flash sales. The country is known around the world as a shoppers' paradise, and for good reason. Throughout the year, malls and e-tailers across the emirates host multiple shopping festivals, in which prices have been known to have been slashed by as much as 90 per cent.

And with Amazon Prime Day upon us, has this global phenomenon lived up to the UAE's sale-hungry standards? Frankly, it's been a little underwhelming.

Firstly, Amazon.ae's Prime Day deals seem to differ quite dramatically from those on offer on Amazon's US and UK sites. A quick scan of deals on Amazon's own devices, including items such as Kindles and Echos, shows 74 offers for US shoppers, as opposed to just 14 for Prime customers in the UAE.

This Huawei phone has a Leica camera, making it one of the best smartphone cameras on the market. Amazon Prime Day has it at 40% off, at 1,989.
This Huawei phone has a Leica camera, making it one of the best smartphone cameras on the market. Amazon Prime Day has it at 40% off, at 1,989.
The Toshiba 75 inch UHD LED TV is being sold for Dh3,499, which Amazon says is a saving of 36% of Dh2,000.
The Toshiba 75 inch UHD LED TV is being sold for Dh3,499, which Amazon says is a saving of 36% of Dh2,000.
PS4 game Call of Duty Infinite Warfare is Dh20, that's 90% off the list price of Dh199.
PS4 game Call of Duty Infinite Warfare is Dh20, that's 90% off the list price of Dh199.
There's 32% off this Fitbit Inspire in this dark red hue called Inspire. The sale price is Dh239.
There's 32% off this Fitbit Inspire in this dark red hue called Inspire. The sale price is Dh239.
This HelloBaby monitor comes with a remote pan-tilt-zoom camera, infrared night vision, temperature display, two-way audio and a lullaby option. It's Dh258, a saving of 48%.
This HelloBaby monitor comes with a remote pan-tilt-zoom camera, infrared night vision, temperature display, two-way audio and a lullaby option. It's Dh258, a saving of 48%.
This Black + Decker four litre digital air fryer is now Dh280, meaning the discount is 49%.
This Black + Decker four litre digital air fryer is now Dh280, meaning the discount is 49%.
This app-enabled BB-8 droid shows a range of expressions and perks up at voice commands. It's not cheap at Dh199, but it's original list price is Dh499, so that's a 60% saving.
This app-enabled BB-8 droid shows a range of expressions and perks up at voice commands. It's not cheap at Dh199, but it's original list price is Dh499, so that's a 60% saving.
This Chicco Viaro Travel system comes with a stroller and a car seat and the bundle now costs Dh999, a saving of 54% (the list price is Dh2,188)
This Chicco Viaro Travel system comes with a stroller and a car seat and the bundle now costs Dh999, a saving of 54% (the list price is Dh2,188)
This Moulinex Fryer, Fry & Cook is Dh199, which is a saving of Dh300 or 60% from the list price. It's dishwasher safe and has air pulse technology.
This Moulinex Fryer, Fry & Cook is Dh199, which is a saving of Dh300 or 60% from the list price. It's dishwasher safe and has air pulse technology.
This may not be the most glamorous or exciting purchase, but it's certainly a good deal: pay Dh96.97 for 112 Finish dishwasher detergent tablets. That's a saving of Dh80.53 because dishwasher tablets are one of those things that are always surprisingly expensive.
This may not be the most glamorous or exciting purchase, but it's certainly a good deal: pay Dh96.97 for 112 Finish dishwasher detergent tablets. That's a saving of Dh80.53 because dishwasher tablets are one of those things that are always surprisingly expensive.
This Samsonite garment bag is at 68% off, meaning it's now Dh649 (the list price is Dh2,030 - Samsonite is a premium luggage brand).
This Samsonite garment bag is at 68% off, meaning it's now Dh649 (the list price is Dh2,030 - Samsonite is a premium luggage brand).
This bundle of four PS4 games includes Little Big Planet 3, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4 and Last of Us. It costs Dh129, which is a saving of 59%.
This bundle of four PS4 games includes Little Big Planet 3, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4 and Last of Us. It costs Dh129, which is a saving of 59%.
These Ray Ban women's sunglasses are 60% off and now cost Dh225 with free shipping. You save Dh384.
These Ray Ban women's sunglasses are 60% off and now cost Dh225 with free shipping. You save Dh384.
This Samsung Galaxy Note 9 with 128 GB of storage costs Dh1,799, and is 51% off. It's the UAE version of the phone.
This Samsung Galaxy Note 9 with 128 GB of storage costs Dh1,799, and is 51% off. It's the UAE version of the phone.
The Philips Lumea hair removal machine is now Dh749, a purported saving of Dh950.
The Philips Lumea hair removal machine is now Dh749, a purported saving of Dh950.
It's not a huge saving overall, but a very practical buy for women. The popular mascara is going for Dh17.39, a saving of 43%.
It's not a huge saving overall, but a very practical buy for women. The popular mascara is going for Dh17.39, a saving of 43%.
This high-end Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar costs Dh2,299, whereas the list price is Dh3,149. It comes with audio room calibration that fine-tunes the system’s sound to your room, so your sound always fits your space.
This high-end Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar costs Dh2,299, whereas the list price is Dh3,149. It comes with audio room calibration that fine-tunes the system’s sound to your room, so your sound always fits your space.
This Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera, body only, isn't cheap at Dh8,029, but the list price is Dh13,599, so you're saving 41%. There is currently limited stock.
This Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera, body only, isn't cheap at Dh8,029, but the list price is Dh13,599, so you're saving 41%. There is currently limited stock.
This fully-automatic Krups Latt Espress coffee machine retails at around Dh3,299, but is Dh1,999 on Prime Day (that's a 39% saving). You can save your coffee settings so your choice of brew is made quickly, every time. This is a good option for those who like milky coffee at home.
This fully-automatic Krups Latt Espress coffee machine retails at around Dh3,299, but is Dh1,999 on Prime Day (that's a 39% saving). You can save your coffee settings so your choice of brew is made quickly, every time. This is a good option for those who like milky coffee at home.
This HP Pavilion x360 laptop is pen-enabled and is being sold at a 39% discount - the Amazon Prime Day price is Dh2,499.
This HP Pavilion x360 laptop is pen-enabled and is being sold at a 39% discount - the Amazon Prime Day price is Dh2,499.

The US version of Amazon has deals on luxury beauty brands such as Sunday Riley. Those are not available in the UAE. There is also a difference in the kind of items on offer, with the US site seeming to have more variety when it comes to home and electronics.

Then there is the fact that other e-tailers in the UAE have launched sales in order to compete with Amazon Prime Day. Noon.com, for example, is currently offering discounts of up to 80 per cent across selected home, beauty and electrical items, matching and even surpassing the discounts on offer during Amazon Prime Day.

Read More

Amazon Prime Day: here's how to get the best deals

IMG World offers free flights if you buy an admission ticket

Explaining how Amazon Prime Day deals are calculated, a spokesperson for Amazon.ae told The National: "We think carefully about how to customise and localise Prime in each country because we recognise that customer needs and expectations vary. For the UAE, these include things such as access to Amazon Prime Video so members can stream or download their favourite shows, exclusive deals, and free next day delivery.

“We will continue improving Prime over time to keep delighting customers in the UAE.”

UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
%3Cp%3ETotal%20trade%20in%20goods%20and%20services%20(exports%20plus%20imports)%20between%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20UAE%20in%202022%20was%20%C2%A321.6%20billion%20(Dh98%20billion).%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20an%20increase%20of%2063.0%20per%20cent%20or%20%C2%A38.3%20billion%20in%20current%20prices%20from%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20was%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%2019th%20largest%20trading%20partner%20in%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%20Q4%202022%20accounting%20for%201.3%20per%20cent%20of%20total%20UK%20trade.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)

Date started: August 2021

Founder: Nour Sabri

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace

Size: Two employees

Funding stage: Seed investment

Initial investment: $200,000

Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East) 

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

On sale: now

Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

Kill%20
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On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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%3Cp%3EThe%20BaaS%20value%20chain%20consists%20of%20four%20key%20players%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsumers%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20End-users%20of%20the%20financial%20product%20delivered%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDistributors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Also%20known%20as%20embedders%2C%20these%20are%20the%20firms%20that%20embed%20baking%20services%20directly%20into%20their%20existing%20customer%20journeys%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEnablers%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Usually%20Big%20Tech%20or%20FinTech%20companies%20that%20help%20embed%20financial%20services%20into%20third-party%20platforms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProviders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Financial%20institutions%20holding%20a%20banking%20licence%20and%20offering%20regulated%20products%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

IF YOU GO

The flights

FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.

The tours

English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people. 

The hotels

Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.

St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.

 

The National photo project

Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).

How Filipinos in the UAE invest

A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.

Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).

Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.

88 Video's most popular rentals

Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.  

Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.

Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.

ALL THE RESULTS

Bantamweight

Siyovush Gulmomdov (TJK) bt Rey Nacionales (PHI) by decision.

Lightweight

Alexandru Chitoran (ROU) bt Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR) by submission.

Catch 74kg

Omar Hussein (JOR) bt Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) by decision.

Strawweight (Female)

Seo Ye-dam (KOR) bt Weronika Zygmunt (POL) by decision.

Featherweight

Kaan Ofli (TUR) bt Walid Laidi (ALG) by TKO.

Lightweight

Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW) bt Leandro Martins (BRA) by TKO.

Welterweight

Ahmad Labban (LEB) bt Sofiane Benchohra (ALG) by TKO.

Bantamweight

Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR) no contest.

Lightweight

Mohammed Yahya (UAE) bt Glen Ranillo (PHI) by TKO round 1.

Lightweight

Alan Omer (GER) bt Aidan Aguilera (AUS) by TKO round 1.

Welterweight

Mounir Lazzez (TUN) bt Sasha Palatkinov (HKG) by TKO round 1.

Featherweight title bout

Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) by KO round 1.

Lifestyle