Seven in Ten UAE Consumers Prefer Digital Wallets Over Cash and Cards, Survey Finds
The findings show that 70.7% of respondents have become more willing to use digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet instead of cash or traditional payment cards over the past few years.
A new survey of consumers in the United Arab Emirates has found that digital wallets are becoming the preferred method of payment for a growing number of residents, highlighting the country’s rapid shift toward cashless transactions.
The study, conducted by Dubai-based insights consultancy SixthFactor, surveyed 1,050 UAE residents between March and April 2026. The findings show that 70.7% of respondents have become more willing to use digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet instead of cash or traditional payment cards over the past few years.
The research indicates that the adoption of digital wallets is strongest among higher-income consumers. Among respondents from households earning AED 30,000 or more per month, 75.5% said they were more willing to make payments using digital wallets. In contrast, 59.1% of respondents earning below AED 10,000 per month reported a similar preference, creating a gap of more than 16 percentage points between the highest and lowest income groups.
Education levels also appear to influence digital payment adoption. Consumers with secondary education recorded a willingness level of 66.6%, while respondents holding bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate qualifications registered rates of 73.5% and 73.6%, respectively.
According to SixthFactor, the findings reflect a significant shift in payment behaviour in the UAE, where digital payment solutions have gained widespread acceptance across retail, hospitality, transportation and online commerce.
The survey also suggests that certain consumer segments remain less engaged with digital payment technologies. Lower-income and less-educated groups showed comparatively lower adoption levels, indicating opportunities for banks, retailers and payment providers to expand financial inclusion and digital payment accessibility.
The study was based on a broad cross-section of UAE residents representing different demographic, educational and income groups. Respondents were screened to ensure residency in the country.
Founded in 2012, SixthFactor is a global insights consultancy specialising in behavioural science, artificial intelligence and design thinking. The company is headquartered in Dubai and operates offices in Saudi Arabia, India, Singapore and the United States.
The firm’s research and analytics services include neuromarketing, behavioural economics, AI analytics and consumer research. Its client portfolio includes global companies across financial services, technology, retail and consumer goods sectors.
The findings underscore the growing role of digital wallets in the UAE’s payments ecosystem and suggest that consumer preferences are continuing to shift away from cash and physical cards as digital payment options become increasingly integrated into daily life.
