Dubai: Dubai is the world’s top destination where Muslim travellers shop, according to a report released on Tuesday by MasterCard and CrescentRating. The Muslim Travel Shopping Index 2015 analyses the Muslim traveller shopping market’s trends and preferences based on the performance of 40 international shopping destinations against a number of criteria. The metrics used to rank the destinations include a city’s suitability as a shopping destination, its Muslim-friendly services and facilities, and its ease of travel and family friendliness.
Dubai, which had a score of 79.5 out of 100, was followed by Kuala Lumpur, with a score of 73.3, Singapore, London, Istanbul, Antalya, Doha, Manama, Riyadh, Bali, Penang, Sharjah (55.3) and Abu Dhabi (54.8).
Dubai also topped the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) MTSI 2015 list. It was followed by Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, Antalya, Manama, Doha, Riyadh, Bali, Penang and Sharjah.
“With 108 million Muslim travellers representing 10 per cent of the entire travel economy in 2014, and forecasted to grow even further to 150 million visitors by 2020, it is evident this segment of the travel market represents a huge opportunity for both public and private sector organisations,” Raghu Malhotra, Division President for the Middle East and North Africa at MasterCard, said in a statement.
Dubai scored 52.8 for overall shopping expenditure and 88.1 for Muslim visitor shopping expenditure. Additionally, the emirate scored 80 for halal dining options, 60 for accommodation and 100 for ease of access for prayer places.
Total expenditure of Muslim travellers visiting the 40 cities included in the report amounted to $36 billion in 2014. Of this total expenditure, $9.3 billion (26 per cent) was spent on shopping.
According to the report, 46 per cent of the respondents said their typical budget per meal is between $10 and $20, and 32 per cent said they will spend less than $10 per meal. Only 5 per cent of respondents said that they will spend more than $30 per meal.
In terms of shopping budgets, 27 per cent of respondents said their shopping expenditure is between $250 and $500, while 24 per cent said that their shopping budget is between $500 and $1,000. Around 20 per cent of respondents said that they would spend more than $1,000.
Souvenirs and local clothing brands were the top purchases of South East Asian travellers.
Perfumes, cosmetics and branded clothing were also typical purchases for many of the respondents.
