The UAE leads the world to shop via mobile phone

The UAE has topped the list of global markets in the field of mobile phone, according to the results of the “Global Digital Shopping Index 2025”, a joint study prepared by the Pymnts Intelligence Council commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions.

The study, which included 1,679 consumers and 329 merchants in the country, showed that 67% of consumers in the UAE used their smartphones in the latest purchase, an increase of 23% compared to 2022.

The UAE recorded the highest electronic shopping rate using mobile devices, by 37%, ahead of Singapore, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

The state also recorded a global average advanced in the use of biometric authentication “32%” when buying online bypassing the global average at 17%, and 53% of consumers expressed their desire to shop through multiple channels, while 75% preferred reward programs, 73% free shipping, and 70% matching prices.

The report also indicated that 38% of shoppers in the UAE performed the last purchases using a mobile phone or computer with the option to connect to the home.

The results confirmed that consumers in the Emirates are more heading towards the “phone first” style, especially between the millennial generation, with a use of 73%.

Commenting on the results of the study, Salima Gutiva, Vice President and Director General of Visa in the country said that the UAE’s approach reflects the great capabilities that can be achieved by unifying efforts to build the future of trade, and we work in Visa in partnership with the governmental and private sectors to provide innovative solutions such as the “Click to pay” to provide safe and smooth digital payment experiences.

These indicators reflect the advanced organizational environment in the country, and its continuous support for the digital business system, allowing retailers to enhance customer experience and achieve sales growth by providing flexible and safe payment options.

The global digital shopping index is based on a survey of 18,468 consumers and 3,464 merchants in eight countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, Mexico and Brazil, during the period from October to December 2024.