Cover for the September 2026 PYMNTS Intelligence and Visa Acceptance Solutions Global Digital Shopping Index: UAE Playbook. Learn how AI is shaping the future of digital shopping in the UAE, providing new tools for both consumers and merchants.

72% of UAE Shoppers Used AI for Their Latest Purchase

Global Digital Shopping Index: UAE Playbook - The New UAE Shopper

PYMNTS Intelligence surveyed 1,270 UAE consumers to see how mobile tools, AI and payment choice are changing digital shopping. The findings show shoppers moving fast and merchants facing a short window to prepare for AI agents that can do more than recommend products.

Inside the September Playbook

  • AI use has reached the mainstream. Seventy-two percent of UAE shoppers used AI during their most recent purchase. Another 71% expect to use an AI shopping agent within two years.
  • Merchants have work ahead. Only 19% have made their product data readable by AI agents. Just 31% can identify sales that began on an AI platform.
  • Payment choice can win the sale. Eighty-six percent of UAE consumers say acceptance of their preferred payment method affects where they shop, the highest share among the three countries studied.

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