The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has rapidly positioned itself as one of the world’s most ambitious digital economies. With bold government visions, thriving e-commerce, innovative fintech, and record-breaking smart city projects, the region is redefining E-commerce growth in Saudi Arabia and what digital-first growth looks like.

The retail industry in the GCC is going through a major digital shift with the shopify plus partner. What used to rely mostly on traditional stores is now quickly becoming a modern, tech-driven space shaped by changing customer needs and market demands. From e-commerce and mobile-first shopping to AI personalization and sustainable practices, retailers are finding new ways to connect with their customers.

At Brad Technology as the shopify plus partner, we see these changes as opportunities, not just trends. For businesses in the GCC, adopting digital innovation is no longer a choice, it’s the key to growth, resilience, and staying competitive. In this blog, we’ll look at the top digital trends transforming retail in the GCC and how they’re building smarter, faster, and more engaging shopping experiences.

Top Digital Trends GCC in 2026

E‑commerce scale with better unit economics

The UAE is moving its own AI models from the lab into real use in industries such as government, banking, travel, retail, and energy. These models will handle Arabic better and E-commerce growth in Saudi Arabia, which will give faster results because they run on local servers, and keep data safely inside the country. This means we’ll start seeing AI assistants that help with things like citizen services, finance and planning, media content, and on-the-ground field work.

Open Finance becomes real utility infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA) and the UAE’s central bank (CBUAE) are moving from just setting rules to actually rolling out open banking at scale. This means banks, digital wallets, and third-party providers can share account details and start payments through secure APIs. Bahrain is already a strong example of how this works.

Instant, local, and cross‑border payments drive conversion

In the UAE, Aani now supports instant payments between people (P2P) and merchants (P2M). It includes features like payment by mobile number or email (proxy), QR codes, request-to-pay, and split bills making checkout faster and helping replace cash on delivery.

In Saudi Arabia, Sarie enables instant money transfers using mobile numbers or email, plus quick transfers. This supports “pay by bank” options that cut costs and reduce fraud. It allows businesses and consumers to send money across borders more quickly.

Privacy & data sovereignty 

Privacy and data sovereignty are now essential in GCC markets. Privacy ensures customer information is collected and used transparently and securely, while data sovereignty requires that data stays within national borders and follows local laws. For businesses, this means treating customer data responsibly not as ownership, but as borrowed under strict regulations.

Digital Commerce 

GCC e-commerce is booming, driven by mobile-first shopping. Saudi leads in smartphone-based purchases, but payment friction like failed transactions or limited local options still causes drop-offs. In 2026, businesses must prioritize A2A payments, local wallets, and smart retry systems to boost conversions.

Emerging & Niche Trends

Beyond the major shifts like AI, open finance, and e-commerce, the GCC is also embracing a set of emerging and niche digital trends that make the region stand out on the global stage. The Future of e-commerce in GCC is practical innovations shaping how people live, work, and interact every day. 

From immersive AR tourism and green digital solutions to 3D-printed construction and government-led digital services, these trends show how the GCC is blending innovation, sustainability, and citizen-first thinking to build the Future of e-commerce in GCC.

Immersive Experiences & “Metaverse-lite

While the hype around the metaverse has cooled globally, in the GCC it’s finding practical use cases. Tourism boards, schools, and event organizers are using VR/AR to create immersive experiences. Imagine exploring a Saudi heritage site through VR before visiting, attending a hybrid Dubai Expo conference in AR, or students using VR labs for science. These “metaverse-lite” experiences aren’t about fantasy worlds, they’re about enhancing real-life journeys with digital layers.

Green Tech & Sustainable Digital

Sustainability is becoming central to GCC innovation. Governments are pushing carbon-neutral digital adoption and promoting smart energy systems. With IoT sensors, businesses can monitor energy use, optimize cooling in malls or data centers, and cut waste. From green cloud services to sustainable e-commerce packaging, eco-friendly tech is now a competitive advantage in a region committed to Vision 2030 and net-zero goals.

3D Printing & Advanced Manufacturing

Dubai’s long-term 3D Printing Strategy is moving from pilots to reality. In construction, 3D-printed buildings and parts are speeding up projects while reducing costs. In healthcare, custom prosthetics and implants are being produced locally on demand, making care faster and more personalized. For GCC markets, this means shorter supply chains, less dependency on imports, and more innovation in both healthcare and infrastructure.

Government-led Digital Transformation

Governments in the GCC are setting the bar high for digital experiences. With paperless services, digital IDs (e-ID), and AI-enabled citizen platforms, public services are becoming as seamless as top private-sector apps. For businesses, this raises the benchmark: if people can renew their driver’s license in minutes on a government app, they expect the same smooth, fast, mobile-first experience from banks, retailers, and telcos. In 2026, the public sector will continue driving customer experience (CX) standards that brands must match or risk falling behind.

Conclusion

As we move deeper into 2026, the pace of digital transformation in the GCC is only accelerating. From sovereign AI models and open finance frameworks to cross-border payments, immersive digital experiences, and sustainable innovation, the region is building one of the most advanced commerce ecosystems in the world. For retailers in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC, this isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about reimagining how business is done.

At Brad Technology as Shopify plus partner, we believe these shifts are opportunities to build smarter, faster, and more engaging customer experiences. By embracing digital commerce, scaling direct-to-consumer models, and leveraging Shopify Plus solutions tailored for the Middle East, businesses can turn today’s trends into tomorrow’s competitive advantage. The future of retail in the GCC is digital-first, customer-centric, and built on innovation. The question for brands is no longer if they should transform, but how fast they are ready to lead.