Consumers in the UAE and KSA show rapid generative AI adoption, with 58% having used tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini and 55% of users engaging weekly or daily for personal, educational, and professional purposes. Smartphones are used daily by 96% and remain the primary device. Interest in connected devices is high, with 89% planning purchases in the next 12 months, though smart home adoption lags Western markets. Social media drives commerce and news consumption, with 73% making purchases via social platforms and influencer-driven shopping increasing. About 20% remain unfamiliar with AI and one in four infrequent users cite data privacy as a top concern.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 consumers aged 18-50 across both markets, highlights the rapid adoption of generative AI, the continued dominance of smartphones, the growing appeal of connected devices, and the shift towards social commerce.The findings reveal a significant increase in AI usage, with 58% of respondents having used generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, markedly higher than in the UK or European markets.
Generative AI becomes mainstream, but awareness gaps remainConsumers in KSA and the UAE are embracing AI-powered tools at an accelerated pace. While 55% of generative AI users engage with these tools weekly or daily, driven by personal, educational and professional applications. 20% of respondents are still unfamiliar with AI technology. The study finds that data privacy concerns remain a key barrier, for infrequent users in particular, with one in four citing privacy as their top concern.
Smartphones remain dominant, but smart home adoption lagsThe smartphone continues to be the primary digital device in the region, with 96% of consumers using it daily. Meanwhile, 89% of consumers in the UAE and KSA plan to purchase a new connected device in the next 12 months, with smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops ranking as the most desired categories. Meanwhile, smart home device adoption is still emerging, trailing behind Western markets, though interest in connected living solutions is steadily rising.
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