If you’re the type who fills an online cart and then abandons it for three days (classic move), brace yourself, because soon, you might not even need to hit “checkout.” In the UAE, Visa and Mastercard are rolling out tech that allows AI to shop, decide, and pay on your behalf. Yep, your card is about to become a lot more… independent.
AI Could Soon Shop & Pay for UAE Visa and Mastercard Users, Minus The Checkout
According to a report by the Gulf News, this shiny new era is being called “agentic commerce”. Think of it as having a smart, verified personal shopper in your pocket who never sleeps, doesn’t get distracted by TikTok, and won’t “accidentally” buy things you didn’t approve. It only spends within the limits you set, so don’t worry, it won’t randomly order an AED50,000 sofa (unless you’re into that).
So, What Does This Actually Look Like?
Imagine telling your AI:
“Book me a Bali flight, get a cute swimsuit, and find a beachfront Airbnb.”
Within seconds, it compares prices, chooses the best options based on your taste, and pays. All this without you having to type your card number or wait for the OTP to arrive on time.
That’s the power behind Visa’s Intelligent Commerce and Mastercard’s AgentPay.
Mastercard worked with Microsoft to build AgentPay, which links AI chat platforms directly to its secure payment network. So your AI can plan, source, and pay in one chat. Visa has partnered with OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Stripe to integrate generative AI into everyday payments.
Basically, your AI becomes a trusted digital assistant that can actually finish the errands you keep snoozing.
Why The UAE Will Get AI Pay First?
The UAE is quite forward in tech adoption. With smartphone use at 99% and over 70% of residents already on mobile banking and digital wallets, this country is primed for AI-powered shopping.
Also, not to forget that UAE shoppers love convenience, and your AI won’t just recommend, it will execute. Set your rules, spending caps, and boundaries, and it sticks to them.
Also Read: UAE: What Is Card Skimming & How Can You Stay Safe From This Fraud?
Is It Safe?
Relax, this isn’t “AI stealing your money while you sleep.” Security is being levelled up, too. Visa and Mastercard are building stronger safeguards than your regular e-commerce checkout. Cryptographic signatures, verified AI agents, tokenised payments, and protocols will be implemented for safer spending.
So, UAE residents, get ready to use AI for groceries to bill payments, to travel plans. AI-powered spending could soon become your new normal. Expect faster, smarter payments and still fully under your control.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Immagini e Video di Michelangelo