The UAE is emerging as one of the world’s most advanced testbeds for artificial intelligence in everyday shopping, with new data suggesting consumers are increasingly outsourcing not just product discovery, but decision-making itself to AI tools.

According to Visa’s annual Stay Secure study, released on June 9 in the UAE and conducted by Wakefield Research, AI-enabled shopping and social commerce are rapidly reshaping how consumers browse, compare, and buy products online. The study shows that digital convenience is now deeply embedded in consumer behaviour, but trust boundaries remain uneven when it comes to letting machines complete transactions.

Read more-You clicked ‘Apply’ — now what? What GCC hiring platforms really do with your resume

At the same time, a separate study from Checkout.com highlights an even more striking shift: in the UAE, trust in AI agents is not only growing faster than in other markets, but in some cases is surpassing trust in human judgment altogether.

Together, the findings point to a fast-accelerating transition toward “agentic commerce”, where AI systems act not just as assistants, but as autonomous shopping agents making decisions on behalf of consumers.

From product search to AI-driven decision making

Visa’s research shows that AI has already become a mainstream shopping companion in the UAE.

Around 85 per cent of consumers say they have used AI tools to assist with shopping activities. These include checking product reviews or ratings (60 per cent), comparing prices (59 per cent), and finding gift ideas (55 per cent), according to a WAM report.

The data suggests that AI is no longer a niche tool but a default layer in the digital shopping journey.

Visa notes that 93 per cent of respondents believe new technologies, including AI-powered tools, are making online shopping faster and easier than before. Meanwhile, 60 per cent of consumers say they regularly discover new brands or retailers while shopping online, reinforcing the role of AI in shaping discovery and demand.

However, while AI is widely used as a guide, consumers are still cautious about handing over full control. Only 32 per cent of UAE respondents say they would trust AI agents to complete checkout on their behalf, highlighting a clear gap between assistance and autonomy.

Trust surpasses family in AI shopping decisions

If Visa’s data shows growing comfort with AI-assisted shopping, Checkout.com’s findings suggest something far more disruptive: a reordering of trust itself.

According to its report Agentic Commerce 2026: The State of Consumer Demand and Merchant Readiness, 79 per cent of UAE consumers feel comfortable letting an AI complete a purchase for them. More strikingly, nearly two-thirds, 64 per cent, say they would trust an AI shopping agent more than their own family members when making shopping decisions.

The implication is significant: AI is increasingly being viewed not just as a tool, but as a superior decision-maker in specific contexts like shopping.

That trust extends into areas traditionally considered highly personal. The study finds that 64 per cent of respondents believe AI shopping agents would pick clothing that suits them better than they could choose themselves. Meanwhile, 24 per cent are comfortable sharing sensitive financial data such as salary, disposable income, and real-time bank balances with an AI system, and 19 per cent would allow access to their personal calendars.

Even brand loyalty appears negotiable. Around 71 per cent of UAE consumers say they would allow AI agents to switch preferred brands or substitute products if better value is found.

The rise of social commerce and embedded risk

As AI reshapes discovery and decision-making, social platforms are becoming a dominant shopping channel.

Visa’s research shows that 69 per cent of UAE consumers have already purchased products directly through social media platforms. However, this shift has also expanded exposure to fraud.

Nearly 46 per cent of respondents say they have experienced a financial scam in the past 12 months. Of those affected, 38 per cent report the incident occurred on social media, more than on websites, online marketplaces, or shopping apps.

The Checkout.com report reinforces this concern, highlighting that while consumers are increasingly open to AI-driven shopping, the supporting infrastructure for secure “agentic commerce” is still evolving.

Fraud awareness and the growing role of AI in security

Interestingly, consumers are not viewing AI purely as a risk factor, they are also seeing it as part of the solution.

Visa found that 57 per cent of respondents believe AI has already made scams easier to recognise, while 85 per cent think it will play a critical role in protecting consumers from fraud in the future.

At the same time, expectations around protection are shifting firmly toward institutions rather than individuals. Around 36 per cent of consumers believe banks or financial institutions should take primary responsibility for fraud protection, while an equal 36 per cent point to government authorities or regulators.

Payment providers are seen as responsible by 34 per cent, compared to just 19 per cent who believe consumers themselves should carry the main burden.

Consumers are also calling for more proactive safeguards. Around 60 per cent say they would feel more secure receiving real-time alerts from their bank or payment app when suspicious activity occurs, while 33 per cent would feel more comfortable seeing a trusted logo at checkout.

Children, scams and the next digital risk frontier

The rapid digitisation of commerce is also raising concerns about younger users.

Visa’s findings show that 80 per cent of consumers believe children in their lives struggle to recognise scams online, while 67 per cent say they have already seen a child fall victim to fraud while gaming or shopping.

Access is also expanding: 33 per cent of parents in the UAE say their children can already use mobile payment apps or digital wallets. This raises longer-term questions about financial literacy and digital safety in an increasingly AI-mediated commerce environment.

The Checkout.com perspective: Infrastructure still catching up

Rory O’Neill, CMO at Checkout.com, said the industry is entering a rapid transition phase.

“Agentic commerce is quickly moving from concept to reality. Consumers are beginning to experiment with AI agents for everyday purchases, and across the industry we’re seeing rapid collaboration around the protocols and standards that will support this next phase of ecommerce. But while adoption is ramping up, the infrastructure behind it is still developing. Consumers need confidence that AI agents will operate within clear controls around security, refunds, permissions and spend limits. Until those foundations are in place, trust will remain one of the biggest barriers to adoption.”

The report adds that only 3 per cent of transactions in the UK and US currently involve AI agents, but 89 per cent of merchants are actively preparing for agentic commerce, signalling that supply-side readiness is rising even as consumer trust frameworks are still forming.

A market redefining trust, control and choice

Both studies point to the same underlying shift: UAE consumers are not just adopting AI tools, they are beginning to delegate judgment.

But the transition is uneven. While discovery and comparison are already AI-driven, checkout and financial authority remain areas of hesitation. The result is a hybrid system where AI is deeply embedded in decision-making but not yet fully trusted with execution.

As Visa’s Head of Risk for GCC, Dibyajyoti Sen, noted:

“Visa’s Stay Secure study reveals that as online shopping and social commerce continue to accelerate, fraud and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Consumers perceive fraud protection as a shared responsibility but expect banks and payment providers to take the lead, highlighting the importance of secure-by-design payment systems.”

He added: “As commerce moves toward more AI-powered and agentic experiences, consumers are embracing the convenience AI can bring to shopping but remain sceptical about AI completing purchases on their behalf. With Visa Intelligent Commerce, we are enabling the next era of commerce built on trust, control and confidence.”

The road to agentic commerce

What emerges from both reports is a clear trajectory: the UAE is moving faster than most markets toward AI-led commerce, but the system supporting it is still evolving.

Consumers are increasingly willing to let AI choose, compare, and even substitute products. In some cases, they are even willing to trust it more than family members for shopping decisions.

Yet the final step, full transactional autonomy, remains incomplete.

The next phase of retail innovation will likely hinge on a single question: not whether AI can shop for consumers, but whether consumers will fully trust it to decide for them.

The United States launched new strikes against multiple targets overnight in Iran, the US military said on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump vowed even more attacks if no peace deal is secured.

The military’s Central Command announced the strikes were complete about four hours after they began shortly after midnight in Tehran, saying in a post on X that the targets included “military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites across Iran.”

“The strikes are in response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression,” Central Command said.

The attacks were the latest development in an escalating exchange of strikes that threatens to reignite a full-scale war, which was paused in early April when the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said early on Thursday they had launched counter-attacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and Bahrain’s interior ministry said sirens were sounded.

Iran’s top joint military command also warned it would fire on any vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been largely closed for months. Iranian media reported that two ships were fired upon.

US Central Command denied that the strait was closed, saying commercial ships were still transiting the strait despite Iran’s threats. Trump said earlier in the day that vessels have been crossing the strait without Iran’s permission as part of a clandestine military mission.

Trump told Fox News reporter Trey Yingst on Wednesday evening that the strikes would stop shortly but that he would “bomb … them” if Iran’s leaders did not sign an agreement with the US immediately, Yingst wrote on X.

Iranian news agencies reported explosions in several cities, including Sirik, Kargan, Bandar Abbas, Minab, Varamin and Karaj.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the move as an effort to force Iran into a deal to end the conflict, telling reporters during a visit to Central Command in Florida that the strikes would “advance our military interests and also enhance our diplomatic position.”

“We will strike them hard tonight, and hopefully Iran makes a good decision,” he said. “If we need to negotiate with bombs, we’ll negotiate with bombs.”

The US and Iran have traded fire several times since the tentative ceasefire took hold, even as negotiators have unsuccessfully sought an end to the war, now in its fourth month. Trump has repeatedly said a deal is close, though there has been no sign of a breakthrough, while also threatening to resume bombing.

The US military earlier targeted air defenses and radar sites around the Strait of Hormuz after a US attack helicopter was downed near the strategic waterway on Monday. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. A US official said there was no significant damage.

Iran accused the US of striking reservoirs that supplied drinking water to 10 villages and violating international law.

“This is not collateral damage — it is a calculated war crime and a flagrant violation of human rights,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghei said.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump, who has threatened before to destroy Iran’s civilian infrastructure, did not say whether the coming strikes would target power plants and bridges.

Despite the belligerent language from both sides, there were signs of continuing diplomatic efforts.

A delegation from Qatar, which has been mediating between the United States and Iran, landed in Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks on the latest developments, Iranian media reported.

Emirates SkyCargo has announced the launch of dedicated weekly freighter services to Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan, marking the carrier’s first cargo destination in Central Asia.

The new Boeing 777F service will commence on June 16, 2026, operating every Tuesday and providing more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity per week between Dubai and Almaty.

The launch creates a new trade corridor linking Central Asia with Emirates SkyCargo’s global network and is expected to facilitate the movement of key commodities including electronics, perishables, machinery and consumer goods.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, serves as a major commercial and logistics hub for Central Asia and is increasingly playing a strategic role in regional trade and connectivity.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said: “Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service to Almaty is in line with our role as a global trade facilitator and is an important step in expanding our network and connectivity to Central Asia, a region that is experiencing dynamic growth.

“Our flights will provide new opportunities for businesses in Almaty and the surrounding region to scale their international operations while allowing our global customers convenient and rapid wide-body cargo connectivity to a strategic marketplace. The expansion into Almaty supports our long-term growth strategy and D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives, accelerating foreign trade and Dubai’s standing as a global logistics hub.”

The expansion forms part of Emirates SkyCargo’s broader fleet and network growth strategy as the carrier responds to rising global cargo demand.

The airline has taken delivery of four new Boeing 777 freighters since March 2026 and expects six additional aircraft to join the fleet before the end of the year.

Upon completion of the deliveries, Emirates SkyCargo’s freighter fleet will grow to 21 aircraft by December 2026.

Alongside its dedicated freighter operations, the carrier also provides cargo capacity through the bellyhold of Emirates passenger aircraft serving destinations across six continents.

The addition of Almaty further strengthens Emirates SkyCargo’s international network while supporting Dubai’s ambitions to expand trade links and reinforce its position as a leading global logistics and aviation hub.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran had taken too long to negotiate a deal and would now “have to pay the price”, while Tehran said it would reassess diplomatic engagement with Washington after overnight tit-for-tat strikes.

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain in what it called retaliation for American strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz.

The exchange of fire, which came after Trump said Iran had downed a US Apache helicopter near the strait, marks one of the most significant escalations since Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire in April.

“Iran is all talk and no action,” Trump said in a social media post on Wednesday. “They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!”

Later on Wednesday, Trump told reporters: “We’re going to be attacking them, attacking them very hard.”

Oil prices rose and stock markets fell after his remarks.

The US military said it had targeted Iranian air defences, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites in what it described as a “proportional response” to the downing of the helicopter, whose two crew members were rescued by a drone boat.

Iran’s Gulf neighbours and Jordan activated air defences to intercept incoming missiles.

‘No significant damage’

Asked about Iran’s attacks on American bases, a US official told Reuters: “No significant damage. No harm to US personnel. Nearly all missiles and drones were intercepted or failed to reach their intended target.”

The escalation — just days after Iran exchanged strikes with Israel for the first time since the ceasefire — casts fresh doubt on prospects for a deal to end the war, which began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran would reassess diplomatic engagement with Washington after what it called repeated ceasefire violations.

“Any diplomatic process requires a minimum stable environment,” Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Trump told reporters on Wednesday he would not say whether he would order new strikes on Iran’s power plants and bridges, while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran would be “unwise” to challenge the US further.

Asked about Trump’s comments, Abolfazl Shekarchi, a senior spokesperson for the country’s armed forces, said Iran had proven that it would respond appropriately to all threats.

Despite the belligerent language from both sides, there were signs of continuing diplomatic efforts.

A delegation from Qatar, which has been mediating between the United States and Iran, landed in Tehran on Wednesday to hold talks on the latest developments, Iranian media reported.

Strikes around Hormuz

The US strikes overnight lasted about four hours, and a US official said nearly 20 Iranian targets were hit.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Qeshm Island and the port of Sirik were attacked. Iranian media also reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, another port city, and later near Jask at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

On Wednesday, two crew members of a tanker were reported missing and another injured after what British maritime security company Ambrey described as a suspected missile strike by US forces enforcing their blockade of Iran-related shipping. US CENTCOM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The IRGC said it had responded to the US attacks on Iran by attacking US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan with drones and missiles.

It said it had fired long-range missiles at four sites at the US al-Azraq base in Jordan, including F-35 fighter jet hangars and a command-and-control centre.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

Jordan’s military said it had intercepted five missiles launched towards al-Azraq and that falling debris caused no injuries or damage.

Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said it had intercepted “hostile aerial targets”, while Bahrain’s air defences repelled Iranian attacks, a media adviser to the king said on X.

Kuwait houses US military facilities, including a major airbase, while Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s regional fleet.

Aster DM Healthcare, one of the GCC’s leading integrated healthcare providers, has expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia through the acquisition of a majority stake in ProCare Hospital in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province. The transaction was completed through a joint venture with Abdulrahman Saleh Al Rajhi and Partners Co. Group, marking a significant milestone in Aster’s regional growth strategy and pushing its total bed capacity in Saudi Arabia beyond 500 beds.

The hospital will be rebranded as Aster ProCare Hospital, becoming part of Aster DM Healthcare’s growing network across the GCC. The move underscores the company’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance healthcare quality, accessibility and sustainability across the kingdom.

Read more-How Aster DM Healthcare’s Dr Azad Moopen has built an enduring legacy

Founded in 2009, ProCare Hospital has established itself as a multi-speciality healthcare facility offering primary and secondary care services. Through the acquisition, Aster plans to leverage its integrated healthcare model, international quality standards and clinical expertise to strengthen healthcare delivery in the Eastern Province.

Expansion plans to more than double bed capacity

A key component of the acquisition strategy is a major expansion of the hospital’s infrastructure and clinical capabilities. Under Aster’s ownership, the facility’s licensed bed capacity will increase from 100 beds to 209 beds, significantly enhancing its ability to meet growing healthcare demand in the region.

The expansion will be accompanied by the introduction of additional medical specialties, advanced healthcare technologies and strengthened clinical services. The hospital will also adopt Aster’s clinical governance framework and quality standards, while expanding cardiology services and progressively implementing digital health solutions, including the myAster platform.

The planned enhancements are designed to improve patient access to care, strengthen continuity of treatment and support the broader modernisation of healthcare services in the Eastern Province.

Aster highlights long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia

Commenting on the acquisition, Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said the transaction represents another important chapter in the company’s Saudi Arabia growth journey.

“Our entry into the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia through Aster ProCare Hospital marks another important milestone in Aster’s commitment to the Kingdom. For over a decade, we have been privileged to serve patients in Saudi Arabia through Aster Sanad Hospital, and this expansion reflects our continued belief in its transformative healthcare journey under Vision 2030. By strengthening infrastructure, expanding clinical capabilities, and integrating global best practices, we aim to further enhance access to high-quality, patient-centric care and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the Kingdom’s healthcare ecosystem.”

The acquisition follows Aster’s strategy of expanding its healthcare footprint in key GCC markets while investing in advanced medical infrastructure and patient-focused care models.

Focus on advanced specialties and patient-centric care

Aster DM Healthcare Managing Director and Group CEO Alisha Moopen said the acquisition reflects the company’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare sector and the opportunities created by ongoing reforms.

“The acquisition of ProCare Hospital reflects our confidence in the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation journey. By building on ProCare’s strong clinical foundation, strategic location, and accreditations, we aim to expand capacity, introduce advanced specialties, and deliver a consistently high-quality, patient-centric care experience. This step aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on improving healthcare access, quality, and sustainability.”

The company expects the integration to strengthen its ability to provide specialized medical services while maintaining a consistent standard of care across its healthcare network.

Investment to boost cardiology and specialised healthcare services

According to Aster Hospitals & Clinics Saudi Arabia CEO Mohamed Alshammari, the integration of ProCare Hospital into the Aster network will help accelerate the development of specialised healthcare services in the Eastern Province.

“Aster ProCare Hospital plays an important role in serving the Eastern Province, and its integration into Aster DM Healthcare allows us to further enhance clinical capabilities, particularly in cardiology and specialised care. The planned expansion and service enhancements support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving patient outcomes, and expanding access to world-class medical services.”

The company views specialized care, particularly in cardiology and critical care, as a key growth area amid increasing demand for advanced healthcare services across Saudi Arabia.

Joint venture partnership aims to create future-ready healthcare institution

The acquisition has been structured through a joint venture with Abdulrahman Saleh Al Rajhi and Partners Co. Group, combining local market expertise with Aster’s regional healthcare experience.

Commenting on the partnership, Turki Al Rajhi said the collaboration is focused on building a healthcare institution capable of meeting future healthcare demands while supporting national development objectives.

“Our partnership with Aster DM Healthcare reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare access and quality in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. By combining ProCare Hospital’s strong local foundation with Aster’s global expertise and integrated healthcare model, we aim to build a future-ready institution that delivers advanced, patient-centric care aligned with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Major modernization program underway

Alongside the acquisition, Aster ProCare Hospital has launched a comprehensive expansion and modernization program designed to upgrade infrastructure, technology and patient services.

The hospital’s expansion plans have been developed by Suhaimi Design and include increasing capacity to 209 beds, incorporating 60 critical care beds and seven operating theatres. The project is intended to strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide advanced and specialized medical care.

A major highlight of the investment program is the establishment of a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) in collaboration with Philips. The facility will feature advanced AI-enabled technologies aimed at enhancing cardiac and neurological care capabilities.

Additional initiatives include the expansion of emergency services and specialised infrastructure projects delivered by Meta Build Co. for Contracting, as well as a hospital-wide modernisation program being implemented in partnership with AMAQ Company for Contracting.

Together, these investments are expected to reinforce Aster ProCare Hospital’s commitment to international standards of clinical excellence, patient safety and healthcare delivery while contributing to the kingdom’s vision of a future-ready healthcare ecosystem.

Building on a decades-long healthcare legacy

Aster ProCare Hospital currently provides a broad range of services spanning medical and surgical specialties, women’s and children’s health, cardiology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, diagnostics and allied health services. The integrated service offering supports comprehensive care for patients across all age groups.

Founded in 1987 by Dr Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare has grown into one of the GCC’s largest integrated healthcare networks. The organization operates 15 hospitals, 124 clinics, 333 pharmacies and multiple digital health platforms across the region.

The company first entered the Saudi market in 2011 through Aster Sanad Hospital in Riyadh and has steadily expanded its presence since then. The addition of Aster ProCare Hospital further strengthens Aster’s integrated healthcare model, which combines hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and digital health solutions to improve access to care.

With the acquisition and planned expansion of Aster ProCare Hospital, the company is positioning itself to play a larger role in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare transformation, supporting efforts to expand healthcare capacity, accelerate digital health adoption through myAster and advance the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The move also signals Aster’s continued confidence in the Kingdom as a key growth market and an increasingly important hub for healthcare innovation and investment.