In a new achievement that reflects the country’s leadership in the adoption of technology, the UAE topped the list of countries that use artificial intelligence in the shopping and e-commerce sector, according to a recent report by Fremow, a specialist in retail technologies. The report revealed that 73% of shoppers in the UAE use artificial intelligence tools and applications to make purchasing decisions, the highest percentage in the world, surpassing both Singapore (58%) and the United States (52%).
Digital confidence and a willingness to innovate
This broad embrace reflects the confidence of Emirati consumers in digital solutions, and their willingness to integrate new technologies into their daily routine. Continued government support for digital transformation, coupled with cutting-edge infrastructure, has created an ideal environment for the prosperity of AI technologies in the retail sector. The shopping sector is one of the vital sectors in the UAE, where it is witnessing a dynamic movement that attracts consumers of different nationalities, making it a fertile ground for the implementation of these innovative solutions.
Applications Turn Shopping Experience
The use of artificial intelligence is not limited to simple recommendations, but includes a wide range of applications that redefine the shopping experience:
Smart recommendation systems analyze purchasing behaviors and browsing history to provide accurate suggestions to customers.
Virtual assistants and round-the-clock chatbots to provide support, answer queries and enhance customer service efficiency.
Visual search tools that allow users to find similar products using images.
Improve inventory management and supply chains through data-supported demand forecasts.
Customized AI-based shopping experiences to improve pricing and offerings for each individual customer.
“Future Stores” is becoming a reality
Launched by the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai’s ‘Future Stores’ initiative is a pioneering model that embraces startups specializing in retail technologies, including those based on artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to promote innovation in this sector and provide a supportive environment for the development of next-generation shopping solutions, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to driving this global transformation.
Source: Al-Khaleej newspaper, technology and retail reports, data from Fremo, as well as information from Business Europe and government initiatives such as the Future Stores initiative.
