Desertcart

Desertcart (founded in 2014) is an e-commerce marketplace headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The platform enables customers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to purchase products from international retailers.

History

Desertcart was established in Dubai, UAE in 2014 by Rahul Swaminathan. Initially, the company focused on sourcing products from the United States, including electronics, health supplements, toys, and fashion. In its first two years, the company expanded regionally through partnerships with logistics providers.

In 2025, the company began sourcing products from South Korea and Japan.

Business model

Desertcart uses a hybrid model combining drop-shipping and warehousing. Many products are sourced from third-party retailers after orders are placed, while some high-demand items are pre-purchased and stored in warehouses to reduce delivery times.

The company partners with suppliers and logistics providers to manage customs clearance and delivery. In some markets, duties and taxes are collected at checkout, providing customers with end-to-end pricing.

Operations

Desertcart maintains offices in the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and India.

Products and services

• Catalogue: More than 100 million products from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and speciality merchants.
• Customs and duties: Estimated duties and taxes are included at checkout in some countries.