A recent study reveals that 80% of shoppers in the UAE now depend on artificial intelligence to guide their buying decisions, showing how technology is reshaping consumer behavior across the country.
Study Shows 80% of UAE Shoppers Now Rely on AI for Purchase Decisions
Consumer habits in the UAE are experiencing a major shift, as artificial intelligence and digital technologies increasingly influence purchasing decisions, according to new data from Visa.
Visa’s survey, carried out between October 14 and October 28, 2025, with 1,000 adults across the UAE, found that roughly 8 in 10 respondents — or 80% — now rely on AI to assist with shopping, including researching products, comparing prices, finding gift ideas, and more.
External research confirms the rapid rise of AI in UAE shopping habits. A 2025 retail study by fintech platform Adyen found that 70% of UAE consumers have used AI for shopping, marking a significant 44% increase compared to 2024. Of these, 21% were first-time users in the past year, while 62% expressed interest in using AI for actual purchases in the future.
Shoppers report that AI adds genuine value to their buying decisions. According to the Adyen study, 65% of AI users said it inspires them when selecting items — from outfits and meals to gifts — and 14% credited AI with generating their best ideas.
Generational trends reveal that younger groups lead adoption, with 75% of Millennials and 74% of Gen Z using AI while shopping. However, the fastest growth is occurring among older consumers; Generation X (ages 44–59) saw AI usage jump 49% year-on-year, reaching 59%.
Meanwhile, digital payment behaviors are evolving alongside AI adoption. Research by PYMNTS Intelligence for Visa in 2025 shows that 67% of UAE shoppers used their mobile phones for their latest purchase, up 23% since 2022. Widespread mobile access and biometric payment authentication have positioned the UAE as a global frontrunner in mobile retail.
The rise of AI is also reshaping attitudes toward payment options beyond traditional cards and wallets. Visa’s 2025 survey revealed that a large proportion of UAE respondents are open to receiving cryptocurrency as a gift, while many anticipate stablecoins — digital currencies designed to reduce volatility — will become increasingly popular over the next decade.
This shift mirrors wider changes in the UAE’s digital finance landscape. As mobile payments, digital wallets, and fintech solutions expand, conventional methods such as cash-on-delivery are gradually declining. A 2022 Mastercard survey showed that 88% of UAE consumers had used at least one emerging payment option in the past year, including mobile wallets, digital cards, or fintech transfers.
The growth of digital commerce is further supported by evolving shopping behaviors. Many consumers now research products online even while visiting physical stores, prompting retailers to adopt technologies like virtual try-ons, AI-powered recommendations, QR-code discounts, and augmented reality previews to enhance the in-store experience.
Findings from Visa and other reports suggest that the UAE is moving rapidly toward the next phase of global retail, driven by convenience, speed, personalisation, and digital-first payment methods.
