Platform comparison · 2026
The best online store platform in the UAE in 2026
UAE shoppers expect a polished store in English and Arabic, fast delivery and the payment they are used to. Most of the choice comes down to two questions: do you need card payments at checkout today, and what will themes and apps really cost you?
We make CODOS Store, so read this as one seller’s comparison. Facts about other platforms come from their public pages, checked on the date below — check their pricing pages before you choose. Names and logos belong to their owners. (2026-10-07)
What matters for a UAE store
How your buyers pay
Cards and Apple Pay are common; cash on delivery still matters for a new brand. Pick a platform that offers what your buyers use.
English and Arabic
Both, with Arabic right to left — not one translated from the other.
A premium look
Buyers judge the brand by the store; the theme matters.
The full monthly cost
The plan, plus paid themes and apps, plus any fee per order.
The rest of the Gulf
Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Kuwait next: other currencies and delivery fees.
Side by side
| Platform | Fee on COD orders | Themes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
 CODOS Store | None | Every theme free, Arabic right to left | COD order form, offers, upsells and pixels built in |
| Shopify | Extra fee on some plans without Shopify Payments | Free and paid themes | Many apps charge a monthly fee; COD form via apps |
| Wix | See their pricing page | Templates included | Selling needs a paid e-commerce plan |
 ExpandCart | Listed on their pricing page by plan | See their site | Free trial, then a paid plan |
| WooCommerce | None from the plugin | Free and paid | You pay hosting, domain and extensions; you run updates |
Plans and fees change. Check each platform’s pricing page for today’s numbers.
The platforms, one by one
1. CODOS Store
A store builder for cash-on-delivery sellers: a short order form, delivery fees by city, upsells and pixels built in, every theme free, Arabic right to left, and no fee per order.
2. Shopify
Shopify is one of the biggest store builders in the world. Sellers who look for an alternative often want the costs of themes and apps included, and a cash-on-delivery order form and Arabic built in.
What we know
- Its Theme Store has free themes and paid premium themes, sold one-time.
- Many apps in its App Store charge their own monthly fee.
- On some plans, using a payment provider other than Shopify Payments adds a transaction fee.
3. Wix
Wix is a website builder with online store plans. Sellers looking for an alternative often want a builder made for selling first, with cash on delivery and Arabic stores in mind.
What we know
- Selling online needs one of its paid plans that include e-commerce.
- Its App Market has free and paid apps.
4. ExpandCart
ExpandCart is a store builder from Egypt used across the Arab world. Sellers comparing it often look at what each plan includes, at themes and apps, and at the full monthly cost.
What we know
- It offers a free trial before a paid subscription.
- Its pricing page lists transaction fees as one of the points that differ between plans.
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce turns a WordPress site into a store. Sellers who look for an alternative often want a hosted store without managing hosting, updates and plugins themselves.
What we know
- The plugin itself is free; hosting, a domain and many extensions are paid separately.
- You install and update WordPress, the plugin and its extensions yourself, or pay someone to.
Which one should you choose?
- You need card payments at checkout today: check which platforms offer them for a UAE business — Shopify and Wix are the usual first look.
- You want a premium bilingual store with every theme and app included, taking cash on delivery and bank transfer: CODOS Store.
- You want an Arab store builder with Arabic support: ExpandCart.
- You already run WordPress: WooCommerce.
Questions people ask first
Can my store be in English and Arabic?
Yes. Language & Currency adds both, with Arabic right to left in every theme.
Can buyers pay by card on CODOS Store?
Not on every store yet. Stores take cash on delivery and bank transfer; if you need cards today, choose a platform that offers them.
Do I need a licence?
Yes — from your emirate’s economic department or a free zone. See selling online in the UAE.
Try CODOS Store for three days, free
Build free for 3 days · $1 for your first 14 days
Build free for 3 days · $1 for your first 14 days · Cancel any time