Older UAE Investors Are Digitally Savvy and Love Crypto, eToro Study Shows

eToro has just revealed that the digital gap between generations in the UAE's investor community is shrinking! We're seeing a clear convergence in digital proficiency between younger and older investors, who are both increasingly using social media and AI technologies to make their investment decisions. The latest "UAE Retail Investor Beat" survey from eToro, which compared investors aged 18-34 with those aged 35-62, showed that many traditional stereotypes about generational investment behavior no longer reflect reality. This is especially true as technology becomes more widespread across all age groups.

Digital and AI Use: Generations Are Closer Than You Think!

The survey results highlighted that older investors now have almost the same level of digital proficiency as younger investors. Both groups use social media for financial advice at very similar rates: 39% of young investors and 38% of older investors reported using these platforms for this purpose. The data also showed almost complete alignment in trust for AI as a source of investment recommendations. A whopping 76% of young investors and 75% of older investors indicated that they make investment decisions based on AI-generated recommendations. It's clear that using social media and AI isn't just for the young anymore. Usage rates for both groups have actually increased compared to the August 2025 survey results, signaling an accelerating digital transformation within the UAE's investment landscape.

Financial Advice Sources: Still Some Differences

Despite this digital convergence, the results did show a clear difference in where each group gets their financial advice. Older investors tend to rely more on online platforms or financial brokers for investment tips, with 57% doing so compared to 52% of young investors. On the other hand, young investors prefer consulting family, friends, colleagues, and peers within the sector, with 67% opting for this compared to 60% of older investors. This really highlights the more social and interactive nature of investment decision-making among younger people.

Older Investors Lead in Crypto and Commodities!

One of the most striking findings from the survey was that older investors actually showed a higher presence in some asset classes often associated with higher risks, especially cryptocurrencies and commodities. The data revealed that 56% of older investors are investing in cryptocurrencies, compared to 53% of young investors. For commodities, the investment rate was 61% for the older group versus 52% for the young. They also outperformed in holding cash, with 50% compared to 46%. Interestingly, investment rates in local and foreign stocks and bonds were pretty similar across both groups. These results suggest that older investors are adopting a more balanced approach to asset allocation, combining higher-risk tools with less volatile assets, rather than sticking only to traditional conservative investment strategies.

Sector Differences Between Young and Old

When it comes to investment sectors, financial services topped the list for both groups, followed by real estate and then the energy sector. However, there were still clear differences in preferences for each age group. Young investors showed greater interest in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors. Investment in technology was 36% for young investors versus 32% for older investors; healthcare reached 26% versus 23%; and renewable energy was 26% versus 24%. Conversely, older investors preferred the energy, financial services, and mining sectors. Investment in energy was 42% for older investors versus 38% for young; financial services was 51% versus 48%; and mining was 28% versus 26%. These trends reflect young investors' inclination towards sectors linked to innovation, sustainability, and future growth, while more mature investors focus on established and more stable sectors in the UAE market. Josh Gilbert noted that young investors, being in the early stages of their investment journey, tend to plan investments across a wider range of sectors to diversify their portfolios. He explained that renewable energy was the top sector young investors plan to invest in over the next three months, at 45%, while telecommunications led the interests of older investors at 40%.

Digital Sector Trust Grows Across Generations

The telecommunications sector, including social media and telecom companies, emerged as a sector enjoying almost equal trust from both groups. Currently, 27% of each group invests in it, with an additional 40% planning to invest in the next three months. This trend highlights the growing trust in digital, media, and social ecosystems, not just among young investors, but also among older age groups who are increasingly relying on digital tools to access information and make investment decisions.

Financial Independence: A Shared Goal

The survey results revealed that both groups share the same main investment goals: achieving financial independence, boosting income, and securing long-term financial stability, though priorities do differ slightly. Older investors showed greater interest in investing to combat inflation and enhance income. 52% invested to boost income compared to 44% of young investors, while 27% invested to counter inflation compared to 23%. Young investors, on the other hand, showed a greater inclination to invest out of personal interest and enjoyment, as well as planning for early retirement and building capital to cover future obligations. This suggests their continued interest in long-term financial planning, despite a more flexible view of investing. Additionally, 59% of young investors reported increasing their portfolio contributions in the past three months, compared to 55% of older investors. Looking ahead, 68% of young investors plan to increase these contributions in the next three months, versus 62% of the older group. Despite global market volatility and recent geopolitical tensions in the region, only a small number of investors in both categories reported a decrease in their portfolio value over the past three months: 9% of young investors and 8% of older investors.

Settling the Generational Gap Debate

The survey results confirm that many traditional assumptions about the generational gap in investing are becoming less relevant. Social media, AI, and cryptocurrencies have become key components of the investment landscape across all ages, no longer exclusive to young investors. The data also shows that young investors aren't necessarily more impulsive or reckless, and older investors can't always be categorized as permanently conservative. Both groups are adapting to a more digitized and diverse investment environment, but with different approaches that suit their priorities and experiences.