Shopping haven

Dubai has been ranked the number one destination in the world for Muslims to travel to for shopping purposes, according to a new report released by MasterCard and CrescentRating.

The Muslim Travel Shopping Index 2015 (MTSI 2015) was released during MasterCard’s Innovation Forum in Kuala Lumpur. It analyses the trends and preferences of the Muslim traveller shopping market based on the performance of 40 main international shopping destinations against a number of set criteria. Compiled by MasterCard and CrescentRating, the publication of the inaugural MTSI2015 Index ranked Dubai the leading destination with a weighted score of 79.5 out of 100.

Dubai tops the list of shopping destinations for Muslims outright, being recognised as the first-placed Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) MTSI 2015 destination as well as heading the list of non-OIC destinations. The city’s next closest competitor is Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, with a score of 73.3, emphasising just how successfully Dubai has been able to market itself as a leading shopping destination. Sharjah ranked fifth highest MTSI destination in the Arab World, coming in 12th overall with a competitive score of 55.3.

Other cities from within the Arab World performed strongly on the MTSI 2015. Manama in Bahrain was the second highest ranked destination in the Arab World according MTSI Index for destinations within the OIC, coming in at seventh overall with a score of 59.6. Doha in Qatar was close behind with an overall ranking of eighth, and a score of 59.5. Riyadh in Saudi Arabia was the fourth highest ranked destination in the MTSI 2015 OIC list for the region, with an overall ranking of ninth and a weighted score of 59.3.

Commenting on the release of MTSI 2015, Raghu Malhotra, division president, Middle East and North Africa, MasterCard says, '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. We are very pleased to publish this index on the travel and shopping patterns of Muslim communities in order for organisations around the world to more effectively target and capture share of this lucrative travel sector.'

He adds: 'Earlier this year, Dubai was ranked amongst the top five most popular destination cities in the world in MasterCard’s 2015 Global Destination Cities Index and has consistently advanced its position since the annual index first launched in 2012. This further underlines the city’s dynamism and enduring positive reputation amongst international travellers.'

MTSI uses a comprehensive set of metrics to rank destinations including a city’s suitability as a shopping destination, its Muslim-friendly services and facilities, and its ease of travel and family friendliness. Collectively, these factors contribute to the overall score and ranking of each destination.

Key findings of the MTSI 2015 report include:

• 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.

• 56 per cent of respondents shop for souvenirs as typical purchases, while 45 per cent shop for local clothing brands. 40 per cent of respondents also purchase Islamic clothing and accessories, while 38 per cent chose traditional handicrafts to buy.

• Results of the study highlight that 27 per cent of respondents spend between $250 – $500 on shopping while travelling, while 24 per cent spend between $500 – $1,000, and 20 per cent spend over $1,000.

• When travelling, 55 per cent of the survey pool still prefers to use cash for purchases. 35 per cent on the other hand, prefer using credit cards for their purchases, while 6 per cent utilise debit cards.

• Singapore and London ranked among the top five destinations for Muslim shopping travellers, revealing that Muslims are becoming more adventurous and welcoming of new shopping and dining experiences.

• Although OIC destinations have an advantage due to possessing Muslim-friendly environments as a default, non-OIC destinations can successfully compete for Muslim travellers by proactively catering to this segment.