How AR/VR Apps Are Revolutionizing Retail in the GCC?

Mobile app development is one of the amazing domains these days. If we refer to AR VR mobile apps in the GCC region, then you would be amazed to see that customers are now into mobile apps and integrating modernised technologies to build high-end solutions. 

The retail landscape across the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC spans widely across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. Whereas the ongoing technologies provide reassurance. It is fueled by rapid digital adoption, widespread smartphone usage, and investments in cutting-edge technologies. Retailers in the region are also embracing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for redefining the way people shop. 

Ecommerce is one of the majorly growing domains in the digital world, and if we talk about the Gulf region, then these companies are having multiple platforms created and integrated with modernized technologies for a better user experience.

In the GCC region, AR and VR are not just buzzwords, but they are powerful words driving engagement, personalised and efficient growth streams across the digital retail channel.

Interesting Statistics Related To Mobile App Development 

App development in the GCC retail sector is a high-growth area driven by a tech-savvy population and increasing e-commerce demand. Key statistics highlight a strong shift towards mobile-first strategies, significant consumer spending via apps, and the increasing adoption of advanced technologies like AI and AR. 

• E-commerce Dominance: The GCC’s e-commerce market is projected to surpass $50 billion by the end of 2025, with mobile purchases as the primary driver. Nearly 70% of e-commerce sales in the UAE occur on mobile apps.
• High App Usage: Users in the UAE spend an average of around 5 hours a day on apps, and 75% of all online transactions happen on mobile devices. In Saudi Arabia, the average daily time spent on mobile apps per user is 5.5 hours.
• Massive Downloads: Over 30 million new apps were downloaded in Saudi Arabia in 2022, a 30% year-over-year increase. In the broader MENA region, 13.8 billion new apps and games were downloaded in 2022.
• Revenue Potential: The mobile app development market in Dubai alone is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.3% from 2024 to 2030. 

Now let’s hear about the features related to the mobile app development in retail and similar scenarios within the GCC region:

• Bridging the Physical-Digital Divide

One of the biggest shifts in the GCC retail region is the instant rise of the physical experiences with seamless blending of physical and digital shopping that makes the customer journey more engaging and efficient.

Within the major malls across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, for instance, AR-powered smart mirrors let the customers virtually try on the outfits and the accessories without entering the fitting room. It’s a great relief for the customers, and they can even try the outfits or the accessories through their mobile phones and smart mirrors, instead of visiting the shops and trying them out.

An AR/VR mobile app development company in Dubai comprises the best designers and developed retail mobile apps to make the digital experience amazing.

Perhaps, interactive storefronts are now integrated with AR that displays the entire product for instant scan products with their mobile phones, and explore the details, style, and promotions.

• Personalized, Immersive Shopping Experiences

The AR and VR technologies are now empowering retailers to offer hyper-personalised experiences that are deeply resonating with customers. Across the GCC region, shoppers are now increasing the expected static catalogues, and they want an interactive and immersive journey for the end users.

It comes with features like:

• A virtual try-on feature that comes with beauty and fashion brands that deploy AR apps that let users see how the cosmetics will appear on them, and the apparel, along with eyewear shades, before making the purchase. 
• The VR showroom experience includes transporting customers into the fully immersive digital storefronts where they can explore the products in the 3D environments. Moreover, the luxury car buyer can purchase virtually with inspected interiors and features before visiting the showrooms.
• AR overlays product visuals into real settings, allowing users to place furniture in their living room using the smartphone camera.

• Enhancing Omnichannel Retail Strategy

A mobile app development company Qatar that enhances omnichannel retail communication with amazing strategies.

The modern retail success thrives smoothly on the omnichannel and boosts its digital presence. Perhaps, with in-store channels and AR and VR technologies, these enablers are bringing a change and making the businesses thrive well in the GCC region.

Whether you know this or not, retailers are now integrating AR features into their mobile apps, and ecommerce websites are now enhancing the product exploration categories as well. For instance, a user browsing for the desired furniture store can make the app launch through the AR view that easily visualizes each piece and how it would look in the real space. Through this, you can even collaborate with the retailers online, and eventually, you will be building a community of your own.

• Marketing and Other Dynamics Being Resolved Properly 

The fourth and amazing point related to the retailer marketing and integration of modernized technologies like AR and VR includes the easy way out for marketing. Yes, you read it right. With these technologies, it’s easier to compete with competitors and come up with a better strategy to make the digital solutions more amazing and easier to use.

Wrapping Up 

And we are done for the day. We hope you enjoyed reading about the amazing benefits that are associated with the creation of mobile apps in Abu Dhabi using AR and VR as the core. We tried to cover up everything within the blog, but if you think we have missed anything within the blog, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. We would love to hear back from you. Happy Reading…