UAE shoppers take advantage of discounts, AI and price comparisons

Holiday shopping is no longer tied to a single platform. Approximately 90% of UAE consumers still shop in physical stores, making brick-and-mortar retail the most used channel. Online marketplaces follow suit, with 87% purchasing gifts through e-commerce platforms.

Resale and recycled shopping are also becoming mainstream. Approximately 71% of respondents said they thrift shop online or in-store. For Millennials, that number rises to 80. For many families, reselling is a way to save money while purchasing branded and unique items.

Social commerce continues to grow. About 63% say they trust them more now than before. Nearly half look at reviews on YouTube and social media when researching gifts, and 51% trust influencer recommendations over advice from friends. For shoppers, this convergence of content and commerce has become part of the price-checking process.

Artificial intelligence is not just a novelty, it is rapidly becoming a budgeting tool. Approximately 61% of UAE consumers are already using AI to assist them with their holiday shopping.

Young shoppers see this as a way to save time and reduce stress.

Trust in technology is increasing. About 51% say they trust AI recommendations more than their own judgment of what others will like.

Looking to the future, shoppers want AI to do even more of the heavy lifting. Half want a tool that instantly summarizes thousands of reviews. About the same number of people want an estimate of how long a product will last. About 48% want to be alerted when spending exceeds budget, and this number jumps to 71% for older shoppers.

Despite tightening regulations, the mood surrounding the holiday season remains positive. About 64% say they feel excited, and 35% associate the season with connection. Many people also admit to spending on themselves. About 65% say they also buy snacks for themselves when shopping for others.

Popular gift categories reflect a little luxury rather than a big splurge. Specialty foods were the most popular at 44%, followed by fashion accessories at 40% and beauty products at 37%.

The benefits for families are clear. Holidays in the UAE are becoming smarter, slower and more planned. Shoppers are using sale calendars, resale platforms, and AI tools to enjoy the season and stay on budget. For many people, the goal is simple. It's about giving meaningful gifts without the January financial hangover.