A recent study by Visa reveals that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the digital shopping experience for UAE residents. With 85% of consumers leveraging AI-driven tools, the majority find that these technologies significantly streamline the process of comparing prices, scouting for gift ideas, and vetting product reviews. While shoppers are quick to embrace AI for product discovery and research, they remain hesitant regarding financial autonomy, as only about a third of respondents are comfortable letting AI agents handle their actual checkout transactions.

However, the rise of e-commerce on social media—where 69% of users now shop—has brought a surge in security concerns. Nearly half of the consumers surveyed reported encountering financial scams over the past year, with social platforms proving to be the most frequent targets for fraudsters. The report also highlights a growing vulnerability among younger generations, noting that many children struggle to identify scams while gaming or shopping. Consequently, while 85% of shoppers view AI as a vital shield against future fraud, there is a clear emphasis on the need for increased digital literacy and robust security measures to protect the most susceptible users.