Vikas Chadha, the CEO of Jumbo Electronics, says the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been at the forefront of promoting smart technologies

How have the regional smart appliances evolved over the past few years and what sort of impact has it had in the market?
In the Middle East, there has been a clear emphasis on accelerating digital transformation, to meet ambitious national digital initiatives, rapid urbanization, and a rising tech-savvy population. UAE and Saudi Arabia have been at the forefront of promoting smart technologies, residents increasingly seek solutions to make their homes smarter and more efficient. Product categories that have experienced significant growth include home monitoring and security devices, smart lighting, and smart appliances.

In terms of specific developments, smart appliances in the Middle East have evolved to incorporate features such as remote control, automation, and integration with other smart devices. The increasing popularity of smart appliances is also influenced by lifestyle choices, such as the uptake of robotic vacuum cleaners is driven by their ability to simplify household chores, save time and effort, and deliver effective cleaning results with minimal user intervention. As technology continues to evolve, robotic vacuum cleaners are likely to become even more intelligent, efficient, and indispensable in modern households.

In the region, the rise in demand for hair products has been notable, with brands such as Dyson contributing to this trend. Dyson’s entry into the hair care market with innovative products has not only disrupted traditional styling methods but also fuelled consumer interest in advanced hair care solutions. Dyson Airwrap multi-styler, Airstrait straightener has not only captured consumers’ attention but also set new standards for performance, convenience, and hair health.

On the other hand, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has set a new standard for performance and technology in the vacuum cleaner market, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in-home cleaning appliances. Additionally, the region’s focus on smart grids and renewable energy sources is driving the development of smart appliances that can optimize energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future. Overall, the Middle East’s smart appliances market has evolved to offer a wide range of innovative products and solutions that cater to the region’s growing demand for smart home technology.

What sort of innovations do you offer in the smart appliances area?
We offer innovative smart appliances such as Smart locks, Smart security cameras, Hair products, Refrigerators, Washing machines, Microwaves, Dishwashers, Vacuum Cleaners, Beauty Care products, Routers, Air Fryers, Air Purifiers, and Smart Cookers. For instance, Sony’s Premium 4K Mini LED TVs are powered by Cognitive Processor XR, which is ideal for pure blacks and supported by the XR Backlight Masterdrive for clarity and detail. The X95L series includes a voice search function which means you can browse for movies and shows with the voiced search function in your preferred language.

Meanwhile, Sony’s latest cameras come packed with an AI processing unit specifically dedicated to processing significant amounts of data to enable more accurate recognition of subjects and recognition of a wider range of subject types in various situations, particularly wildlife and weddings. It can also detect movement so based on the movement it can detect and provide accurate subject picture quality and stills.

Eufy’s 3-In-1 Triple Security combines the fastest Smart Lock fingerprint recognition, a 2K HD camera, and advanced video doorbell notifications, into 1 device. Roomba’s smart vacuum cleaner is compatible with iRobot OS and voice assistant integration, so you can customise your cleaning preferences and control them with your voice. It’s also ideal for homes with pets, thanks to its dual multi-surface rubber brushes that don’t get tangled with pet hair.

These are some of the key innovative products currently available at Jumbo stores and at jumbo.ae.

What trends have you seen in the market for smart appliances and how have you used those to better your regional strategies?
2024 will see smart appliances become more efficient. As the population and tourism in the UAE continue to grow, there’s a heightened need for smart security solutions to enhance safety and convenience for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. There is growth seen in smart home security devices like – Smart Locks, Smart Routers and Cameras. Other reasons for their demand currently are technological advancements, affordability, increased awareness of home security, and the desire for convenience and peace of mind.

On the other hand, the rise in the younger demographic in the region has indeed spurred an increase in demand for cost-effective smart appliances, including robotic vacuum cleaners, smart refrigerators, air fryers and cookers. As these devices can be controlled through mobile applications, it allow users to monitor and manage tasks even when away from home. The applications of smart home devices are continually expanding, contributing to the region’s quest for modernization and efficiency.

We at Jumbo provide a variety of smart appliances tailored to the needs and preferences of young and tech-savvy consumers and emphasize innovative features and functionalities of smart appliances, such as IoT connectivity, voice control, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Also, without compromising on essential features and quality we offer Budget-Friendly appliances that resonate with consumers seeking practical and affordable solutions for their homes.

We have partnered with leading smart security device manufacturers to offer a diverse range of products, including video doorbells, smart cameras, motion sensors, smart locks, and alarm systems. We ensure that our product portfolio caters to different customer segments, budgets, and security requirements. We train our staff and equip them with the skills to provide personalized recommendations, address customer inquiries, and assist with product selection and setup.

We also provide excellent customer support and after-sales service to address any issues or concerns related to smart security devices. Offer warranty services, troubleshooting assistance, and product repairs to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.

What role do sustainability and energy efficiency play today?
There’s a growing awareness among consumers about the environmental impact of their purchases. Many consumers prioritize energy-efficient appliances because they not only save money on utility bills but also reduce their carbon footprint. When buying major domestic appliances (MDA) almost half we receive are inclined towards energy-efficient products. These appliances are designed to operate with a minimum energy or gas consumption, typically at least 30% less than their standard counterparts, while maintaining the same level of functionality. Fuel-efficient appliances play a vital role in reducing our carbon footprint. Traditional ones can be energy guzzlers, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

How is AI revolutionising the home appliances landscape?
AI is transforming the home appliances landscape by enhancing convenience, efficiency, and functionality while offering personalized experiences tailored to users’ preferences and lifestyles. Refrigerators, washing machines, security cameras, and cooking appliances for instance Smart Pot pressure cooker, and Smart Air Fryers are expected to drive down operating costs, learn users’ habits and use other contextual data to provide personalized functionalities. These huge leaps result from advancements in processing power, storage, memory, and machine and deep learning techniques. The beauty segment has also progressed and introduced innovative skincare devices.

AI-powered home appliances can seamlessly integrate with smart home ecosystems. This allows users to control their appliances remotely through voice commands or smartphone apps. Sony TVs include a voice search function which allows one to browse movies and shows in your preferred language. The Sony Alpha series processes significant amounts of data to enable more accurate recognition of subjects and a wider range of subject types in various situations, particularly wildlife and weddings. It can also detect movement so based on the movement it can detect and provide accurate subject picture quality and stills.

In addition to this, the LG ThinQ Smart Appliances app is one solution to connect all LG IoT home appliances. The app provides effortless product control and smart care. Our partner brand Philips recently announced the launch of HomeID, an application designed to seamlessly connect all Philips home devices under one roof. HomelD provides recipes, culinary tips and tricks for kitchen and coffee machines.