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How Millennials and Gen Z are powering UAE’s mobile shopping boom

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Millennials and Gen Z are leading a retail revolution in the UAE, turning their smartphones into their go-to shopping destination. According to the newly released 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index – UAE edition, the country’s youngest consumers are driving the UAE to the top of the global mobile shopping leaderboard.

The report, commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and conducted by PYMNTS Intelligence, surveyed 1,679 consumers and 329 merchants across the UAE. The findings reveal a dramatic rise in mobile-first shopping habits, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge.

Mobile is the New Mall

A whopping 67% of UAE consumers used their phones as part of their most recent retail purchase, a 23% increase since 2022. But it’s the younger generations setting the pace:

  • 73% of Millennials shopped using their phones during their last purchase
  • Gen Z isn’t far behind, proving that mobile shopping is second nature to digital natives

These generations are not just buying, they’re reshaping the entire shopping experience, demanding speed, security, and flexibility at every step.

Tech-Savvy, Security-First Shoppers

Younger UAE shoppers are also embracing biometric authentication, like fingerprint or facial recognition, more than ever. 32% of UAE consumers used biometrics in their latest online retail transaction, nearly double the global average of 17%.

What Young Shoppers Value

Millennials and Gen Z in the UAE expect more than just fast checkouts. Their top demands include:

  • Rewards programmes (75%)
  • Free shipping (73%)
  • Price matching (70%)
  • Cross-channel flexibility (53%)—blending in-store, mobile, and desktop shopping

They’re also more likely to shop online for home delivery, with 38% of UAE consumers choosing this convenience in their most recent purchase.

Setting a Global Standard

The UAE now has the highest rate of mobile-based online shopping globally (37%), outpacing Singapore, the UK, and Brazil. Industry experts attribute this to a strong digital ecosystem backed by collaborative efforts between the UAE government, retailers, and fintech partners.

“Millennials and Gen Z are shaping this future—and we’re proud to support it through innovations like Click to Pay,” said Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE.

Future of Retail: In Their Hands

The takeaway? Mobile-first isn’t coming, it’s already here, thanks to the tech-savvy preferences of the UAE’s younger generations. Whether it’s a tap, swipe, or biometric scan, Millennials and Gen Z are making mobile shopping the new normal in the Emirates.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Business

UAE jobs: Thousands of opportunities and internships on offer as Careers Festival returns to Ras Al Khamiah

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Jobseekers across the UAE will have the chance to connect with top employers and explore real career opportunities when the Ras Al Khaimah Jobs and Internships Festival (RAKJIF) returns on October 9. The one-day event at the RAK Exhibition Centre will feature on-the-spot interviews, internships, CV clinics, and personalised career guidance, making it one of the country’s fastest-growing career platforms for young talent and professionals alike.

Ras Al Khaimah is set to host its third edition of the Jobs & Internships Festival (RAKJIF) on Thursday, October 9, at the RAK Exhibition Centre, bringing together leading UAE employers and ambitious jobseekers.

Organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, in partnership with the Investment and Development Office Ras Al Khaimah (IDO) and the Department of Human Resources, the festival has quickly grown into one of the UAE’s most trusted platforms for career development.

This year’s edition will feature employers across key industries, including banking, oil and gas, consulting, engineering, hospitality, and real estate, with opportunities for on-the-spot interviews, CV clinics, and personalised career guidance. More than 1,000 Emirati job seekers are expected to attend.

New for 2025 is the AI & Future of Work Forum, where international experts, business leaders, and policymakers will share insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment, workplace culture, and the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

The one-day event, running from 9am to 5pm, aims to serve as a hub for professional growth, networking, and talent development.

For more information or to register, employers and job seekers can visit www.alqasimifoundation.com/rakjif

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UAE urges businesses to file Corporate Tax returns on time to avoid fines

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The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has reminded companies in the UAE to finalise their financial records, submit their Corporate Tax returns, and pay any tax due within the official deadlines to remain compliant with the law.

In a statement today, the FTA stressed that all Corporate Tax taxpayers, including exempt persons required to register, must file their returns (or annual declarations) and settle outstanding tax within nine months from the end of each tax period.

The Authority underlined that timely filing and payment are legal obligations, with non-compliance exposing businesses to fines and penalties for delays or non-submission.

To ensure smooth and accurate filing, the FTA advised companies to begin preparations early by compiling essential documents such as commercial licences, financial statements, and business activity details. Early readiness, it said, allows registrants to meet obligations “efficiently and on time.”

Highlighting its role in supporting businesses, the FTA stated that it remains committed to enhancing services in line with global best practices. Digital filing and payment can be completed via the EmaraTax platform, available 24/7, which offers “clarity, ease, and speed.”

The Authority also urged taxpayers to ensure that submissions are complete and accurate. Corporate Tax returns can be filed directly through EmaraTax or with the assistance of authorised tax agents listed on the FTA’s website.

Stakeholders seeking detailed guidance on Corporate Tax law, implementing decisions, and related regulations can access resources directly at tax.gov.ae.

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Lifestyle

British millionaires eye UAE amid UK wealth tax fears

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Amid mounting concerns over a possible wealth tax in the UK, the UAE is increasingly being seen as a preferred relocation hub for British millionaires, ranking alongside established tax havens such as Monaco and Malta.

A new survey by consultancy Arton Capital found that nearly 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they could have a better life abroad, with more than half saying they would consider leaving the UK if Chancellor Rachel Reeves implements new wealth-based taxes.

The research, carried out among 1,009 wealthy UK residents with assets of at least £1 million, revealed that the UAE ranked fourth globally as a preferred relocation option. The United States topped the list (35 per cent), followed by Canada (33 per cent) and Australia (25 per cent), while 17 per cent of respondents named the UAE as their destination of choice.

Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, said the findings show the UK is “at a tipping point” as the government considers new levies on high-value homes and global inheritance tax for non-domiciled individuals. “The uncertainty around the government’s proposed wealth tax mirrors the ongoing economic uncertainty seen around the world, from Trump’s tariffs to conflict in the Middle East,” he said.

“The longer that unpredictability persists, the greater the risk of losing capital, talent, and long-term investment to countries that offer greater security for individuals, families, and their futures.”

The UAE, which has consistently ranked as one of the world’s most attractive hubs for wealthy expatriates, continues to draw global high-net-worth individuals thanks to its tax-free environment, political stability, and investor-friendly policies.

According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report, the UK is expected to lose a record 16,500 millionaires in 2025, part of a broader global trend that could see 142,000 millionaires relocate this year alone.

Industry experts note that the UAE’s appeal has been bolstered by long-term residency programmes such as the Golden Visa, its diversified economy, and world-class lifestyle offering.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have cemented their status as safe havens for global wealth, attracting investors not only from Europe but also from Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, more Conservative-leaning millionaires in Canada are also weighing the option of moving abroad compared to their Liberal counterparts, as the right-leaning party faces the prospect of losing a fourth consecutive election.

An Arton Capital Ltd. survey revealed that among Canadians with a net worth of at least C$1 million ($721,000), 34 per cent of Conservative voters said they are now more likely to leave the country than they were during the 2021 election, while 28 per cent said they are less likely.

The findings highlight the growing trend of wealthy Canadians reassessing their future in light of political and economic shifts, with affluent individuals increasingly considering relocation to jurisdictions that offer greater stability, lower taxation, and stronger wealth-preservation policies.

For the UAE, this presents another opportunity to position itself as the destination of choice for individuals seeking stability, growth, and long-term prosperity.

Source: Azertag/Bloomberg

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