Whether spending on government services or shopping, UAE shoppers turn to online

In the UAE, the spread of card-based and online spending is taking root across age groups, demographics, and, these days, even among the more budget-conscious consumers.

In fact, higher growth is being driven by cardholders with low- to mid-value monthly spends, according to Network International, the payments processing company.

And in a sign that shoppers are also turning conscious about processing charges and interest on balance payments, there is far greater usage of debit cards than spending through credit.

Daily/weekly spending using cards has become the norm, of course, hastened by consumer spending changes brought on from the pandemic phase. Supermarkets in the UAE had a near double-digit jump in average card spending through ecommerce while actual point-of-sale spending – that is, at physical store locations – stuck to the same levels.

What this means is that along with F&B orders, a greater portion of the UAE consumer’s day-to-day needs are met through online channels, whether it be groceries or pharmacy purchases.

Ecommerce spending in the UAE touched a growth rate of double those at point-sale in the first three months. The trend was also noticeable in how residents used online spending means to pay for government services, which was followed spending at restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores.

These four verticals accounted for more than 45 per cent of the total spend during the first quarter. “It is evident that the growth in spending is coming not just from buyers shifting from physical outlets to online shopping, but rather from buyers shifting more of their spending from cash to digital,” said Ian Jiggens, Group Head, Advisory and Information Services, Network International.

“Digital payments are at the forefront of some of the most interesting applications of new technologies,” Jigens added. “And merchants need to prioritise both the tools and the use of data to help them continue adapting to changing market dynamics.”

As inflation bites and interest rates keep gaining, expect consumers to turn more circumspect on their spending ways. Whether it’s online or offline, retailers who can offer the real prospect of cost savings will win.

Much like the recent Ramadan and Eid promotions, cashback-linked offers too will gain greater traction at a time when cost consciousness holds sway. All through online will keep growing…