UAE shoppers want AI to find deals, not to check out.
YouGov says 59% of UAE adults plan to shop Dubai Shopping Festival 2026. Three in four likely shoppers will use AI, mostly for prices and reviews, but only about one in five would let it fill baskets or pay.
Why it matters
AI shopping assistants win research moments first; trust for agent checkout still has to be earned.
Related trends.
AIOpenAI seeks an agency lead to make ChatGPT ads a regular buy
OpenAI is recruiting an Agency Partner in New York to build joint business plans with holding companies and independents. It wants ChatGPT ads to move past pilots; the company said in August they had hit a $1B annualised run rate.
Why it mattersExpect agency deals and spend commitments for ChatGPT ads, the way search and social are bought today.
AIOpenAI leans on field marketing to sell ChatGPT to companies
OpenAI's EMEA B2B marketing head says in-person field marketing is currently its strongest channel for enterprise sales. The company pairs events with creators, a fixed webinar calendar and local market teams, slotting launches into that rhythm instead of building new campaigns.
Why it mattersEven AI's biggest brand finds enterprise deals still close face to face.
AICharacter.ai files for bankruptcy; Disney pays $20M for license
Chatbot startup Character.ai filed for Chapter 11 and plans a court-run sale by early December. Disney agreed to pay $20 million for a perpetual, non-exclusive license to its IP. The CEO blamed legal, regulatory and operational pressure.
Why it mattersBrands building AI companions face real legal and safety exposure.
