UAE shoppers use Snapchat for buying on social platforms, says new DHL report

DHL surveyed 12,000 consumers across 24 countries for its Online Shopper Trends Report 2024.

It found that most shoppers, 71 percent in the UAE and 65 percent globally, want to know which delivery provider will handle their order before making a purchase.

Snapchat’s dominance in UAE e-commerce

Social media is also influencing buying habits. The report stated Snapchat is the most popular in the UAE for shopping on social platforms.

App-based marketplaces like Shein and Temu have also seen growth due to affordable products and vast selections.

Convenience and cost are key concerns. More than half of shoppers 57 percent use smartphones as their main way to browse and buy items. However, 41 percent globally have abandoned purchases because of high delivery fees.

Transparency around deliveries remains important as “customers want to know the logistics partner.”

“People also want to know who the delivery provider is before making a purchase,” said Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding MEA.

“Our Online Shopper Trends Report aims to assess how people shop online, as well as understand what causes them to abandon their shopping baskets. High delivery costs, long delivery times, having to pay for returns, not enough product information, and not enough product images were some of the top reasons cited by global shoppers. Offering reliable delivery and returns can help solve shoppers’ frustrations and improve their experience. In the UAE, consumer purchasing patterns are being impacted by social and technological trends, including social media,” he added.

Other issues which discouraged purchases included long delivery times, return payment requirements and insufficient product details or photos. The report aims to assess shopping behaviours and address customer frustrations.

UAE shoppers top global rankings for subscribing to retailer emails, and are also third most likely to use voice assistants for orders.