The UAE ranks first worldwide in mobile shopping, with 67% of consumers using smartphones for their latest purchase, driven by security, ease, and convenience/Representative Image
The UAE has been ranked first globally for mobile shopping usage, with 67% of consumers using their smartphones for their most recent purchase whether online or in-store, according to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index.
The report places the UAE ahead of other tech-savvy markets like Saudi Arabia (66%) and Singapore (65%), cementing its position as a leader in digital retail engagement.Mobile Shopping Surges Across the UAE
In-Store Shoppers Also Go Mobile
While mobile is dominant online, it's also transforming the in-store shopping experience:- 73% of UAE consumers use their phones in-store to compare prices, search for coupons, or collect loyalty rewards.
- This high engagement reflects a growing comfort with blended retail journeys, where the mobile device acts as a shopping assistant both digitally and physically.
Generational Breakdown of Mobile Shopping Habits
- Millennials lead with 73% adoption, the highest among all age groups.
- Gen X surprisingly outpaces Gen Z, highlighting a more established reliance on mobile shopping.
- Baby boomers and seniors show much lower adoption, with only 18% using smartphones for their latest purchase.
Security and Convenience Fuel Mobile Growth
UAE consumers cite security and ease of use as key reasons for their high mobile engagement:
- 32% of users used biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) in their latest online transaction that is almost double the global average.
- One-third of shoppers chose one-click checkout via third-party platforms, far exceeding the global average of 17%.
Cross-Channel Shopping on the Rise
- 53% of UAE shoppers already use or are interested in using cross-channel features.
- On the business side, 56% of merchants currently offer these options, while 28% plan to implement them.
This alignment between consumer expectations and retailer offerings positions the UAE as a leader in digital commerce innovation.Daily Shopping Habits Highlight Mobile Preference
- UAE shoppers perform 1.5 mobile shopping activities per day, second only to Saudi Arabia.
- They use mobile phones for product research an average of 17 days per month, preferring smartphones over computers across all digital shopping tasks.