UAE leads the world in mobile shopping usage, global survey reveals
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The report places the UAE ahead of other tech-savvy markets like Saudi Arabia (66%) and Singapore (65%), cementing its position as a leader in digital retail engagement.
Mobile Shopping Surges Across the UAE
Smartphone usage for retail purchases in the UAE has grown by 23% since 2022, driven by demand for convenience, security, and seamless omnichannel experiences. The UAE also leads in online purchases via mobile devices at 37%, according to the survey, which was commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence.
The study gathered insights from 1,679 consumers and 329 merchants between October 17 and December 9, 2024, across eight global markets.
In-Store Shoppers Also Go Mobile
While mobile is dominant online, it's also transforming the in-store shopping experience:
73% of UAE consumers use their phones in-store to compare prices, search for coupons, or collect loyalty rewards.
This high engagement reflects a growing comfort with blended retail journeys, where the mobile device acts as a shopping assistant both digitally and physically.
Generational Breakdown of Mobile Shopping Habits
Although mobile shopping spans all age groups, adoption rates vary:
Millennials lead with 73% adoption, the highest among all age groups.
Gen X surprisingly outpaces Gen Z , highlighting a more established reliance on mobile shopping.
, highlighting a more established reliance on mobile shopping. Baby boomers and seniors show much lower adoption, with only 18% using smartphones for their latest purchase.
Security and Convenience Fuel Mobile Growth
UAE consumers cite security and ease of use as key reasons for their high mobile engagement:
32% of users used biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) in their latest online transaction that is almost double the global average.
One-third of shoppers chose one-click checkout via third-party platforms, far exceeding the global average of 17%.
Cross-Channel Shopping on the Rise
Consumers and businesses in the UAE are increasingly adopting cross-channel shopping features, allowing seamless transitions between online and offline retail:
53% of UAE shoppers already use or are interested in using cross-channel features.
On the business side, 56% of merchants currently offer these options, while 28% plan to implement them.
This alignment between consumer expectations and retailer offerings positions the UAE as a leader in digital commerce innovation.
Daily Shopping Habits Highlight Mobile Preference
According to the index:
UAE shoppers perform 1.5 mobile shopping activities per day, second only to Saudi Arabia.
They use mobile phones for product research an average of 17 days per month, preferring smartphones over computers across all digital shopping tasks.
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