Refurbished Tech on the Rise as Recommerce Expands in the Middle East

Refurbished Tech on the Rise as Recommerce Expands in the Middle East

The refurbished technology market is emerging as one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing sectors, thanks to its affordability, sustainability, and shifting consumer behavior. In the UAE alone, the recommerce market was valued at US$1.71 billion in 2024 and is projected to almost double to US$3.43 billion by 2029 (GlobeNewswire). Smartphones and laptops dominate demand, with the broader Middle East and Africa refurbished and used mobile phone market expected to reach US$12.39 billion by 2030 (Custom Market Insights).

Consumer appetite is also clear: a recent YouGov survey found that two-thirds of UAE residents are open to buying refurbished electronics, with more than a quarter having already made the switch (YourStory / YouGov). As global recommerce momentum converges with local demand, refurbished tech is rapidly moving from niche to mainstream in the GCC.

Early Pioneers Capitalize on Growing Demand

When Nuri Goksu launched his company, Trendyoo, more than a decade ago, he was looking for a product that could sell itself. He chose iPhones, not new ones, but refurbished devices with high turnover and steady demand. He also made another early bet: to operate entirely online.

His company has since expanded its reach by joining Temu, a global e-commerce platform. Within three weeks of listing on Temu, the platform accounted for 20% of the company’s total revenue, Goksu said. “We’ve sold on many platforms,” he said, “but none of them had such a strong start, not even the biggest names.”

A growing number of refurbished electronics sellers are joining Temu, offering items ranging from iPhones to pre-owned printers, robotic pool cleaners and gaming consoles—often at discounts of 50% or more compared with new retail prices.

Chanawala Yasin, founder of Fone Central. (Photo courtesy of Fone Central)

Another seller now on Temu is Fone Central, a company that joined the platform in 2024 to expand beyond its traditional sales channels. In addition to phones, it now sells tablets, smartwatches and computers.

“The sales velocity is very good,” said Yasin, founder of Fone Central. “We hope Temu becomes our main marketplace. It has real potential.”

To meet demand, the company is adding staff and sourcing more inventory. According to Fone Central, Temu has helped it reach a new customer segment: younger consumers who shop mainly online.

The growth is being driven by multiple factors. In the UAE specifically, the refurbished mobile phone market is forecast to expand at more than 10% annually from 2024 to 2029, driven by affordability and a growing awareness of sustainability. The trend reflects shifting preferences toward extending product life cycles and cutting down on waste.

With rising consumer demand, strong sustainability drivers, and the rapid growth of recommerce in both global and GCC markets, platforms like Temu are becoming pivotal in reshaping how refurbished electronics reach new audiences.