UAE Leads Global Market In Mobile Shopping With Significant Consumer Engagement

The UAE is now the top global market for mobile shopping, as per the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index, UAE edition. This report, commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence, highlights the increasing influence of mobile devices on consumer habits. It offers UAE retailers valuable insights to enhance shopping experiences for customers.

Findings reveal that 67 percent of UAE consumers used their phones in their most recent retail purchase, a 23 percent rise from 2022. The UAE leads in online shopping via mobile devices at 37 percent, surpassing Singapore (34.8 percent), the UK (27.6 percent), and Brazil (24.4 percent).

Biometric authentication is popular among UAE consumers, with 32 percent using it for their latest online retail transaction. This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 17 percent. Additionally, 53 percent of UAE consumers prefer cross-channel shopping across physical and digital platforms.

UAE shoppers highly value rewards programmes (75 percent), free shipping (73 percent), and price matching (70 percent). Furthermore, 38 percent made their last retail purchase online via a mobile phone or computer for home delivery.

The robust business and regulatory environment in the UAE supports these trends. Merchants and government entities collaborate to provide secure and seamless digital payment experiences. This cooperation ensures customer-centric solutions are available to meet evolving consumer demands.

Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, stated: "The UAE’s approach shows what is possible when all stakeholders work together to build the future of commerce. Visa is delighted to contribute to the UAE government’s digital commerce agenda, and we remain committed to working with local businesses and banks to introduce innovations such as Visa’s Click to Pay that can deliver the digital payment experiences that today’s consumers demand."

Demographic Insights

The mobile-first mindset is prevalent across various demographic groups in the UAE. Millennials are at the forefront with a 73 percent participation rate in mobile shopping. Generation Z follows closely behind Generation X, while baby boomers and seniors show a significant drop-off at just 18 percent using mobile phones for recent purchases.

The consistent high rates of mobile shopping across demographics highlight its universal appeal in the UAE market. The collaboration between businesses and regulatory bodies continues to foster an environment conducive to innovative digital commerce solutions.

With inputs from WAM