UAE Social Commerce Market to Double Traditional E-commerce by 2030

UAE consumers will make most of their online purchases through TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook by 2030. A recent report reveals that 96% of shoppers expect this fundamental change in their buying habits within the next six years. The move has already begun, as 86% of consumers have completed purchases through social media platforms[-2].

The UAE’s e-commerce market value will reach USD 11.05 billion in 2025. Experts project this figure to grow at 12.39% CAGR, reaching USD 20.54 billion by 2030. The social commerce segment will expand rapidly at 16.2%, touching USD 3.73 billion by 2025. Viral trends and social buzz shape 93% of UAE shoppers’ buying decisions[-2]. Facebook and Instagram lead this reshaping of the UAE market, with 69% and 68% of consumers respectively making purchases through these platforms[-2].

UAE shoppers shift to social media for purchases

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Social commerce is changing the retail world in the Emirates faster than ever. UAE consumers now prefer social media platforms over regular online stores. The UAE’s social commerce market will grow by 16.2% each year and reach USD 3.73 billion by 2025. This strong growth comes after an impressive CAGR of 19.6% from 2021-2024.

86% have already bought via social platforms

Social shopping has taken off, and 86% of UAE consumers have bought items directly through social media. Young shoppers use these platforms even for luxury items, with 45% finding high-end products through social media. These luxury shoppers complete 84% of their purchases through social channels.

UAE residents spend almost three hours every day on social media. During this time, 79% look up products and brands. About 54% find new products through social channels, and 50% depend on these platforms for product reviews.

96% expect to shop primarily on social media by 2030

Social commerce shows no signs of slowing down. An impressive 96% of UAE shoppers think social platforms will become their main shopping destination by 2030. This matches market forecasts that predict the industry will grow at a CAGR of 18.5% from 2024-2029.

Social media’s e-commerce features are driving this change. New tools like augmented reality have become vital, with 81% of UAE’s luxury shoppers using virtual try-on features. Influencer marketing plays a big role too – 93% of UAE shoppers say viral trends and social buzz affect their buying choices.

Facebook and Instagram lead in conversions

Facebook and Instagram are now 6 years old in leading social sales. The numbers show 69% of UAE’s online shoppers buy through Facebook, while 68% make purchases on Instagram.

These platforms help businesses target customers better. Meta platform ads reach over 29% of males aged 25-34 in UAE—one of the region’s biggest spending groups. Flash sales on social media also make a difference, leading 31% of UAE residents to buy products.

TikTok is growing faster in popularity. UAE has the world’s second-highest TikTok reach—over 118.5% of people aged 18 and older use the app. This explains why more brands targeting young audiences in Emirates choose TikTok.

AI and mobile-first tools reshape e-commerce UAE

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Technology and state-of-the-art solutions are substantially changing how UAE retailers connect with customers in the digital world. UAE’s e-commerce scene goes beyond regular online stores as retailers use innovative technology to boost shopping experiences.

Virtual try-ons and voice search gain traction

Virtual try-on technology has caught on with UAE retailers. Bloomingdale’s UAE lets online shoppers see how cosmetics from luxury brands like Dior, Chanel, and Gucci look on them without stepping into stores. Eyewear retailers like Magrabi have added virtual try-on tools that offer “instant face detection and facial tracking.” Their customers can try different eyeglass styles from home. These tools are great for fashion and beauty sectors where seeing products makes a big difference in buying decisions.

Voice search has become a game-changer in UAE’s digital world. More than 60% of UAE internet users have tried voice search at least once in the last year. Arabic voice searches have jumped 35% year-on-year. This shows why retailers need to focus on local voice search content in this market.

89% of shoppers want AI-powered shopping assistants

UAE shoppers just need smart shopping help. About 89% of consumers want AI tools to help them shop smarter. Young people lead this trend – 74% of Gen Z and 75% of Millennials used AI shopping assistants last year. Only 33% of Baby Boomers tried these tools.

UAE shoppers see clear benefits: 66% say AI helps filter online content, 65% find inspiration faster, and 61% use it to curb information overload on social media.

59% already use voice commands to shop

Voice shopping has taken off with 59% of UAE shoppers buying through voice commands. This matches UAE’s high smartphone usage. Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant have brought a new way to shop online. Shoppers can now buy things hands-free while moving around.

The technology still has room to grow. About 23% of UAE shoppers don’t feel comfortable using retailers’ AI when shopping online.

Delivery, returns, and trust drive cart abandonment

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UAE’s e-commerce sales completion rates depend heavily on logistics performance. Delivery options, return policies, and logistics partners’ reliability shape how UAE shoppers decide to complete their online purchases.

84% abandon carts if delivery options are lacking

E-commerce cart abandonment rates worldwide average 69.8%. Shoppers leave their carts behind when they can’t find their preferred delivery method – 81% of customers worldwide do this. UAE customers need reliable shipping more than others. They want to know their delivery provider’s identity before buying – 71% compared to 65% globally.

Expensive delivery costs stop many purchases. About 41% of shoppers worldwide drop their carts because shipping costs too much. Free delivery ranks as the top priority for 47% of online buyers. Companies that give express shipping options grow 60% faster than those with just standard shipping.

85% drop out due to poor return processes

Poor return policies drive away 79% of shoppers. This matters even more in UAE’s market, where return rates run between 15-40% based on what’s being sold. The MENA region sees about AED 14.69 billion worth of returned and refunded goods yearly.

Half the region’s shoppers care most about easy returns and refunds, and free returns are vital. Merchant errors cause 65% of all returns. Wrong items make up 23% of these returns, while 22% happen because products look different from what was ordered. Product damage or faults cause another 20%.

67% won’t buy from untrusted logistics providers

UAE consumers care deeply about their logistics partners’ reputation. Better delivery options alone make 61% of online shoppers choose one business over another. Buyers expect to track their purchases as they move. This visibility helps them trust the seller more.

Good delivery experiences bring customers back – 87% more often. Online stores must pick logistics partners carefully. These partners represent the brand’s values throughout the delivery process, unlike traditional retail stores.

Sustainability and social influence reshape buying behavior

UAE’s e-commerce landscape shows how environmental values and social media trends shape consumer behavior. Recent studies reveal new buying patterns driven by eco-friendly concerns and digital influence.

82% think about environmental effect when shopping

Environmental awareness now plays a key role in UAE shopping decisions. About 82% of consumers think about their environmental footprint during online purchases. Products from brands known for eco-friendly practices attract 68% of GCC consumers, who look at packaging and ethical sourcing. This matches global patterns where eco-friendly products grow three times faster than regular ones.

Price still matters. PwC’s studies show people worldwide will pay 9.7% more for eco-friendly goods, even with rising prices. Truth in advertising counts too – 64% of consumers don’t trust vague eco-friendly claims. They just need clear proof and real actions.

42% leave items unpurchased due to sustainability concerns

Sustainability now affects whether people complete their purchases. About 42% of UAE shoppers leave items in their cart because of sustainability issues. These same shoppers show interest in helping the environment – 68% say they would join recycling or buy-back programs from stores.

Ipsos research shows that while 82% of UAE residents would change their lifestyle to help the environment, 57% aren’t sure what steps to take. Quality, price, and ease of purchase still affect their final choices.

93% buy based on viral trends

Social media buzz shapes how UAE residents shop, with 93% saying trending items affect what they buy. Social platforms are a great way to get climate change information, reaching 98% of UAE users.

Digital trends create real changes. About 22% of UAE residents now follow green activists or influencers, and 15% stopped buying from companies that ignore sustainability. Looking ahead, 28% plan to avoid brands without clear environmental plans.

Looking Ahead: The Future of UAE E-Commerce

UAE’s e-commerce landscape is changing how people find and buy products. Social media platforms have become the new shopping destinations, with Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok leading this change. Online stores must adapt quickly or risk becoming obsolete as customers’ priorities move toward social commerce.

Technology drives this retail revolution. Virtual try-ons, AI shopping assistants, and voice-activated purchasing are no longer just nice-to-have features – customers expect them now. People need these tools, though older shoppers remain cautious about AI-driven shopping experiences.

Logistics issues create major barriers to sales. High delivery costs, complicated returns, and unreliable fulfillment partners push cart abandonment rates up. Companies that solve these problems will gain the most important competitive advantages in the UAE market.

Environmental responsibility has grown from a small concern into a major factor in purchasing decisions. UAE’s shoppers now assess brands based on their environmentally responsible practices and often abandon purchases when these values don’t match. Social media amplifies these priorities as viral trends and online discussions shape buying decisions throughout the Emirates.

These factors show what UAE e-commerce will look like by 2030. Social platforms will shape the shopping experience, while AI and voice technologies make finding and buying products easier. Brands must focus on environmentally responsible practices and clear logistics to meet customer expectations. Those who ignore these changes risk becoming irrelevant in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital marketplaces.