So, this year the volume of all expenses increased by 19% compared to the previous year, from US $ 497 million to US $ 589 million. The first positive indicator of the festival’s success was that in the first week, customers made purchases in the amount of US $ 153 3 million
In addition, foreigners set their own record by spending US $ 25 million for the first day of January 4, the first Friday of the festival (official day off in the UAE), while the leaders of the list, as stated in the official message of the VISA system, again became Russian tourists.
It should be noted that our compatriots traditionally lead in this rating: for example, last year they contributed to the emirate’s economy in the amount of US $ 61.3 million, and this year they again managed to take first place with an indicator of US $ 82.2 million .
The second place in terms of spending was taken by guests from Saudi Arabia (US $ 66.8), the third - tourists from the UK (US $ 53 million). The Americans spent US $ 45.1 during the winter extravaganza of shopping and entertainment in Dubai, and Indian citizens - US $ 23.6.
Foreigners, in total, spent US $ 13.7 million on electronics and US $ 11 million on air travel. "The increase in the number of payments made with VISA cards indicates an increase in the popularity of the Dubai Trade Festival among foreign buyers," said Marcello Baricoldi, general director of the VISA system in the UAE.
