Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes Consumer Behavior at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26
As the highly anticipated Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) approaches, new insights from YouGov reveal a significant transformation in consumer shopping behaviors facilitated by the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This shift marks a pivotal moment in how residents of the UAE engage with one of the country’s most celebrated retail events, reflecting broader trends in digitalization and consumer expectations.
According to the recently released Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 report, an impressive 72% of UAE residents express their intention to leverage AI technologies during this year’s festival, which runs from January 15 to February 15, 2026. This demonstrates a pronounced shift in consumer strategies, particularly among younger demographics. Notably, 74% of Gen Z and millennials are inclined to utilize AI for guidance during the mega sales season, whereas the figure drops to 64% among older generations. This generational divide suggests an entrenched comfort level with technology that could redefine retail interactions in the future.
A deeper analysis of consumer sentiment reveals that over one-third of participants (34%) are willing to entrust AI with the task of selecting and purchasing gifts for friends and family, while nearly one in three (29%) expressed a desire for AI to manage all their holiday shopping needs. This emerging trust in AI capabilities speaks volumes about how consumers are beginning to integrate technology into their daily lives and decision-making processes.
Amidst rising enthusiasm for mega sales events, a remarkable 59% of consumers in the UAE are poised to participate in the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26. This level of engagement is now comparable to other prominent shopping days like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. The growing interest is further evidenced by the statistic that 60% of residents indicate a heightened engagement with mega sales compared to two to three years ago, signifying a broader cultural embrace of shopping festivals.
Interestingly, the profile of DSF participants is evolving. Data suggests a notable increase in participation from older generations, with 67% of Gen X and Baby Boomers intending to shop, in contrast to 57% of younger shoppers. Additionally, there exists a substantial difference in shopping intentions among parents, who are significantly more likely to engage in the festival compared to non-parents. This shift highlights the festival’s resonance with diverse consumer demographics, suggesting that retailers need to cater to a variety of preferences and needs.
In terms of spending behavior, one-third of respondents (33%) anticipate spending more this year than they did in the previous year, reinforcing the festival’s status as a crucial driver of retail momentum in the region. Clothing remains the top category of interest, with 67% of shoppers planning to make purchases in this area, followed by accessories at 59% and technology products at 52%. However, it is the allure of personalized offers and flash deals that most excites consumers, with the majority citing these factors as primary incentives for shopping. The influence of interactive livestreams and influencer-driven promotions is also growing, demonstrating the importance of engaging digital marketing strategies in today’s retail landscape.
Nevertheless, the roadmap to a successful Dubai Shopping Festival is not devoid of challenges. Some consumers remain wary, citing concerns such as misleading discount practices and the tightening economic landscape as causes for their diminishing enthusiasm toward mega sales events. This highlights the imperative for retailers to build trust and transparency in their promotions, thereby ensuring sustained engagement from all consumer segments.
In summary, the 2025-26 Dubai Shopping Festival is poised for transformative success, heavily influenced by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. As AI continues to weave itself into the fabric of shopping, both retailers and consumers alike are navigating this new landscape, heralding a future where technology and commerce work hand in hand. The full report detailing these findings can be accessed through YouGov for those interested in a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics at play during this retail extravaganza.
Methodology: The insights are derived from a YouGov survey conducted between August 8 and August 18, 2025, engaging over 1,006 respondents across the UAE. Shoppers participating in the Dubai Shopping Festival are defined as those indicating that they are “Somewhat likely” or “Very likely” to make purchases during the event.
Tags: #Dubai #EconomyNews #RetailIndustry #ConsumerBehavior