Consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dominate the mobile shopping landscape, leading the way among eight countries analyzed in a recent study by PYMNTS Intelligence. Over two-thirds of respondents reported making their last retail purchase via a mobile device. Additionally, the average UAE consumer spends around 17 days a month browsing for products on their mobile, significantly exceeding the global benchmark.
The findings reveal that UAE consumers show the highest preference worldwide for shopping remotely or ordering online for home delivery. While interest in in-store pickups is somewhat lower, their participation in this method of shopping is also above average.
To remain competitive, merchants in the UAE must adopt a mobile-first approach. A key area for enhancement is the integration of cross-channel shopping, which bridges in-store and online experiences, allowing consumers to enjoy consistent digital functionalities across devices. Despite the demand for this capability, merely 56% of UAE retailers currently provide it.
Highlights from “The 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index: UAE Edition”:
- The current landscape of mobile-first shopping in the UAE
- Comparative analysis of the UAE against other significant markets in mobile adoption
- Insights into what UAE consumers prioritize in their payment experiences
- Frequency of browsing and purchasing via mobile devices among UAE shoppers
- Essential checkout and authentication features for retailers
- The disparity between consumer demand and retail offerings in cross-channel shopping
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Visa Acceptance Solutions 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index: UAE Edition
Mobile devices have established themselves as the primary gateway for engaging with shoppers in the UAE. This report provides essential insights for merchants aiming to thrive in the mobile-driven environment, regardless of their focus on online or physical retail.
About the Report
“The 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index: UAE Edition” was commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions, with research conducted and reported by PYMNTS Intelligence. It is based on insights gathered from a survey of 18,468 consumers and 3,464 merchants across eight countries, conducted between October 17 and December 9, 2024. The report analyzes the increasing significance of mobile devices in influencing consumer behavior in the UAE across both physical and digital shopping avenues.