The Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established a partnership with LuLu Retail to integrate the business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce service, LuLuOn, into the UAE federal government’s digital procurement framework. This collaboration aims to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of government procurement operations.

Through this partnership, federal agencies will gain direct access to LuLu’s extensive product offerings via the government’s e-procurement system, utilizing a new feature called ‘Punch Out.’ This tool allows users to browse, select, and complete purchases from LuLu while remaining within the procurement system, thereby streamlining the workflow process.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to digitalizing procurement activities and expanding the network of approved suppliers. Under the agreement’s terms, federal entities will benefit from specialized institutional pricing on a range of products provided by LuLu, which includes food, groceries, and essential operational supplies. This is supported by LuLu’s strong global sourcing and delivery infrastructure.

Currently, the federal catalogue features over 120 000 products and services across 35 categories, supplied by more than 400 accredited vendors. The ministry is focused on enhancing this platform through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors that drive value and innovation in government procedures.

Financial Affairs Minister of State Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini emphasized that this strategic agreement is part of the Ministry of Finance’s ongoing efforts to improve the government procurement system. He stated that it aligns with the federal government’s vision for more flexible and sustainable business models, aiming to provide diverse, high-quality options that meet the needs of federal entities while fostering transparency and competitiveness.

In February 2023, LuLu Retail Group also announced plans to expand its presence into suburban areas of major Emirati cities by establishing new retail locations.