Grocery Shopping Habits of Dubai's Millennials and Gen Z

Dubai’s grocery scene is no longer defined by simple pick and pay routines. Today’s Millennials and Gen Z have transformed grocery shopping into a blend of digital ease, premium discovery, social influence, and tactile allure. Below are five key insights and grocery trends, backed by verified research, into how younger consumers shop groceries in Dubai, with a couple of light nods to how Al?Maya Group can quietly lead the way.

1. Digital tools meet in store aisles

Almost 80 percent of UAE Millennials and Gen Z now use mobile wallets, barcode scanners, and real time coupons during their supermarket trips. This click and mortar approach boosts satisfaction by 56 percent compared to purely in store methods. Younger shoppers expect seamless transitions, comparing prices on their phones while browsing produce, redeeming app-only discounts at checkout, or adding items to a virtual basket as they shop.

2. Self checkout as standard, not spectacle

Long queues clash with younger shoppers’ on demand expectations. A PwC study finds that 44 percent of Gen?Z and 38 percent of Millennials in the UAE rank self checkout among their top three desired in store features . Quick, contactless kiosks are now a basic requirement. Some Dubai grocery outlets, including a few Al?Maya branches, have introduced dedicated scan and go lanes that make trips faster without feeling promotional.

3. Quality worth a few extra dirhams

Value shopping still matters, but 41 percent of Millennials and nearly 40 percent of Gen?Z say they are willing to spend more on healthier, higher quality products . This extends to organic items, artisanal breads, craft condiments, and small batch snacks. Curated sections that highlight local producers or imported specialties cater to this growing demand, turning routine grocery runs into small discoveries.

4. Social platforms turning into grocery aisles

Social media is now an active shopping channel. Fast Company Middle East reports that 64 percent of UAE Millennials and Gen?Z have made at least one grocery purchase via Instagram, TikTok or similar platforms in the past year, and half say peer reviews influenced their choices . The scroll to cart journey is now part of many consumers’ regular grocery habits.

5. Experiential retail remains magnetic

Even with digital growth, many young shoppers value the sensory thrill of physical stores. A LinkedIn analysis highlights a rise in mall visits driven by curated in store experiences such as themed displays, tasting booths and cooking demos . Grocery shopping has become a social outing where discovering a new cheese or spice is part of the experience.

Putting insights into practice

• Integrated scan and go corners: Set up an express aisle where shoppers can scan items with their phones and pay via mobile wallets, reducing wait times while letting them browse at leisure.
• Rotating micro festivals: Host weekly world flavors pop ups in deli or snack aisles, offering small tastings and stories behind featured products.
• Community curated picks: Dedicate a shelf to customer recommended favorites, with photos and short quotes, to build authentic peer influence.

By adding these human centered touches into the core grocery journey, retailers can align with Millennials and Gen?Z expectations for grocery offers in Dubai without aggressive marketing. Al Maya Group, for instance, could pilot scan and save aisles or small tasting events in select stores, showing leadership through quiet, insight based innovation.