UAE Sees Surge in Digital Spending During DSS 2024
As the UAE prepares for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025, new data has revealed significant growth in digital spending during last year's campaign. Checkout.com reported that daily digital transactions in the UAE rose by 25% year-on-year during DSS 2024.
Additionally, the average transaction size increased by 16%, highlighting a rise in consumer confidence and spending. Checkout.com also announced a 44% growth in its processing volumes during the same period, indicating strong momentum toward online-first shopping behavior in the UAE.
The report revealed deeper shifts in consumer habits: Spending on home furnishings increased, showing a trend of home upgrades during summer.
Recreation categories saw a rise, with families opting for local activities during school holidays.
Purchases in toys, sporting goods, and education supplies also climbed.
Furthermore, the automotive sector experienced a seasonal boost, driven by vehicle promotions and related services. These findings align with Checkout.com's State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2025 report, which stated that 62% of UAE consumers plan to shop more online next year. Additionally, 44% of shoppers now explore better deals online even while browsing in physical stores.
Remo Giovanni Abbondandolo, General Manager for MENA at Checkout.com, noted that DSS continues to drive digital commerce in the region. He added that UAE consumers are increasingly using digital platforms for both daily needs and big-ticket purchases.
With growing trust in digital payments and rising ecommerce adoption, experts expect DSS 2025 to surpass previous records. The UAE is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital shopping, particularly during seasonal campaigns.
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