Now use AI to shop in Dubai after new Mastercard-Majid Al Futtaim deal

Dubai: Mastercard introduced its Agent Pay service in Dubai, giving UAE shoppers an early look at how artificial intelligence could change the way they browse, choose and pay for everyday purchases. The pilot involves Majid Al Futtaim and fintech firm Dataiera.

You’ll be able to rely on an AI agent to find deals, compare options and complete transactions. One of the first examples is VOX Cinemas, where cardholders will later be able to book tickets through their AI agent.

The service is designed to streamline tasks UAE residents already carry out online—shopping across multiple sites, checking prices and choosing entertainment options—while keeping security at the center.

Omar Sultan Al Olama said the country continues to stand out globally for its focus on real-world AI applications: “Guided by the UAE’s leadership, the nation has become a global hub and destination for adopting and supporting advanced technologies and initiatives that enhance well-being, strengthen its global competitiveness and leadership, and elevate its position as a leading hub for world-class AI applications.”

He said the launch reflects the country’s push to make digital services more efficient and accessible: “The UAE has set a new global benchmark in embracing and deploying artificial intelligence to simplify everyday life, advancing innovations that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and quality of digital interactions. The introduction of the AI Agent in payment solutions represents a significant milestone, opening new horizons for the growth and development of the UAE’s digital economy.”

Dimitrios Dosis, President for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Mastercard, said the shift toward AI in daily life requires payment tools people can trust:

“As AI becomes a trusted companion in people’s digital lives, payments must evolve to match its intelligence with integrity. Mastercard Agent Pay ensures that agentic commerce is built on transparency, consent and security, empowering consumers and businesses to engage confidently in this new era of commerce.”

Majid Al Futtaim will test how AI can support smoother shopping and entertainment experiences across its malls and digital channels.

CEO Ahmed Galal Ismail said: “As a pioneer in retail and lifestyle innovation, Majid Al Futtaim sees AI as a transformative force shaping the future of commerce and human interaction. Collaborating with Mastercard on Agent Pay allows us to explore how intelligence and integrity can coexist in digital transactions - creating systems that prioritize trust, transparency, and consumer confidence. This collaboration is not just about convenience; it’s about setting a framework for responsible innovation that redefines how people shop, pay, and engage in a connected world.”

• Early access to new global payment tech.
• Faster and easier ways to complete routine purchases.
• More personalised recommendations based on what shoppers look for.
• A system designed with stronger protections around consent and security.
• Part of a wider UAE strategy to integrate AI across public and private services.