Dh1.23b generated through Visa card payments during DSF

A record $335 million (Dh1.23 billion) was generated through Visa card payments alone during the Dubai Shopping Festival this year.

Local and international Visa cardholder spending during this DSF was nearly one-third higher than at last year's festival.

Peak shopping was seen on January 16, where an average of 105 shopping transactions were made per minute on Visa and Visa Electron cards, leading to total consumer expenditure of over $16 million (Dh58.8 million) in just one day.

While the influx of international cardholders continues to grow, domestic Visa cardholders accounted for over 55 per cent of shopping during DSF.

"Dubai is well known as a shoppers paradise and the growth in use of cards has made it easier for people to shop. Spending patterns are clearly changing, as cardholders are experiencing the convenience and safety of Visa solutions for their everyday requirements," said Kamran Siddiqi, general manager Middle East, Visa International.