November was again the "highest" shopping season: US $ 449.9 million was spent this month, up 27.9% from the previous year. In 2011, holders of this type of card spent about US $ 4 billion, which is 28.7% higher than in 2010. The company explains the increase in costs due to the strengthening of Dubai's position as a global transportation hub, which was made possible thanks to the expansion of the route network of Emirates Airline, FlyDubai, Etihad and Air Arabia. A very impressive increase in costs was recorded in the Other Goods category, which includes clothing, antiques and jewelry, musical goods: it amounted to 641.2%. This may be the result of the development of the cruise industry, which takes place in the UAE in recent years. The fastest growing categories also included Department Stores (35.8%) and Other Travel Services and Entertainment (31.3%).
Marcello Baricoldi, Director General of VISA in the UAE, said: “As the world's largest electronic payment system, VISA has a unique position that allows it to track how and where tourists spend their money. This year’s results are very interesting: they show that, with one on the other hand, developed countries retain their attractiveness, and on the other hand, growing markets strengthen their positions. It is noteworthy that the activity of Russia, China and the USA is growing, which is associated with the expansion of the route networks of air carriers Emirates Airline and Flydubai. upateli of these regions are more likely to arrive in the UAE and to spend money on luxury items. "
