April 30, 2026
Dubai-based global gifting platform Udora, formerly known as Flowwow, has secured $10 million in a private funding round alongside a full rebrand. The company plans to use the capital to accelerate its international expansion, with a key focus on entering Saudi Arabia in Q3 2026, supported by deeper localisation, product expansion, and AI-driven personalisation.
Expanding a Global Gifting Ecosystem
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Dubai, Udora connects customers with local florists, confectioners, and artisan makers across more than 50 markets and 1,500 cities worldwide. The platform has built a strong presence in the UAE, holding around 6% share of the online gifting market and generating $3.32 million in GMV in 2025 alone.
Its model is built entirely around local SMEs, with all orders fulfilled through independent sellers. In 2025, the UAE seller network grew by 66.5%, reflecting rising demand for digital-first gifting experiences powered by local businesses.
Empowering SMEs Through Digital Infrastructure
Udora positions itself as more than a marketplace, offering SMEs a complete digital ecosystem that includes order management, marketing tools, and access to a repeat customer base. This allows small businesses to scale online without building their own infrastructure.
By integrating local sellers into a unified platform, Udora aims to support the broader digital transformation of the GCC economy, aligning with national strategies such as the UAE’s goal to significantly increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP by 2031.
Strong Growth and Performance in 2025
The company reported strong growth across its operations in 2025, with global orders increasing by 123% year-on-year and GMV reaching $9.84 million (+129%). In the UAE, GMV hit $3.32 million, supported by over 41,500 orders and a high customer retention rate, with more than 60% of purchases coming from returning users.
Customer satisfaction also remained high, with over 92% positive reviews, outperforming typical e-commerce benchmarks.
AI, Personalisation, and Product Expansion
Udora is investing heavily in AI-powered personalisation and localised product strategies. The platform already offers personalised recommendations, automated support, and AI-assisted gift discovery.
Looking ahead, the roadmap includes deeper personalisation tools, wishlists, subscription gifting, and enhanced corporate gifting solutions. Product expansion will focus on high-demand categories such as premium perfumes, chocolates, and curated gift bundles tailored to cultural and regional preferences.
Saudi Arabia Launch and Future Vision
A major part of the new funding will support Udora’s entry into Saudi Arabia in 2026, alongside continued expansion across the GCC. The company aims to replicate its UAE success by scaling its local seller-first model while adapting to each market’s cultural and consumer needs.
With its rebrand and new investment, Udora is positioning itself as a leading tech-driven gifting ecosystem, combining local craftsmanship with advanced digital infrastructure to modernize gifting across global markets.
