UAE: AI, the New Holiday Ally and a Digital Confidant for Younger Generations

As the year-end holidays approach, artificial intelligence is no longer limited to helping organize vacations or optimize shopping. It is now emerging as a genuine digital companion, capable of providing emotional support. This is one of the key findings of a recent study conducted by Kaspersky, highlighting a significant shift in AI usage—particularly among Generation Z and millennials.

According to the survey, carried out in November 2025 among 3,000 respondents across 15 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, AI adoption during the holiday season has reached record levels. In the UAE, 92% of respondents say they plan to use AI-powered tools during the holidays. Enthusiasm is especially strong among 18–34-year-olds, with 86% intending to rely on AI technologies to simplify their daily lives.

First and foremost, AI remains a practical tool. Nearly 59% of users plan to use it to search for restaurants or accommodation, while 45% rely on it to find recipes. The goal is clear: to save time and streamline research during an often hectic period.

However, AI is also increasingly viewed as a source of inspiration. Almost one in two users (48%) turn to AI for gift ideas, Christmas decorations, or ways to celebrate. Even more striking, 51% say they are willing to trust AI to suggest activities for their free time. When it comes to shopping, 46% consider AI a personal assistant capable of creating shopping lists, comparing prices, or analyzing online reviews.

These AI-driven technologies enable increasingly personalized offers, tailored to individual preferences and budget constraints. However, this convenience is not without risk. Kaspersky experts warn about the sometimes limited reliability of chatbot-generated information, particularly when it comes to links that may lead to fraudulent or phishing content. Users are therefore strongly advised to verify all links provided by AI tools and to rely on cybersecurity solutions that include AI-based threat detection mechanisms.

Beyond organization and consumption, the study reveals a more unexpected use case: AI as a source of emotional support. During the holidays, 39% of AI users say they turn to these tools when they feel sad or isolated. This trend is especially pronounced among zoomers and millennials, who are more inclined to interact with conversational assistants to fulfill a need for listening and reassurance.

“As large language models evolve rapidly, their ability to engage in complex and seemingly meaningful conversations continues to improve. However, it is important to remember that they learn from data largely sourced from the internet, which means they can reproduce errors and biases present in their training material,” explains Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at the Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center. He advises users to approach AI-generated suggestions with caution and to avoid oversharing personal information.

Behind the apparent intimacy of these interactions lies a commercial reality: most chatbots are owned by private companies, each governed by its own data collection and processing policies. Kaspersky therefore reiterates several essential best practices, including reviewing privacy policies before using AI services, limiting the sharing of personal or financial information, favoring reputable platforms, and avoiding anonymous or unverified bots that are often designed for fraudulent purposes.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in moments of leisure and celebration, the study highlights a central paradox: the more these tools integrate into users’ personal lives, the greater the need for vigilance when it comes to cybersecurity and data protection. The 2025/2026 holiday season could thus mark a lasting turning point in our relationship with artificial intelligence—balancing innovation and convenience with digital caution.

Caroline Haïat