Rocket Internet's Foodpanda Makes A Meal Out Of UAE's 24h.ae This acquisition comes close on the heels of its purchase of Kuwait's Talabat.com for over US$700 million.

By Kareem Chehayeb

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Online food delivery is on the up and up, and the MENA region is hot according to the mammoth foodpanda group- they've already established an influential presence in Jordan and KSA through their hellofood brands. After Rocket Internet acquired Kuwait's Talabat.com (active across the GCC) for over US$170 million, they've opted for UAE's 24h.ae, which has at least 700 restaurants as its partners, has a presence across seven UAE cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Thus far, Rocket Internet has refused to disclose the amount of money that they shelled out to acquire the online food delivery platform. Having also acquired companies of competitors in European and Asian markets, the foodpanda group is visible in 40 markets in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and now the booming Middle East. Having taken a huge bite out of the global online food delivery market, we can only wait and see what their next move will be.

Kareem Chehayeb

Former Columnist & Online Liaison, Entrepreneur Middle East

Entrepreneurs

Kuwait's Coded Wants To Inspire Young Arabs To Code With Offline And Online Bootcamps

The startup is on a mission to train and educate students in software development and programming to prepare them for today's demanding job market through their offline and online bootcamps.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Technology

Elevating MENA's Edtech Scene: Dars Founder And CEO Noor Boodai

Kuwait-based startup Dars aims to elevate the level of education in the Arab world with up-to-date educational content that is accessible and available on-demand.

Leadership

The Biggest Lesson from Volkswagen: Culture Dictates Behavior

Here are four ways to build a culture which, unlike VW during its scandal days, accepts failure as a growth opportunity.

Leadership

Why It's Crucial to Walk the Talk as a Business Leader

Ordering someone to do what they know you won't is more likely to get you ignored than obeyed.