First E-Commerce site dedicated to Windows phone launches in the UAE

Microsoft announced today the launch of Waha Store, the first e-commerce website solely dedicated to Windows Phones in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to address growing interest and demand in the region. Launched in partnership with global wireless distributor Brightpoint Middle East FZE (“Brightpoint”), which offers its e-commerce and supply chain expertise, Waha Store makes Windows Phone devices available to customers in the region for the first time.

Waha, which means “oasis” in English, will provide a convenient, reliable and centralized destination for consumers across the country to purchase the latest sleek form factors from a variety of Windows Phone device manufacturers. Waha will offer customers secure warranties with their purchases and arrange delivery of new phones directly to the customer’s doorstep. Shoppers who visit Waha will also have the option to choose from a variety of wireless providers.

"We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Microsoft and support Waha Store’s launch in the UAE," said Anurag Gupta, President of Brightpoint Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Our expertise in offering e-commerce and supply chain solutions will make Waha the go-to place for all UAE customers who have been awaiting a well-functioning channel to access Windows Phones. We look forward to supporting Waha’s launch in other countries in the Middle East and Africa, as we continue to expand our presence in the region.”

“We are very pleased to bring Windows Phones to early-adopter smartphone consumers in the UAE, where there has been growing excitement about their launch,” said Samer Ramez Abu-Ltaif, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf Region. “Customers need a dependable way to obtain accurate information on, and securely purchase, the latest mobile handsets; and Waha Store provides exactly that - your Windows Phone oasis.”

The user-friendly features in Waha Store will optimize browsing and shopping for visitors. As the Waha user interface mirrors the Windows Phone experience, shoppers will be able to immediately familiarize themselves with the operating system and ‘Metro’ design style. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to compare various models, read reviews, and watch demo videos, to get a good understanding of the product range and features. The site’s integrated social media platform will bring people together, by allowing them to make recommendations and share their activities with friends, family and colleagues.

Windows Phone impresses with its excellent ease of use, high level of stability, and innovative design that puts people at the center, by making it easier for them to connect faster and share more than ever before. The newly-designed user navigation reflects how people work, play and communicate: so-called hubs (such as contacts, photos, and games), bundle applications and the Internet are organized into useful topic areas and help users to efficiently manage their work and private life. In this way, the user is always up-to-date with the dynamic homepage and remains connected to friends, family and colleagues so that they never miss a moment.

Windows Phone Marketplace will also be available in the UAE in the next few months, enabling users to browse and download from a range of apps. Furthermore, the optimal interplay of PC, Internet and mobile services, the smooth integration of social networks such as Facebook and connection to other Web 2.0 services make Windows Phone Smartphones a perfect all-rounder.