Short-Term Retail Access in the UAE: Rethinking Tools for Small Business Growth

Dana Alharsi, Zayed University
Zeina Hojeij, Zayed University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

Proceedings of the 29th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2025)

Publication Date

9-9-2025

Abstract

This paper examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can support small business owners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who are seeking short-term physical retail space. Although national strategies encourage entrepreneurship, many local businesses face practical barriers when moving from online to physical stores. These include high rent, rigid lease terms, and limited access to useful property data. Internationally, platforms such as Storefront and Appear Here use AI tools to match businesses with available retail spaces based on timing, customer traffic, and price. However, there is no similar system tailored to the UAE’s legal, economic, or cultural context. Based on a review of recent studies and regional data, this paper argues that adapting AI-based matching tools to local needs could give small business owners more realistic ways to test and grow in physical locations.

ISBN

[9781950492855]

ISSN

2771-0947

Publisher

International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics

First Page

277

Last Page

280

Disciplines

Business | Computer Sciences

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence, Local Business, Retail Space, Short-Term Leasing, Site Selection, Small Business, UAE

Scopus ID

105021494582

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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