UAE shoppers are the most mobile-centric in the world

A new study has found that highly digital shoppers in the UAE are the most mobile-centric and omni-channel consumers in the world.

More than 70% of in-store shoppers in the UAE say they are more likely than others to use a smartphone to enhance their shopping experience, especially when using their device to find product information and compare prices from other merchants.

On the other hand, merchants in the UAE are more likely than merchants in other countries to offer mobile-based capabilities to their brick-and-mortar shoppers. 70% of merchants offer cross-channel digital profiles that allow consumers to access their identity and payment information in-store and online. In other words, according to a survey called “Global Shopping Index 2022: UAE Edition,” conducted by Pymnts and Visa Cyber​​​source.

Globally, the UAE ranks 44th for digital quality of life, and a global digital wellbeing study also found that the UAE has the fastest mobile internet in Asia.

According to the Digital Quality of Life Index, which takes into account internet speed, stability and growth, the UAE ranks third in the world for internet quality, 54% higher than the global average.

In terms of internet speed alone, mobile internet in the UAE ranks ahead of fixed broadband globally, with an operating speed of 247.7 Mbps/s (first in the world). Meanwhile, fixed broadband Internet came in 13th.

Nearly one-third of local e-commerce shoppers pick up in-store or via curbside pickup. Reflecting a strong consumer preference for a mobile shopping experience, this is just one of many features that make the country’s e-commerce market unique on the world stage, the Pymnts and Visa report said.

“UAE shoppers’ strong preference for mobile commerce touches all aspects of their shopping journey, including their in-store shopping experience. Meeting the needs of these mobile-centric shoppers is critical to the success and impact of businesses in a market that is steadily evolving on a cashless journey. Development is critical,” said Dr Saeeda Jaffar, Visa Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC Region.

“With the country’s growing interest in online and mobile shopping, responsible digital retailers are looking to improve their systems to provide customers with a seamless and secure online and in-store shopping experience. These statistics enable retailers to Ability to identify challenges and adapt to consumers’ mobile preferences to ensure their retail journey is safe and frictionless.”

Survey shows that 65% of consumers have used a smartphone at some point during their recent retail journey, while more than one-third made their last purchase entirely from a smartphone

Another finding was that shoppers using their phones in-store experienced 9% more friction than their counterparts in other countries.

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