AI shopping assistants win consumer trust in UAE and US markets

Research in the United Arab Emirates shows strong consumer openness to AI‑driven shopping assistants. Sixty‑four percent of UAE shoppers said they would trust an AI assistant more than a family member to make purchasing decisions, and a similar share believed AI could select clothing that suits them better than they could themselves. Seventy‑one percent would let an AI substitute products or brands for better deals, while 72 % would use AI to secure event tickets. About 62 % are comfortable with AI making purchases on their behalf, though concerns remain about data sharing, responsibility for errors and child safety.

A separate study of US consumers finds that AI chatbots are most influential in the early stages of the shopping journey, helping users discover products, while traditional search tools dominate the price‑comparison phase. Users who arrive via an AI chatbot are 2.5 times more likely to visit a recommended brand, view twice as many pages, and spend twice as long on the site, highlighting AI’s growing role in driving traffic and engagement for retailers.