Consumers in the UAE and KSA Seek AI Clones for Ad Verification and Shopping by 2035
The Rise of AI in Consumer Life: Insights from Dentsu's Latest Study
In an age where technology continues to redefine our daily routines, the concept of an AI clone managing our shopping, communications, and administrative tasks is rapidly gaining traction among consumers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). A recent report from dentsu titled “Consumer Vision 2035: The Era of the Insight-to-Foresight Pivot” reveals that a significant number of consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are open to the idea of AI assistants taking over various aspects of their lives by the year 2035. Specifically, approximately one in three consumers in the UAE and a striking 39% of those in Saudi Arabia express a strong desire for AI to shoulder these responsibilities.
This intriguing sentiment was drawn from a large survey encompassing around 30,000 people from 26 countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The study probes deep into the long-term trends influencing technology, consumer behavior, and brand interactions as we move toward 2035.
Growing Comfort with AI
Today’s consumers, particularly in the GCC, are displaying a remarkable willingness to embrace AI technologies. The survey highlights a burgeoning level of comfort regarding the delegation of both shopping and administrative activities to AI systems. As these technologies evolve, the term “AI gatekeepers” will likely become commonplace, signifying a future where consumers will rely on AI to handle routine tasks such as managing subscriptions, filtering advertisements, and even participating in focus groups to represent their preferences accurately to brands.
According to Alex Jena, Chief Strategy Officer for dentsu MENAT, these findings indicate a seismic shift in consumer mindset within the region. He stated, “We are stepping into a new era of transformation across technology, culture, and consumer behavior. It’s inspiring to see Saudi Arabia and the UAE positioning themselves as global leaders, ready to embrace these significant changes.”
Climate Concerns Impacting Consumer Behavior
The report doesn’t stop at just technological adoption; it dives into how broader societal concerns, notably climate change, are reshaping consumer activities. Almost half of the respondents from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia recognized that their daily habits would need to adapt in response to changing climatic conditions by 2035. This concern signals an important warning to brands to become more environmentally conscious and innovative, or risk losing relevance in a landscape where consumer values are increasingly aligned with sustainability.
The study suggests that consumers may not only be influenced by technology but also by emotional factors wrought by climate realities. For instance, over one-third of respondents reported their purchasing decisions are significantly influenced by their current mood. The desire for more spontaneity in their shopping experiences is growing, driven by a yearning for emotional engagement and authenticity in interactions with brands.
Evolving Consumer Drivers
Diving deeper into this evolution, the report indicates that consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about their data privacy. With nearly half of UAE and KSA respondents asserting ownership over their personal data, brands must tread carefully in how they approach consumer interactions moving forward. This creates a dual challenge for businesses: leveraging data for marketing while respecting privacy concerns.
As expressed by Tarek Daouk, CEO of dentsu MENAT, businesses need to adapt quickly to these shifts: “These insights provide a roadmap for transformations that place people at the center, revealing long-term brand opportunities. Those who innovate today will be the forerunners in a rapidly changing marketplace.”
What This Means for Brands
The implications of the study are profound. For brands operating in the GCC, being attuned to these emerging trends is no longer optional; it’s imperative. As consumers expect greater emotional resonance and sustainability in their purchasing decisions, businesses must adapt their strategies accordingly. The focus has shifted to balancing emotional insights with technological capabilities, making the ability to pivot from insight to foresight a critical skill for survival in the coming years.
As we approach the year 2035, the insights highlighted in this report underline the necessity for businesses to think proactively rather than reactively. Brands that will thrive are those that recognize and adapt to this new consumer paradigm—one that seamlessly blends technology, emotional engagement, and a deep understanding of environmental sensitivities.
In summary, as the role of AI continues to expand in managing consumer routines, brands must also evolve in their strategies to meet the growing expectations of a more aware and connected consumer base. The GCC is on the brink of an exciting transformation, and those who seize the opportunity to innovate will lead the charge into this future.
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