Residents of the UAE are already spoilt for choice when it comes to food delivery platforms – but local e-commerce platform noon has announced it will be joining the scene later this year.
In a break with tradition, however, the online marketplace is putting the interests of food vendors – rather than customers – first.
Speaking during a webinar on Sunday July 26, noon founder Mohamed Alabbar, explained the company’s aim.
“There is no denying the impact of the Coronavirus crisis of 2020. This year has been a challenge on all fronts. Small and local businesses that have been built over decades with love have been badly impacted,” said Alabbar.
“When the virus hit, our F&B industry had little choice but to turn to aggregators who were charging up to 35 percent commission structures.
“Can we, as businessmen, survive with this? No. We have been held ransom by food aggregator platforms. And that’s not acceptable.
“Our F&B industry is a part of the beating heart of this economy, and it has been severely impacted. We must do all we can to support and protect it. This is out of love for our businesses, families, nation and economy. We must think beyond profit. ”
Alabbar’s comments come on the heels of frustration among the hospitality industry with commissions charged by some of the biggest food delivery logistics firms, which reached fever pitch during the UAE’s lockdown, when many restaurants were reliant on delivery to continue operating, with several turning to delivery for the first time.
When it launches in the coming months, noon Food will be part of the existing noon app, promising fair commissions and “additional incentives” for businesses who choose to join the programme.
Businesses keen to find out more about joining the app can register their interest at food.noon.com.
