once again, if you are coming to the UAE or are here now, make sure you download:- Careem, Bolt, and Talabat for rides and food (I don't recommend Uber)- understand that VolIP calls will not work on the local network — meaning WhatsApp, Signal and TG calls ...

Core Insights - Dazhong Dianping is expanding its international presence, particularly targeting Chinese tourists and overseas Chinese communities, with ambitions to become a global platform for local lifestyle needs [1][4][9] - The company has established a foreign team and is focusing on building foundational capabilities rather than immediate commercialization [2][3] - Dazhong Dianping has launched operations in over 1,000 cities across more than 200 countries, emphasizing cities with high Chinese tourist traffic [4][6] Group 1: International Expansion Strategy - Dazhong Dianping's international expansion began in Southeast Asia in 2017 and is accelerating in 2025, with a focus on key cities [2][3] - The company aims to create a "global yellow pages" product that meets local lifestyle needs, moving beyond just serving Chinese tourists [9][10] - The establishment of a local team, comprising both Chinese and local personnel, is crucial for penetrating local markets [6][7] Group 2: Market Penetration Challenges - The acceptance of Dazhong Dianping's business model by local restaurant owners in overseas markets is challenging [2][5] - The company is leveraging local agents and teams to build merchant relationships and gather essential local information [6][8] - High-end restaurants in markets like Singapore show reluctance to adopt new promotional tools, preferring traditional advertising methods [7][8] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Dazhong Dianping faces competition from platforms like Xiaohongshu, which are also trying to integrate the entire customer journey from discovery to booking [9][10] - Google Maps remains a significant competitor in providing location-based services and user reviews, posing a challenge for Dazhong Dianping to attract non-Chinese users [10] - The success of Dazhong Dianping's international strategy will depend on its ability to localize effectively and potentially develop a new app tailored for foreign markets [10]

Core Insights - The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for Chinese food delivery platforms, particularly Meituan's Keeta, in the Dubai market, which is still developing its food delivery ecosystem [1][13][19] Group 1: Market Overview - Dubai's food delivery market is characterized by a variety of platforms, including Talabat, Noon, COME COME, and Keeta, which is a subsidiary of Meituan [1][10] - The online food delivery market in the UAE is projected to reach $1.87 billion by 2025 and $2.46 billion by 2030, with a user penetration rate of 31.4% by 2025 [10] Group 2: Cultural and Operational Differences - The delivery model in Dubai differs from China, with many riders being non-locals from South Asia, leading to a "one order one delivery" approach rather than the "batch delivery" seen in China [4][5] - Local food prices are higher, and many residents prefer to prepare their own meals due to the high cost of living, making food delivery less frequent [5][6] Group 3: Keeta's Strategy and Performance - Keeta has entered the Dubai market with a no-commission model, which is attractive to local merchants who face high commission rates from other platforms [8][10] - Keeta's rapid expansion in the Middle East began in Saudi Arabia and has now reached Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with plans for further growth [11][18] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Talabat has over 6 million active users and 119,000 active riders, while COME COME serves over 360,000 users with a dedicated fleet of over 2,000 couriers [10] - Keeta's competitive edge lies in its technology and operational strategies tailored to local market conditions, leveraging Meituan's experience in China [19]

@SolanaConf also make sure you download careem, talabat, and boltthese are the apps you need at a minimum ...