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.

What is the Size of the Used Goods Market in the Gulf and Middle East in 2026

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?

Most Sold Product Categories by Country

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.

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:

Is It Time to Enter the Used Goods Market in the Gulf

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.