GrabX 2026: AI Assistants, GrabStays, and New Tools for Everyday Hustle

If you have been using Grab for rides or food, things are about to get a lot more interesting. At this year’s GrabX event, the company rolled out a wave of new features, most of them powered by AI, all aimed at making daily life and travel a bit easier.

One of the biggest highlights is the new Grab AI Assistant. Think of it as a built-in helper that understands what you need. Planning a small celebration, it can suggest restaurants based on your group size and preferences, and even handle the booking. Doing groceries, there is also a shopping agent that can turn a simple list, photo, or voice note into a ready-to-checkout cart. It cuts down the time spent searching item by item.

Drivers are also getting their own version of this smart helper. The Driver AI Assistant is designed to guide them while they work, from answering policy questions to helping send messages to passengers. The idea is to keep things efficient without distracting them from driving.

Beyond AI, Grab is also expanding into travel in a bigger way. A new feature called GrabStays lets users book hotels quickly, especially useful for last-minute plans. It was developed with Nuitee, focusing on fast bookings and competitive prices.

Travel inside the app is becoming more organized too. There is now a personalized travel experience that gathers important details like flight updates, gate information, and reminders for documents. It even includes a checklist for things like eSIMs and travel passes, plus indoor navigation when you arrive at the airport.

Another interesting addition is Discover by Grab, which shows food spots and dining ideas based on what users like. You can go from browsing to booking a table, ordering food, or even booking a ride, all without leaving the app.

For those traveling across Southeast Asia, payments are getting simpler as well. GrabPay for Travel allows users to scan QR codes in other countries and pay using their existing cards, no need to juggle multiple wallets or currencies.

Grab did not forget its business users either. New tools are being introduced for merchants, including a Virtual Store Manager that uses AI and existing CCTV systems to monitor operations like cleanliness, queue length, and staffing. There is also a cloud printer system that automatically prints incoming orders and helps kitchens manage timing more smoothly.

Small business owners can also accept contactless payments directly through their phones using Tap to Pay, no extra hardware needed. It is clearly aimed at making things easier for smaller setups.

The company also shared that its Early Access Programme has already reached 200,000 users, helping shape thousands of improvements through feedback. A new “shake and share” feature even lets users quickly report issues or suggestions just by shaking their phone.

All these updates show how Grab is slowly turning into more than just a ride or delivery app. It is becoming a one-stop platform for daily needs, travel, and even business operations.