Mastercard: 73% of consumers in the UAE shop online

A study conducted by MasterCard revealed a rapid growth in online shopping, with about 3 out of 4 consumers (73%) in the UAE shopping online compared to the period before the outbreak of the epidemic, as the global Covid-19 pandemic continues to stimulate e-commerce.

The study provides important insights into how shoppers are rapidly shifting toward contactless digital payment experiences rather than cash transactions.

This information helps merchants and companies operating online in the UAE and throughout the region, to benefit from this shift towards online shopping and to provide fast, convenient and secure transactions.

Increase in spending across various sectors

Consumer goods, healthcare services, clothing and banking services recorded the highest increase in online shopping activity.

More than 73% of consumers in the UAE indicated that they use the Internet more often to buy groceries and clothes (66%), while more than 60% said they bought medicines online.

As e-commerce has become a part of our daily life, consumers are transferring other aspects of their financial management to digital platforms, with 70% of respondents confirming that they have already started using online banking services.

The study also revealed the growing influence of social media platforms on consumers' spending habits, with 72% and 56% of respondents saying they had found new sellers on Facebook and Instagram, respectively.

Mastercard works closely with companies, financial institutions and other stakeholders to develop the digital payments landscape in the UAE.

The epidemic came to stress the need to continue to develop a secure payment experience for customers.

Whether by providing a simple online payment experience or contactless in-store payment, the ability to respond to rapidly changing consumer expectations is a priority for business success.

The growth of virtual experiences

As people try to adjust to the new situation, they gradually change the way they get entertained and learn new skills.

73% of consumers in the UAE view the quarantine period as a positive learning experience.

More than half of the respondents (51%) said they take virtual cooking lessons, 34% are learning a new language, and 26% are learning dance online.

While 44% of respondents said they are learning about "do it yourself" projects, more than a third (38%) indicated that they are learning how to film online.

Parallel to the increase in home shopping, the demand for online entertainment services has increased, with 78% of respondents investing to purchase subscriptions to online entertainment platforms and 56% in online games.

Ensure that new shopping habits are practiced safely

With the rapid growth of online shopping, consumers are becoming more aware of the risks associated with this experience. More than half of consumers (57%) said that a secure checkout experience is an essential component of a good shopping experience.

This is a top priority for the company, as MasterCard seeks to curb online fraud, and is keen to protect retailers from data breaches while making sure to provide consumers with a safe, comfortable and seamless payment experience.