Insights into Domain Names and Product Categories of e-Commerce Websites: A Case Study of the UAE

Understanding e-commerce markets and online consumer behavior is critical for e-commerce retailers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and across the world. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of unique e-commerce data to reveal patterns in domain names, product categories, and associations with other attributes. Using data analytics techniques, the initial dataset was cleaned and augmented to conduct the analysis. Key findings reveal ‘.com’ and ‘.ae’ as dominant domain extensions, numeric patterns in domain names, and ‘apparel’ as the most prevalent product category. An in-depth association mining analysis identifies and lists frequent categories and category combinations. This study provides actionable insights into the naming and category planning of e-commerce retailers in the UAE. Multidimensional analysis establishes an analysis and planning framework for evidence-based e-commerce research that can guide the two critical strategic decisions of domain name and category selection, which are among the important strategic decisions when an e-commerce business is first established. Most importantly, while providing insights for UAE e-commerce markets specifically, the methodology can be applied to any country or region.