Dubai: The UAE has emerged as the world's leading market for mobile shopping, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index, UAE edition, commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence. Drawing on insights from a survey of 1,679 consumers and 329 merchants in the UAE, the report examines the growing role that mobile devices play in consumer behavior, providing UAE retailers insights to deliver more convenient and secure shopping experiences for their customers.
According to Emirates News Agency, key findings indicate that 67 percent of UAE consumers used their phones as part of their latest retail purchase, marking a 23 percent increase since 2022. The index highlights that the UAE has the highest rate of online shopping via mobile devices at 37 percent, surpassing Singapore, the U.K., and Brazil.
The report further reveals that 32 percent of UAE consumers surveyed used biometric authentication for their latest online retail transaction, significantly exceeding the global average of 17 percent. Additionally, 53 percent of UAE consumers expressed a desire to use cross-channel shopping, the second-highest rate globally.
UAE shoppers rank among the highest worldwide in preferring rewards programmes, free shipping, and price matching. Furthermore, 38 percent of UAE shoppers made their most recent retail purchase online through a mobile phone or computer for home delivery.
These trends are supported by a robust business and regulatory environment, with UAE merchants and the government working closely to deliver secure, seamless, and customer-centric digital payment experiences. Visa's Vice President and Country Manager for UAE, Salima Gutieva, stated, "The UAE's approach shows what is possible when all stakeholders work together to build the future of commerce."
Consistently high rates of mobile shopping across demographic segments underscore the universal adoption of a mobile-first mindset in the UAE. Millennials lead in mobile shopping, while Generation Z and Generation X follow, with a notable drop among baby boomers and seniors.
