The AR Experience: Convergence of the Real and Digital
Augmented reality in marketing has taken off in the UAE because it fits perfectly with a mobile-first, experience-driven audience. High smartphone penetration, strong digital infrastructure, and a culture of shopping malls and entertainment make AR in digital marketing a natural way for brands to stand out, turning static campaigns into immersive brand experiences that people want to share.
Retail, real estate, and hospitality are leading the way. Fashion and beauty brands use AR in marketing to power virtual try-on, letting customers test products directly from their phones or in smart mirrors at malls. Developers launch new projects with interactive AR product visualization and 3D apartment walkthroughs instead of flat brochures. Hotels and resorts rely on AR brand activations to show facilities, routes, and services in context, guiding guests through lobbies, pools, and attractions in a playful way.
Across Dubai and other Emirates, augmented reality in social media marketing has become a separate toolkit. Branded filters on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, AR treasure hunts in shopping centers, and interactive installations at festivals and waterfront promenades turn campaigns into city-scale experiences. For businesses in the UAE, AR is no longer a gimmick, but a practical way to increase engagement, time spent with the brand, and conversion from curiosity to visit or purchase.