Lalamove, an on-demand delivery platform founded in Hong Kong in 2013, has expanded its services to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The company announced its entry into its 14th global market on May 19, 2025, with operations in Dubai and delivery options to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

The platform connects users with drivers and vehicles for on-demand delivery.

Lalamove aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for 40% of the UAE’s GDP, by providing logistics solutions for efficient deliveries.

Features include multi-stop routes, real-time tracking, and vehicle options from cars to 3-ton trucks.

🔗 Source: Lalamove

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ UAE’s e-commerce boom creates optimal timing for Lalamove’s entry

Lalamove’s expansion comes at a strategic moment when the UAE logistics market is experiencing substantial growth, valued at approximately $54.5 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $95.2 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.7%1.

This growth is significantly fueled by e-commerce, which is expanding at an impressive annual rate of 23% in the region, creating increasing demand for efficient delivery solutions2.

The company’s focus on serving SMEs is particularly well-aligned with the UAE economic landscape, where small and medium enterprises contribute 40% to the country’s GDP as mentioned in the original announcement.

Lalamove’s instant matching technology addresses a critical need in the rapidly evolving UAE market, where consumer expectations for delivery speed and flexibility are rising alongside online shopping growth.

The timing also coincides with the UAE government’s continued investments in logistics infrastructure, creating a supportive environment for logistics innovation and expansion1.

2️⃣ Tech-enabled logistics platforms transforming traditionally fragmented delivery markets

Lalamove represents a broader global shift toward technology-driven logistics solutions that connect previously disconnected market participants, such as SMEs needing delivery services and driver partners seeking income opportunities.

The UAE logistics market is specifically experiencing a transformation where traditional delivery models are being disrupted by digital platforms that offer greater transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness3.

Recent Lalamove developments