72% of UAE shoppers leverage AI in their latest purchases
Artificial intelligence tools now play a central role in purchase decisions across the UAE, with consumers using AI to discover products, compare prices and validate buying choices on mobile and digital channels.
Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools when making purchases. Recent research shows that only 28% of UAE shoppers did not use AI in their most recent transaction—a significant indicator that AI-assisted buying has become mainstream in one of the world's most digitally advanced retail markets. This shift underscores the rapid transformation of e-commerce in the Gulf region, where mobile-first commerce and digital adoption rates remain exceptionally high.
Customers now deploy smartphones as storefronts, research hubs and payment instruments simultaneously. AI has layered onto this experience by personalizing product discovery, enabling real-time price comparison and answering pre-purchase questions through intelligent assistants. Voice search, image recognition and recommendation engines are streamlining traditional checkout flows and reshaping customer interaction patterns. The technology reduces friction at every step, from initial interest to final transaction.
These findings demand a strategic reassessment from e-commerce operators and brands. AI-powered product recommendations, conversational support and hyper-personalized search functions are no longer optional differentiators—they are baseline competitive requirements. Market dynamics in the UAE may signal broader MENA region trends and global patterns. Retailers and sellers who fail to embed AI capabilities into their platforms risk losing market share as consumer expectations shift decisively toward intelligent, responsive commerce environments.