OKIE Global is perfectly positioned to help Indian brands seize this growth.
Jitin Masand
Jitin Masand, Founder & CEO of OKIE Global, is building a cross-border commerce powerhouse that helps Indian brands scale across the GCC with ease. With a Dubai base, digital-first infrastructure, and deep regional insight, OKIE Global delivers end-to-end market entry, compliance, and omni-channel distribution—turning Indian products into household names in the Middle East.
ADVERTISEMENT
Q1. How does OKIE Global’s Dubai base strategically support Indian brands aiming to enter and expand in the UAE and broader GCC markets?
At OKIE Global, our Dubai base serves as a powerful, cost-effective gateway for Indian brands to enter and expand across the UAE and the wider GCC region - one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. Dubai’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and business-friendly environment offers Indian brands access to over a billion consumers, while also benefiting from lower logistics costs, tax advantages, and streamlined regulatory processes.
The UAE is poised for a significant 13% net increase in consumer spending intentions for 2025 (highest growth globally) while the average global spending intentions show a net 12% decline. Shoppers under 45 (27% of total) in the UAE are expected to lead the surge in spending across retail segments, driven by higher disposable income and an urge of starting and expanding households. This is according to a recently published global consumer outlook report by a renowned consulting firm.
OKIE Global specializes in identifying high-potential Indian brands and providing them with a turnkey solution: from comprehensive product research and market-fit strategy to selecting the most effective entry channels - whether online, through our proprietary e-commerce platform, or via offline retail distribution. Our unique advantage lies in our end-to-end execution capabilities. By owning and operating import entities, warehousing, and logistics in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we ensure full compliance, faster market entry, and significant cost savings for our partner brands.
By partnering with us, Indian brands can seamlessly plug into a ready-made, cross-border commerce ecosystem – both online and offline, accelerating their growth and enhancing their credibility in a high-potential market, without the need for heavy upfront investment or complex local setup. Our goal is simple: to make global expansion easy and highly profitable for Indian brands.
Q2: What are some key market differences between India and the GCC region that OKIE Global considers when customizing brand launches?
At OKIE Global, we recognize that succeeding in the GCC requires a fundamentally different approach than in India, and we leverage these differences to maximize brand impact and growth.
1. Premium Quality and Regulatory Rigor: GCC consumers are prioritizing premium quality, international certifications and product authenticity. Regulatory standards especially for cosmetics and electronics are among the world’s strictest, enforced by multiple authorities such as the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). We ensure every brand we launch is fully compliant, safeguarding reputation and accelerating approvals.
2. Multi-cultural Consumer Landscape: Unlike India’s largely homogenous market segments, the GCC is a melting pot, with expatriates making up over 85% of the UAE’s population. This diversity demands hyper-localized marketing, innovative packaging, and culturally sensitive campaigns that resonate with Arab nationals, South Asians, Westerners, and other communities. We turn this complexity into an advantage, crafting brand stories and assortments that appeal across demographics, building deep, long-term loyalty.
3. Digital-First, Experience-Driven Shoppers: GCC consumers are among the world’s most digitally connected, with internet penetration exceeding 99% in the UAE. They expect seamless omni-channel experiences, rapid delivery, and personalized engagement - much more than the average Indian shopper. OKIE Global tailors digital strategies, e-commerce integrations, and customer service models to meet these elevated expectations.
By deeply understanding and adapting to these market differences, OKIE Global ensures Indian brands are not just present in the GCC but are positioned to lead, grow, and become household names in this high-potential region.
Q3. With JAM Store focusing on premium homegrown brands, how do you ensure these products resonate with the diverse consumer preferences in the Middle East?
At JAM Store, a premium e-commerce platform, we specialize in bringing homegrown Indian brands directly to the Middle East’s diverse and quality-conscious consumers. We have already onboarded 10 high-potential brands during platform pre-launch.
Our platform’s success is driven by:
1. Curated Brand Selection: We feature only premium brands that meet rigorous quality standards, ensuring products that resonate with the Middle East’s discerning shoppers.
2. Localized Digital Experience: Leveraging over a decade of market expertise, we tailor product positioning and culturally relevant marketing to engage the GCC’s multicultural audience.
3. Data-Driven Insights: JAM Store’s e-commerce platform captures real-time consumer behavior and feedback, enabling continuous optimization of product assortments, pricing, and promotions that drive high repeat purchase rates and brand loyalty.
4. Seamless Omni-channel Fulfillment: Our integrated logistics and customer service infrastructure ensure fast, reliable delivery and a superior shopping experience, critical in a region with 99%+ internet penetration and digitally savvy consumers.
By combining premium curation with localized digital strategies and operational excellence, JAM Store empowers Indian brands to thrive and scale rapidly in the Middle East’s booming e-commerce market.
Q4: How does OKIE Electronics balance innovation and regional customization in consumer electronics manufacturing to meet GCC and Indian market demands?
OKIE Electronics balances innovation with regional customization, to meet the distinct demands of both GCC and Indian markets.
Our journey began with a focus on innovation - offering Smart LED TVs (24" to 86") equipped with Google TV, WebOS, and advanced sound technologies. Strategic partnerships, such as with Google, enable us to deliver localized content and multi-language support, directly addressing the GCC’s multicultural, digitally savvy audience. This ensures our products are not only technologically advanced but also culturally relevant.
Regional customization is at the heart of our strategy. In the GCC, we tailor design aesthetics, sound quality, and user interfaces to match local preferences, which differ from India’s price-sensitive, value-driven market. For example, GCC consumers expect premium features and international certifications, while Indian buyers prioritize affordability and robust after-sales service.
To further strengthen our regional presence, we are investing in local manufacturing of Smart LED TVs, Interactive Flat Panel Displays, and small appliances in the Middle East. This move will enable rapid adaptation to local tastes, compliance with stringent regulations, and enhanced supply chain efficiency.
OKIE’s commitment to quality and innovation has driven our expansion to over 3,000 retailers in India, with a growing footprint across the GCC. By combining cutting-edge technology with deep market insight, OKIE Electronics delivers products that resonate powerfully with both Indian and GCC consumers - setting new standards for relevance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Q5: What role does digital-first commerce play in OKIE Global’s cross-border distribution strategy across the UAE and India?
Digital-first commerce is the backbone of OKIE Global’s cross-border distribution strategy, enabling us to seamlessly connect Indian brands with the UAE and wider GCC markets - beyond just the end consumer. By integrating advanced digital solutions across our entire supply chain, we optimize every step from inventory management to regulatory compliance and last-mile delivery.
Leveraging leading e-commerce marketplaces (Amazon, Noon) and our proprietary platform (JAM Store), we ensure brands gain instant access to the region’s digitally savvy consumers and business partners. Real-time data analytics drive smarter inventory decisions, faster fulfillment, and region-specific marketing, while digital documentation streamlines customs clearance and regulatory processes.
This approach not only accelerates speed-to-market but also reduces operational costs and enhances transparency for all stakeholders. In a market where over 99% of consumers are online, OKIE Global’s digital-first strategy transforms cross-border trade - making it more efficient, scalable, and responsive to D2C demands across India and the Middle East.
Q6: Can you share a recent success story where OKIE Global helped an Indian brand scale effectively in the UAE or KSA market?
Certainly! Two standout success stories for OKIE Global are our partnerships with Anaar Shoes and Love Organically. These are premium Indian brands that achieved rapid traction in the UAE under our cross-border strategy.
Anaar Shoes, known for its handcrafted, contemporary bridal and occasion footwear, quickly captured the attention of UAE consumers through leading online marketplaces like Noon. By leveraging OKIE Global’s digital-first distribution and localized marketing, Anaar Shoes tapped into the region’s booming e-commerce sector. The brand’s blend of Indian craftsmanship and modern design resonated with the UAE’s style-conscious, multicultural shoppers, resulting in strong sales and brand recognition within months of launch.
Love Organically, a premium skincare brand, saw exceptional demand both online and offline. With OKIE Global’s support, Love Organically expanded into over 250 retail outlets across Dubai, demonstrating the region’s appetite for high-quality, natural products. This multi-channel approach - combining e-commerce with a robust offline presence - enabled the brand to build lasting customer loyalty and visibility in a highly competitive market.
These successes underscore how OKIE Global’s market insight, digital infrastructure, and operational excellence empower Indian brands to scale rapidly and sustainably in the GCC’s high-potential retail landscape.
Q7: How does OKIE Global approach sustainability and ethical sourcing in its operations, considering the different regulatory environments in India and the GCC?
At OKIE Global, sustainability and ethical sourcing are not just commitments - they are embedded in every aspect of our cross-border operations. Recognizing the unique regulatory landscapes of India and the GCC, we implement a robust, adaptable approach that exceeds compliance and drives positive impact.
In India, we collaborate with brand partners and suppliers to champion eco-friendly manufacturing, fair labor practices, and full supply chain transparency. We actively encourage and support certifications such as ISO 14001 (environmental management) and SA8000 (social accountability), ensuring our brands align with global best practices.
In the GCC, where environmental and compliance standards are among the world’s strictest, we ensure every product meets or surpasses local regulations. We promote the use of green packaging, energy-efficient logistics, and digital documentation to reduce paper waste. Our regional warehousing leverages smart inventory management and optimized transportation routes, minimizing carbon emissions and operational waste.
By integrating sustainability into sourcing, packaging, logistics, and delivery, OKIE Global creates long-term value for brands, consumers, and communities. Our goal is to set new benchmarks for responsible trade - proving that Indian brands can lead in both innovation and ethical business across global markets.
Q8: Looking ahead, what are the biggest growth opportunities you see for Indian brands in the GCC region, and how is OKIE Global positioned to capitalize on them?
The GCC region is a powerhouse of opportunity for Indian brands, fueled by a young, affluent, and digitally native population. With over 60% of the population under the age of 35 and e-commerce sales in the GCC projected to surpass $50 billion by 2025, demand for premium, innovative, and authentic products is soaring - especially in sectors like FMCG, consumer electronics, fashion, and personal care.
OKIE Global is perfectly positioned to help Indian brands seize this growth. Our on-ground presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, combined with deep market intelligence and regulatory expertise, enables us to craft hyper-localized go-to-market strategies that drive rapid brand adoption and loyalty. We offer a turnkey ecosystem, integrating warehousing, logistics, and omni-channel distribution so brands can scale seamlessly across both digital and physical retail landscapes.
Our digital-first approach ensures brands reach the region’s tech-savvy consumers through leading online marketplaces and our proprietary platforms, while our robust offline network unlocks access to premium retail environments. By leveraging real-time data and consumer insights, we help brands continuously refine their offerings and marketing to stay ahead of trends.
Ultimately, OKIE Global empowers Indian brands to not just enter, but lead in the GCC - building lasting consumer relationships and capturing their share of one of the world’s fastest-growing and most lucrative markets.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
