Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a mainstream shopping tool in Qatar, with 90% of consumers using AI-powered technologies during their purchasing journey, according to a new study released by Visa.
The findings highlight how AI is reshaping consumer behavior across the Gulf, influencing everything from product discovery and price comparisons to purchasing decisions and customer engagement. The study suggests that AI-powered commerce is moving from an emerging trend to a core component of the digital retail experience.
Consumers are increasingly using AI-enabled tools to search for products, receive personalized recommendations, compare options, discover deals, and streamline purchasing decisions. As generative AI platforms, intelligent assistants, and recommendation engines become more widely available, shoppers are becoming more comfortable incorporating these technologies into everyday transactions.
The research reflects broader changes taking place across Qatar’s digital economy, where high internet penetration, widespread smartphone adoption, and strong digital payment usage have created favorable conditions for the rapid adoption of AI-driven services.
Retailers are responding by investing in AI-powered customer experiences designed to improve personalization, increase engagement, and enhance conversion rates. From intelligent chatbots and virtual shopping assistants to predictive analytics and recommendation engines, AI is becoming a central element of modern retail strategies.
The study also points to a growing consumer expectation for convenience and personalization. Shoppers increasingly expect digital platforms to understand their preferences, anticipate their needs, and deliver tailored experiences that simplify decision-making. AI technologies enable retailers to meet these expectations while improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
At the same time, trust remains a critical factor in AI adoption. While consumers are embracing AI tools to assist with shopping decisions, they continue to place significant importance on payment security, data privacy, transparency, and the reliability of digital platforms. As a result, retailers and technology providers must balance innovation with robust trust and security frameworks.
The findings are particularly relevant for the payments sector. As AI becomes more integrated into shopping experiences, payment providers are exploring how intelligent technologies can support fraud prevention, transaction security, personalized offers, and seamless checkout processes. This convergence of AI and payments is expected to play a major role in the evolution of digital commerce.
For Qatar, the study reflects the country’s growing digital maturity. Consumers are increasingly engaging with advanced technologies as part of their daily lives, creating opportunities for businesses to introduce new digital services and AI-powered customer experiences.
The trend is expected to accelerate as AI capabilities continue to improve and become more deeply embedded within e-commerce platforms, retail applications, and digital payment ecosystems.
Editor’s Note
The Visa study highlights a significant shift in the role of artificial intelligence within commerce. AI is no longer operating behind the scenes as a business optimization tool. It is increasingly becoming a direct participant in consumer decision-making.
Historically, retailers used data analytics to understand customer behavior after purchases occurred. AI is changing this dynamic by influencing decisions before and during the purchasing process. Consumers are actively consulting AI tools to evaluate products, compare alternatives, and identify the best purchasing options.
For Qatar and the wider Gulf region, this trend is particularly important because it signals the emergence of AI-assisted commerce as a mainstream consumer behavior. High levels of digital adoption, strong payment infrastructure, and sophisticated online retail ecosystems are creating ideal conditions for the rapid integration of AI into everyday transactions.
The findings also raise important strategic questions for businesses. If consumers increasingly rely on AI-generated recommendations, visibility within AI-driven discovery systems could become as important as traditional search rankings or digital advertising placements. Retailers may need to rethink how products are presented, optimized, and marketed in an AI-first environment.
Trust remains the defining factor. While adoption rates are high, consumers continue to expect transparency, privacy protection, and secure transactions. Organizations that successfully combine AI innovation with strong trust frameworks will be best positioned to capture long-term consumer confidence.
From a digital economy perspective, the study demonstrates how AI is moving beyond enterprise experimentation into mass-market adoption. The technology is becoming embedded within everyday activities, influencing how people search, evaluate, and purchase products.
The broader implication is that commerce is entering a new phase where AI acts as an intermediary between consumers and businesses. Companies that adapt to this reality by integrating intelligent experiences, strengthening trust mechanisms, and leveraging AI-driven personalization will be better positioned to compete in the next generation of digital retail.
