Shopping habits in the UAE are experiencing a significant transformation, driven by artificial intelligence and digital tools, according to new data from Visa.
Visa’s survey, conducted from October 14 to October 28, 2025, with 1,000 UAE adults, reveals that approximately 80% of respondents now utilize AI for shopping activities such as product research, price comparisons, and gift ideas.
The UAE Country Manager for Visa described this trend as a “fundamental reimagining of commerce.”
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External research supports this change. A 2025 retail study from fintech platform Adyen shows 70% of UAE consumers have used AI for shopping, marking a 44% increase from 2024. Of these, 21% tried AI shopping tools for the first time last year, and 62% are open to making purchases through AI in the future.
Shoppers find value in AI: 65% of AI users in the Adyen report say it inspires their choices, whether for clothing, meals, or gifts, and 14% claim their best ideas come from AI.
Generational shifts are also evident. While Millennials (75%) and Gen Z (74%) lead in AI adoption, the fastest growth is among older groups. For example, Generation X (aged 44–59) saw a 49% increase, reaching 59% usage.
Simultaneously, digital payment habits are evolving. A 2025 study by PYMNTS Intelligence for Visa reports 67% of UAE consumers used phones for their latest retail purchase, a 23% rise since 2022. Mobile shopping access and biometric payment authentication have helped position the UAE as a leader in mobile retail.
The AI shift is also changing perceptions of payment methods. Visa’s 2025 survey shows a majority of UAE respondents welcome cryptocurrency as gifts, and many expect stablecoins, which minimize volatility, to rise in the next decade.
This mindset shift reflects broader digital finance trends in the UAE. As digital wallets, mobile payments, and fintech platforms expand, traditional payment methods like cash-on-delivery are declining. A 2022 Mastercard survey found 88% of UAE consumers used at least one emerging payment method last year, such as mobile wallets, digital cards, or fintech transfers.
Digital commerce momentum is fueled by a changing retail landscape: many consumers research products online while in stores, and retailers are integrating digital tools like virtual try-ons, AI suggestions, QR-code discounts, and augmented-reality previews in physical stores.
Visa’s findings and supporting reports suggest the UAE is advancing rapidly in what could be the next phase of global retail evolution, characterized by convenience, speed, personalization, and digital-native payment methods.
