Nearly three-quarters of UAE shoppers surveyed have used artificial intelligence during their latest purchase journey, while 71% expect to use AI shopping agents within two years, according to new research by Visa.
UAE shoppers embrace AI-powered shopping
AI is becoming an increasingly common part of shopping in the UAE, with consumers using the technology to research products, compare options and make purchasing decisions.
The 2026 Global Digital Shopping Index, commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and produced by PYMNTS Intelligence, found that 72% of UAE shoppers surveyed used AI during their most recent purchase journey.
The figure was higher than in Brazil, at 53%, and the US, at 46%.
UAE shoppers also recorded the highest digital shopping activity among the three markets, averaging 2.3 digital shopping activities per day.
Consumer interest in AI shopping agents is also growing. Some 71% of UAE shoppers surveyed expect to use an AI shopping agent within the next two years.
These agents could take on a more active role in shopping, moving beyond product searches and comparisons to completing purchases on behalf of consumers.
82% would let AI agents make purchases
The research suggests that many UAE consumers are open to allowing AI to handle purchases, provided they retain control over spending.
More than eight in 10 respondents, or 82%, said they would allow an AI agent to make an autonomous purchase if they could set a maximum spending limit.
Consumers also showed a preference for giving permission to access their personal information on a case-by-case basis, covering both shopping and payment data.
This highlights the importance of spending limits, clear permissions and secure payment systems as AI takes on a bigger role in online shopping.
UAE retailers prepare for AI-driven sales
Businesses also expect AI shopping agents to become a source of sales.
According to the study, 74% of UAE merchants surveyed expect AI agents to account for at least 5% of their sales within the next two years. Meanwhile, 42% expect the technology to generate at least 16% of their sales.
However, retailers still face challenges in preparing their systems for these transactions.
Only 19% of UAE merchants surveyed currently have structured product data that AI agents can read, while 31% can clearly identify when a sale originates from an AI platform.
Improving product information and payment systems will be important for businesses seeking to support purchases made through AI agents.
Payment options remain important to UAE consumers
Despite the growing use of AI, payment choice continues to influence where UAE shoppers spend their money.
The study found that 86% of UAE consumers surveyed said knowing that a merchant accepts their preferred payment method influences their choice of retailer. This was the highest proportion among the three markets examined.
The findings suggest that retailers will need to combine AI-enabled shopping services with familiar, secure and convenient payment options.
Mario Makary, UAE Country Manager at Visa, said: “UAE consumers are clearly ready for the next evolution of AI-powered commerce, and merchants increasingly recognize the growth opportunity it presents. The priority now is to close the gap between ambition and readiness. That means ensuring merchants have the structured data, acceptance capabilities and trusted payment infrastructure needed for AI agents to move securely from discovery to transaction. Visa is focused on helping merchants prepare for this shift by enabling secure, authenticated and tokenized payments while keeping consumers in control of how, when and where their money moves.”
