Artificial intelligence is no longer just a workday productivity tool. In the UAE, it is rapidly becoming a holiday companion helping people plan trips, shop smarter, and even cope emotionally during festive downtime. But as AI adoption surges, cybersecurity experts are warning that blind trust in these tools could expose users to data leaks, scams, and privacy risks.
According to a recent survey published by Kaspersky, an overwhelming 92% of users in the UAE say they plan to use AI-powered tools during their holiday activities. The findings highlight a major behavioral shift: AI is moving from a utility to something far more personal and potentially risky.
AI as a Holiday Assistant and More
Kaspersky’s research, conducted in November 2025 across 15 countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, shows that younger users are leading the AI adoption curve. About 86% of respondents aged 18–34 in the UAE said they plan to rely on AI during the holiday season.
For many, AI is now a digital shortcut for everyday holiday tasks:
- 59% plan to use AI to search for restaurants or accommodation
- 45% rely on it to find recipes
- 48% use AI to brainstorm gift ideas or decoration tips
- 51% trust AI to suggest how to spend their free time
- 46% see AI as a shopping assistant for lists, deals, and reviews
This growing reliance mirrors global trends, but the UAE stands out for its particularly high adoption, reflecting the country’s strong digital readiness and enthusiasm for emerging technologies.
When Convenience Turns Risky
While AI-powered chatbots and assistants can save time, cybersecurity professionals caution that AI-generated recommendations are not always safe or accurate.
One of the key concerns is malicious links and phishing content. AI tools often summarize information from the internet and may unintentionally recommend unsafe websites. Clicking a single malicious link could lead to credential theft, malware infections, or financial fraud.
This is where professional cybersecurity services, become critical in helping organizations and individuals understand and manage digital risks in an AI-driven world.
AI as Emotional Support: A New Frontier
Perhaps the most striking finding from the survey is AI’s emerging emotional role.
39% of UAE users said they would talk to AI when feeling unhappy during the holidays, with Gen Z and millennials showing the strongest interest.
“As large language models evolve, they become increasingly capable of meaningful dialogue,” said Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky’s AI Technology Research Center. “But users must remember that AI learns from internet data, which includes errors and biases. Oversharing personal information can have serious consequences.”
In short, while AI may feel empathetic, it is not private by default.
Why This Matters for the Middle East & Africa
For MEA countries—where digital transformation, smart services, and AI adoption are accelerating—this trend has broader implications. High AI usage during holidays increases:
- Exposure to phishing campaigns and fake AI tools
- Risks of data leakage across borders
- Opportunities for cybercriminals targeting less cautious, relaxed users
This reinforces the need for cyber awareness training, especially for individuals and organizations embracing AI at scale. Platforms like training.saintynet.com play a key role in building practical awareness around AI-related risks.
10 Practical Cybersecurity Tips for Safe AI Use
To stay safe while using AI tools this holiday season, security teams and individuals should consider the following best practices:
- Review the privacy policy of every AI tool before using it.
- Opt out of chat data being used for training whenever possible.
- Never share personal, financial, or identifying information with chatbots.
- Treat AI conversations as public—not confidential.
- Verify all links suggested by AI before clicking.
- Use reputable AI platforms from trusted vendors only.
- Avoid unknown or “free” AI bots promoted on social media.
- Deploy endpoint and phishing protection tools on all devices.
- Educate employees and family members on AI-related cyber risks.
- Invest in continuous cyber awareness programs, such as those offered via Saintynet Cybersecurity training initiatives.
For deeper insights into cyber awareness and digital trust, readers can explore related coverage on Cybercory.com, where previous articles have examined AI misuse, phishing trends, and emerging digital threats.
Conclusion
AI is fast becoming an everyday companion in the UAE—helping users plan, shop, and even cope emotionally during the holidays. But as reliance grows, so do the risks. The message from cybersecurity experts is clear: use AI wisely, question its outputs, and protect your data.
Convenience should never come at the cost of privacy or security. As AI continues to reshape daily life, informed and cautious use will define whether it becomes a trusted ally or an unexpected vulnerability.
