The used goods market in the gulf is no longer just a space for selling secondhand items or getting rid of excess belongings. It has evolved into a fast-growing economic sector that is reshaping consumer behavior across the region—especially with the rapid expansion of the resale market in the Middle East in recent years.
Global resale market estimates indicate that this sector is growing at rates of up to 40–45% annually in some emerging markets.
In this article by Middle East, we will explore the size of the used goods market in the gulf, the key drivers behind its growth, and the opportunities it offers to merchants in 2026.
What is the Size of the Used Goods Market in the Gulf and Middle East in 2026?
Estimates indicate that the used goods market in the gulf and the Middle East is expanding rapidly, driven by the growth of resale platforms and shifting consumer behavior toward affordable and sustainable purchasing.

Total Market Value 2026 and 2030 Forecast
Country | Market Size 2024 | Market Size 2026 (Estimate) | Annual Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
Saudi Arabia | $1.2B | $1.6B – $1.9B | 12% – 18% |
Egypt | $0.8B – $1.0B | $1.1B – $1.6B | 15% – 22% |
Jordan | $0.15B – $0.2B | $0.2B – $0.3B | 10% – 15% |
UAE | $0.9B | $1.2B – $1.5B | 10% – 16% |
Kuwait | $0.3B | $0.4B – $0.55B | 12% – 18% |
Qatar | $0.2B | $0.25B – $0.35B | 10% – 15% |
Gulf Total | $2.8B | $4.0B – $4.8B | 12% – 18% |
Discover now: MENA Ecommerce Report 2026: 25 Statistics That Define the Market
Growth Comparison: The Gulf is Growing 3x Faster Than the U.S.
The used goods market in the gulf is growing significantly faster than mature markets like the United States and Europe, with growth rates reaching nearly three times higher.
This is because the used goods market in the gulf is still in an early expansion phase, offering strong growth opportunities driven by digital adoption and shifting consumer preferences toward value-based purchasing.
In contrast, developed markets are relatively saturated, resulting in slower and more stable growth.
What Share Does the Used Market Have in E-commerce?
Currently, used goods represent a relatively small but growing share of total e-commerce in the region, estimated between 8% to 15% in some Gulf countries.
This reflects the gradual expansion of the used goods market in the gulf, driven by:
Increased trust in online transactions
Rising demand for affordable alternatives
Growth of resale platforms and classified ads
Who Buys in the Used Goods Market in the Gulf?
The used goods market in the gulf is no longer limited to budget-conscious consumers. It has become a widespread behavior reflecting a shift in purchasing mindset.
Age Distribution
Age Group | Share of Buyers | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|
18–24 (Gen Z) | 32% – 38% | Sustainability + Savings + Experience |
25–34 (Millennials) | 30% – 35% | Value for money |
35–44 | 18% – 22% | Savings + higher quality for less |
45+ | 10% – 15% | Practical use + savings |
Gen Z leads the used goods market in the gulf, followed by Millennials, showing that growth is driven by cultural change not just economic necessity.
Most Sold Product Categories by Country
Over 60% of transactions in the used goods market in the gulf are concentrated in four main categories:
Cars
Electronics
Furniture
Fashion
Market Insights:
Saudi Arabia: Cars and electronics dominate
UAE: Luxury resale (watches, handbags) and cars
Kuwait & Qatar: Electronics and furniture
Jordan: Budget electronics, clothing, and furniture
Bahrain: Cars, electronics, and home appliances
Explore now: GCC Ecommerce Growth Rate 2026: Who Leads and Who Follows?

Purchase Drivers: Economic, Cultural, or Environmental?
More than 70% of purchases in the used goods market in the gulf are driven primarily by economic factors.
However:
Cultural acceptance of smart buying is increasing
Environmental awareness is rising, especially among Gen Z
Example: Many consumers prefer buying a used smartphone in excellent condition at 40–60% lower price, even if the technical differences are minimal.
Resale Platforms Landscape
Platform | Main Market | MAU 2026 (Est.) | Categories | Revenue Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Haraj | Saudi Arabia | 6M – 8M | Cars, electronics | Free C2C + ads |
Dubizzle | UAE + Gulf | 10M – 13M | Cars, real estate, electronics | C2C + B2C + ads |
4Sale | Kuwait | 1.5M – 2.5M | Cars, appliances | Free C2C + ads |
OpenSooq | Jordan + Gulf | 4M – 6M | Multiple categories | Freemium + ads |
Facebook Marketplace | Global / Gulf | 15M – 20M | All categories | Free (ad-supported) |
OLX | Egypt + region | 3M – 5M | Electronics, furniture, cars | Freemium + ads |
Marktplaats | Netherlands | 8M+ | All categories | C2C + ads |
Amazon Renewed | Global | Not available | Refurbished electronics | B2C |
Why is the Used Goods Market Growing So Fast?
1. Inflation and Cost Pressure
Over 70% of consumers are now more price-sensitive, making the used goods market in the gulf a logical alternative.
2. Gen Z and Sustainability
Younger consumers increasingly view resale as part of a sustainable lifestyle.
3. Ease of Selling
More than 85% of users rely on smartphones, making it easy to sell anything anytime.
4. Like-New Products
A large portion of resale items are barely used, increasing trust and accelerating growth in the used goods market in the gulf.
Learn more about: Best Selling Products Online Gulf 2026: Fashion at 38.7% Leads the Pack
Challenges Slowing Down Growth
1. Trust and Quality Issues
Around 40% of users hesitate to complete purchases due to concerns about product accuracy and condition.
2. Regulation and Legal Framework
The used goods market in the gulf still lacks unified regulations in many countries.
3. Logistics Challenges
Shipping individual used items can be costly and inefficient, limiting scalability and slowing transaction completion.
2030 Forecast for the Region
The used goods market in the gulf is expected to reach nearly $10 billion by 2030.
Region | 2026 Market Size | 2030 Forecast | Growth Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
Gulf | $4 – $4.8B | ~$10B | Digital adoption |
Saudi Arabia | $1.6 – $1.9B | $3 – $4B | Youth population |
UAE | $1.2 – $1.5B | $2.5 – $3.2B | Luxury resale |
Egypt | $1.1 – $1.6B | $2.5 – $3B | Price sensitivity |
Jordan | $0.2 – $0.3B | $0.5B | Economic demand |
Is It Time to Enter the Used Goods Market in the Gulf?
The used goods market in the gulf presents strong opportunities for:
Merchants
Entrepreneurs
Resale-focused business models
Discover now: The Impact of AI on Purchasing Decisions in the Gulf and Sales Growth

Middle East Platform: A Unified Digital Ecosystem
Middle East provides an integrated environment to manage e-commerce operations in one place, helping businesses:
Simplify operations
Combine commerce with content
Build a strong digital identity
Reduce reliance on multiple tools
FAQs about the used goods market in the gulf
1. What are the most in-demand products?
Cars, electronics, smartphones, furniture, and fashion dominate the used goods market in the gulf.
2. Who are the main users?
Gen Z and Millennials are the most active users in the used goods market in the gulf.
3. Can merchants benefit from this market?
Yes. Businesses can leverage resale, excess inventory, and refurbished product models to generate new revenue streams within the used goods market in the gulf.

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