Visa: 80% of UAE Shoppers Rely on AI for Shopping as the Shift Toward Digital Currencies Accelerates
Visa has revealed the results of its latest survey on spending behavior shifts in 2025, showing that 8 out of 10 shoppers in the UAE rely on artificial intelligence technologies to enhance their shopping experience — from product research and price comparison to gift recommendations and the adoption of digital currencies as a legitimate gifting option.
The survey, which examines the impact of AI on consumer behavior in the UAE, highlights an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of digital tools, reflecting a fundamental transformation in e-commerce and everyday spending habits.
Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager for Visa in the UAE, said the data reveals notable changes in consumer behavior, adding: “The survey results show that shoppers in the UAE are embracing AI and digital tools at a rapid pace, with 80% now using these technologies to enhance their shopping experience. From AI-powered product discovery to cryptocurrency as a legitimate gifting option, we are witnessing a fundamental reimagining of commerce driven by the rise of Agentic Commerce.”
AI Becomes a Core Shopping Companion
Survey findings showed that 41% of UAE shoppers have used AI tools to search for products, while 40% have relied on AI to compare prices or find the best deals, confirming that AI has become a key factor in purchase decisions.
At the same time, consumers are setting clear expectations as reliance on these tools grows. Around 72% of respondents believe AI-powered technologies are more capable of finding the best prices, while 69% still prefer interacting with a human customer service representative rather than AI.
Digital Currencies Move Into Everyday Use
The survey indicated that cryptocurrencies and stablecoins are no longer experimental tools, but are increasingly becoming mainstream, particularly among younger consumers. Around 70% of respondents in the UAE expressed excitement about receiving cryptocurrencies as a gift.
In addition, nearly 17% of shoppers believe that stablecoins could become the preferred payment method over the next decade, signaling a shift in payment preferences.
Expected Decline in Cash Usage
Regarding traditional payment methods, more than one-third of respondents (36%) expect cash usage to decline significantly or disappear altogether by 2035, while the same percentage anticipate increased adoption of stablecoins, underscoring the rapid shift toward a digital economy.
Trust and Security Remain Top Priorities
The survey also emphasized that security remains the most important factor when choosing a payment method. About 81% of respondents described security as “extremely important,” while 93% said they have taken proactive steps to protect themselves, such as enabling two-factor authentication and regularly changing passwords.
Growing Momentum for Digital Wallets
While physical cards continue to lead in terms of acceptance and ease of use, digital wallets are gaining strong momentum. Around 31% of shoppers now prefer using digital wallets, 40% consider them the fastest payment method, and 32% believe they provide better protection against fraud.
Overall, the survey reflects a profound shift in consumer behavior in the UAE, confirming that artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and digital wallets are becoming core components of the future of commerce and spending in the years ahead.
