A new Visa survey has revealed how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are reshaping shopping and payment habits among consumers in the UAE.
The study highlights a growing reliance on AI in everyday shopping decisions, alongside an increasing interest in cryptocurrencies and digital wallets.
AI adoption in shopping
According to the survey, 80 percent of UAE consumers now use AI to enhance their shopping experience. Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for UAE, said, “The data tells a fascinating story about the spending shift we’re witnessing: shoppers are embracing AI and digital tools at remarkable speed. From AI-powered product discovery to cryptocurrency as a legitimate gift option, we’re seeing a fundamental reimagining of commerce – one increasingly shaped by the rise of Agentic Commerce.”
The survey found that 41 percent of UAE shoppers have used AI tools for product research, while 40 percent have employed AI to compare prices or find deals. Shoppers expect AI-powered tools to deliver the best possible prices, with 72 percent expressing confidence in these technologies. However, 69 percent of respondents still prefer to speak with human customer service representatives rather than relying solely on AI.
Cryptocurrency and digital payments
The report also highlights a shift towards digital currencies. About 70 percent of UAE respondents said they would be excited to receive cryptocurrency as a gift, and nearly 17 percent believe stablecoins could become the preferred payment method within the next decade. Meanwhile, over a third of shoppers expect the use of cash to decline or become obsolete by 2035, reflecting a broader move towards digital transactions.
With the expansion of digital commerce, security remains a key concern for consumers. Seventy-one percent of respondents worry that friends or family could fall victim to online scams, while 53 percent reported encountering fraud personally or through someone they know in the past year. Security is the most important factor in selecting a payment method, with 81 percent rating it as “extremely important,” and 93 percent taking proactive steps such as enabling two-factor authentication or regularly changing passwords.
Digital wallet momentum
Digital wallets are gaining ground alongside traditional payment methods. Nearly one-third of UAE shoppers now prefer digital wallets, with 40 percent citing speed and 32 percent highlighting fraud protection as key advantages. Despite this, physical cards remain widely accepted and continue to lead in convenience for many transactions.
2025 Holiday Spending Report
The 2025 Holiday Spending Report was commissioned by Visa and conducted by Morning Consult, surveying a sample of 1,000 UAE adults between October 14 and October 28, 2025. Interviews were conducted online, with data weighted by gender, age, education, and race. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
