UAE shoppers are calling for more secure and seamless online shopping options, and they want it now. A new survey by global payment giant Visa shows a growing demand for biometric checkout in UAE, with more consumers preferring fingerprint or facial recognition over passwords and PINs.
As online spending grows across the Emirates, people are becoming more concerned about safety, speed, and convenience. The report reveals that shoppers in the UAE are not only tech-savvy but are actively asking businesses and platforms to innovate payment experiences.
Biometric Checkout in UAE: A Rising Trend Among Shoppers
The Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study 2024, which surveyed over 1,000 adults in the UAE, shows a strong trend towards biometric checkout in UAE. The report indicates that more than half of UAE consumers are ready to use biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, when paying online.
This growing trust in biometrics is part of a larger digital trend. UAE shoppers are comfortable with technology and want faster checkout processes that do not compromise security.
Why UAE Consumers Want Biometric Payment Options
The top reasons shoppers in the UAE prefer biometric checkout include:
- Increased security: Biometric data is unique to each person, reducing the risk of fraud
- Convenience: No need to remember complicated passwords or enter card details
- Speed: Checkout becomes faster, especially on mobile devices
- Confidence: Users feel more in control with secure and personalized verification
According to the Visa report, around 63% of respondents said they would feel safer using fingerprint recognition over traditional passwords. About 54% preferred facial recognition as a means of verifying online payments.
One-Click Payments Also Gaining Popularity
Apart from biometrics, UAE shoppers are also leaning toward one-click payments — a feature that saves user details for faster future transactions. The study found that more than 70% of respondents said they are more likely to return to a shopping site if it supports one-click checkouts.
This feature, already used by global e-commerce giants like Amazon, has found favor among UAE residents for the time it saves and the hassle it removes during payment.
Businesses Need to Keep Up with Consumer Demands
With this rising demand for biometric checkout in UAE, the pressure is on for businesses, banks, and retailers to upgrade their payment systems. Visa emphasized that companies that fail to offer secure and convenient payment methods risk losing customers.
Neil Fernandes, Visa’s Head of Risk for Middle East and North Africa, said, “As the UAE becomes increasingly digital, businesses must match the high expectations of tech-savvy consumers. Biometric and token-based solutions are key to improving both security and user experience.”
UAE’s Digital Payment Ecosystem Is Growing Rapidly
The UAE has been a leader in adopting digital payment solutions. According to Visa, digital commerce has seen a massive jump in the past few years. In 2024 alone, public cloud spending in the UAE reached $2.95 billion, reflecting the country’s continued shift toward digital platforms.
From QR codes to mobile wallets, UAE consumers are already using modern methods of payment. The next step in this journey is deeper integration of biometric checkout in UAE retail and e-commerce platforms.
Younger Generations Are Driving Change
Gen Z and Millennials are among the top supporters of biometric and one-click payment options. The study revealed that younger consumers are more likely to abandon an online purchase if the checkout process is slow or requires too many steps.
This behavior is pushing businesses to simplify payment experiences and offer secure alternatives, such as biometrics and digital wallets.
Fraud Concerns Fuel Interest in Secure Payment Tools
Visa’s report also highlights that concern over fraud and cybercrime is a key factor driving demand for biometric checkout in UAE. Many consumers said they had experienced suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions in the past.
To address these fears, more UAE shoppers are turning to methods that feel safer and more trustworthy. Biometrics, according to the survey, provide that sense of confidence.
Future of Payments: What’s Next for UAE?
Experts believe the next few years will see even more innovations in the payment industry. The UAE’s government and private sector are both heavily investing in fintech and cybersecurity, paving the way for newer, faster, and safer payment systems.
As biometric and AI-driven tools improve, shoppers in the UAE will likely have access to even more personalized and secure payment solutions.
Visa’s Neil Fernandes added, “The UAE is one of the most forward-looking digital economies in the world. We expect biometric checkout and tokenization to become standard features in the near future.”
Visa’s Recommendations to UAE Businesses
Visa suggests the following steps for UAE retailers and payment providers:
- Adopt biometric and token-based systems
- Offer one-click checkout to regular customers
- Ensure secure infrastructure for data protection
- Educate consumers about the safety of digital payments
Companies that implement these changes are more likely to build customer loyalty, boost repeat purchases, and remain competitive in the market.
Key Takeaways for UAE Shoppers and Businesses
- Biometric checkout in UAE is in high demand due to increased awareness of digital security and convenience
- Consumers, especially younger ones, want fast, safe, and simple ways to pay online
- Businesses must upgrade their payment systems to keep customers happy and secure
- Trust, speed, and ease-of-use are becoming the main pillars of online shopping experiences in the UAE
Conclusion
As the digital payment landscape in the UAE evolves, the call for biometric checkout and one-click payment options continues to grow louder. Consumers are demanding secure, convenient, and fast checkout methods — and businesses must respond to stay ahead.
For UAE shoppers, the future of payments looks bright, secure, and incredibly easy — all at the tap of a finger or the scan of a face.
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