The AI Shopping Revolution: How UAE Consumers Embrace Artificial Intelligence

Dubai — A survey released this week by Visa reveals a sweeping transformation in how consumers across the United Arab Emirates approach shopping and spending. The data indicates that AI once a niche technology now plays a central role in everyday commerce, reshaping the retail landscape, influencing payment choices, and driving a shift toward what industry insiders call “Agentic Commerce.”

According to Visa’s findings, 80% of UAE consumers now use AI tools to enhance their shopping experience. That marks a sharp rise in the adoption of technologies that help with product discovery, price comparison, and transaction decisions.

AI Tools Become Mainstream Shopping Companions

For many shoppers in UAE malls, online marketplaces, and digital storefronts, the shopping journey often begins with an AI-powered assistant. Visa’s survey data show 41% of respondents used AI to conduct product research. Another 40% relied on AI to compare prices or hunt for deals before making a purchase.

Such reliance on AI is more than a convenience it reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior. Analysts and retailers interpret these changes as a sign that AI is fast becoming a standard part of the retail experience rather than an experimental add-on. Experts note the rising prevalence of AI-powered recommendation engines, chatbots, and virtual shopping assistants in UAE retail

Retailers also highlight that AI offers benefits beyond convenience: it gives them the power to deliver tailored experiences at scale, predict demand more accurately, and better manage inventory — all while meeting rising customer expectations for seamless, fast, and personalized service.

Digital Payments, Crypto Gifts, and the Decline of Cash

The Visa survey not only underscores AI’s growing role in retail navigation but also points to shifting attitudes toward payments and currency. Among respondents, 70% said they would be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift. Meanwhile, 17% believe stablecoins — a type of digital currency — could become the preferred payment method within the next decade.

As digital methods gain traction, many consumers expect traditional cash to lose relevance. Over a third of those surveyed (36%) predicted that cash usage would significantly decline or even disappear by 2035. Another 36% said they expect stablecoins or other digital currencies to fill the gap.

Alongside wallets and crypto, “digital wallets” increasingly compete with physical cards. The survey found that about 31% of UAE shoppers now prefer digital wallets for convenience, while 40% say they find them the fastest payment option. Around 32% view digital wallets as offering superior fraud protection.

Security Remains a Priority as Risks Rise

The rapid shift toward AI-driven shopping and digital payments does not come without concerns. The survey highlights widespread apprehension about fraud: 71% of respondents said they worry friends or family might fall victim to online scams this season. More than half (53%) reported encountering fraud themselves or through someone they know in the past year.

To protect themselves, many consumers are actively adopting security measures. Among respondents, 93% said they had enabled two-factor authentication or regularly changed passwords to guard against fraud. Security now stands as the most important factor — 81% described it as “extremely important” when choosing payment methods.

Despite these worries, digital wallets and AI-enabled payment tools continue to gain popularity — showing that convenience, speed, and perceived security now outweigh fears for many shoppers.

Retailers Race to Adapt or Risk Being Left Behind

The rising prominence of AI in shopping puts pressure on retailers across the UAE to adapt quickly. Industry reports suggest that local and regional retail brands are embracing AI not just for personalization, but for logistics, fraud detection, customer support, and even dynamic pricing.

For many retailers, this is no longer optional. In a market shaped by luxury malls, high consumer expectations, and growing digital adoption, AI has shifted from a “nice to have” to a strategic necessity.

By using AI-powered systems, retailers can forecast demand more precisely, optimize inventory levels, and reduce waste. They can also tailor marketing campaigns to consumer behavior, automate customer support with intelligent chatbots, or use virtual shopping assistants to guide users through product selection.

The Future of Shopping: Agentic Commerce, Virtual Assistants, and Beyond

Visa’s report cites the rise of “Agentic Commerce,” where AI agents — not just tools — could drive purchases on behalf of consumers. From product discovery to completing transactions, these AI agents may soon handle much of the shopping process.

The shift is already underway. Earlier this year, UAE witnessed its first AI-agent transaction when a virtual assistant purchased movie tickets on behalf of a customer, marking a milestone in AI-powered service delivery in retail and entertainment.

As retailers and tech firms continue to integrate AI — from virtual shopping assistants to digital wallets and automated checkout — the entire retail ecosystem stands on the brink of transformation. Brands able to meet demands for speed, personalization, and security may thrive. Those that ignore the trend risk falling behind.

In this new landscape, consumers are no longer passive shoppers. They expect AI news today — fast, smart, personalized, and seamless. They expect AI news anchor–style services that respond to their needs instantly. They expect “AI news latest” in how they shop and pay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

AI Transforming How UAE Consumers Shop and Spend

1. Why is AI adoption growing so quickly among UAE shoppers?

AI adoption is rising because UAE consumers embrace digital solutions faster than most global markets. Retail platforms offer personalized product suggestions, instant research tools, and smarter price insights. This shift reflects the momentum captured in ai news today and latest ai news.

2. How many UAE consumers now rely on AI for shopping decisions?

Visa’s 2025 survey shows that 80% of UAE consumers use AI for their shopping and spending decisions. This trend highlights how deeply AI has entered everyday retail behavior across the region.

3. What exactly is an AI shopping assistant?

An AI shopping assistant is a smart tool that helps users discover products, compare prices, review details, and make informed purchases. Many consumers now describe it as similar to interacting with an ai news anchor or an ai news generator that responds instantly.

4. Why do UAE shoppers prefer digital wallets over traditional payment methods?

Digital wallets provide speed, convenience, and enhanced security. About 31% of shoppers prefer digital wallets, while many others view them as faster than cards. The trend aligns with growth seen in google ai news and openai news, where secure digital payments continue to evolve.

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