In a strategic move that underscores its growth ambitions, 24SEVEN, Pakistan’s leading grocery technology platform, has officially entered the UAE market. This expansion, announced in October 2023, marks a pivotal milestone for the company, as it launches its business operations under the name 24SEVEN Optima. Known for its innovative approach to community commerce, 24SEVEN aims to empower grocery stores and retailers across the UAE by introducing cutting-edge digital solutions.
Co-Founder and CEO Jarrar Shah highlighted the immense potential of the UAE’s grocery sector, which is valued at USD 37 billion. He emphasized the company’s mission to revolutionize the retail landscape by leveraging its expertise in digital transformation and fintech. “With our expertise in digital transformation and fintech, we’re excited to introduce cutting-edge retail solutions tailored for UAE’s small and medium grocery stores,” said Shah.
Empowering UAE’s Grocery Sector
24SEVEN, widely recognized in Pakistan for its comprehensive digital retail tools, offers grocery store owners a personalized all-in-one solution. This includes a point-of-sale (POS) system, inventory management, and e-commerce enablement—designed to help retailers overcome operational challenges and boost profitability. The company’s goal in the UAE is to streamline operations for small and medium-sized grocery businesses, particularly traditional stores known as baqalas.
With the UAE pushing towards digital transformation in retail, 24SEVEN Optima is positioned to provide grocery retailers with user-friendly technology that enhances efficiency, stock management, and customer experiences. By utilizing multi-function POS devices and advanced retail management systems, grocery operators will be better equipped to manage transactions, optimize inventory, and improve overall business performance.
Growth Driven by Technology
The UAE expansion is part of 24SEVEN’s broader GCC growth strategy, as it now operates across 10 cities in the MENAP region (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). Shah expressed confidence in replicating the company’s success in Pakistan, where its cloud-based solutions and fintech services have already driven significant results. The company’s UAE team, comprised of 300 specialized experts, will focus on supporting grocery businesses with day-to-day operations, ensuring they fully capitalize on the platform’s capabilities.
Proven Success in Pakistan
In Pakistan, 24SEVEN’s digital retail solutions have already delivered impressive results. In 2022, grocery stores using its technology saw an 840% increase in average order value (AOV) and improved stock availability across SKUs from 68% to 98%. Additionally, the company’s digital payment solutions enabled microcredit access for baqala owners, further empowering them to grow their businesses.
Founded in 2016, 24SEVEN has become a major player in the grocery technology sector, supporting over 6,500 grocery businesses and 1.2 million customers daily. The company’s portfolio includes brands such as Apni Dukan, WholeMart, 24SEVEN Fresh, and SHAAF Drinking Water. In 2022, 24SEVEN secured USD 6 million in a Pre-Series A funding round from prominent investors, including SOSV, Betatron Venture Group, Newlin VC, Verity Capital, and Argo’s Quest.
Looking Ahead
As the UAE’s grocery retail sector continues to grow, 24SEVEN Optima is poised to lead the digital transformation for local grocery businesses. By offering affordable and effective solutions, the company is set to revolutionize the way grocery stores operate across the GCC region. This expansion positions 24SEVEN as a key player in the digital retail landscape, with the potential to create a lasting impact on the sector.
For more information and career opportunities, visit 24SEVEN.ae.
