Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a premier sporting destination was further reinforced by the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which attracted 133,000 Visa cardholders from around the world, driving a 29 per cent net rise in transactions in the UAE.
In light of this, Visa has revealed insights from its latest Travel Pulse study, powered by VisaNet data. This edition, titled Eventful Travels, highlights the F1 event’s impact on UAE tourism and economy, showing a 34 per cent net increase in international visitor spending in Abu Dhabi compared to the same week in 2023.
“The Formula 1 Grand Prix is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy, attracting global visitors and stimulating spending across multiple sectors,” said Saeeda Jaffar, senior vice president and group country manager for GCC at Visa. “Its impact extends far beyond the capital, creating a ripple effect throughout the nation’s economy.
"Our insights reflect how major sporting events are driving tourism and commerce. As part of the broader vision to welcome 39.3 million visitors by 2030 in Abu Dhabi, Visa continues to support economic diversification by leveraging data and digital payments, helping the emirate and the UAE lead in global tourism, commerce, and innovation.”
Key findings from VisaNet
Growing visitor footfall: During the F1 weekend, 133,000 Visa cardholders made in-person transactions in Abu Dhabi, a 9 per cent net increase in visitors and 29 per cent net rise in transactions. The impact extended beyond the capital, with 62 per cent of these visitors also spending in other emirates, particularly Dubai and Sharjah. Additionally, 4 per cent of non-GCC visitors continued their journeys to other GCC countries during or after the event, highlighting the boost to regional tourism.
Global visitor insights: Visitors from 178 countries made transactions during the F1 weekend, with the highest growth in visitors from South Africa, Kazakhstan and the UK.
Top-spending nationalities: Visitors from the US led with having the largest share of spending – 14 per cent. The average spend per card for US cardholders was $285, 29 per cent higher than the overall average for F1. Other top spenders included Kazakhstan ($298), the UK ($220), Saudi Arabia ($162), and Oman ($105). F1 also had a notable spillover effect across the UAE’s other emirates, with event visitors spending an additional $563 per card on average. The largest share of this spend came from Saudi Arabia (15%) and US (11%), who had the spend of $712 and $616 per card.
Spending patterns: While regular UAE visitors mostly spent on retail and fashion, F1 visitors to Abu Dhabi fuelled spend on travel services and dining.
Key spending categories in Abu Dhabi: Travel services experienced the largest growth in Abu Dhabi, rising by 68 per cent, representing 18 per cent of the total spend during the F1 weekend. Dining expenditure also saw a notable increase, up 53 per cent, accounting for 19 per cent of the total spend in the emirate. Retail spending grew by 17 per cent, contributing 14 per cent to Abu Dhabi's overall spend.
Key spending categories across the UAE: Across the UAE, travel services saw an 18 per cent increase, making up 9 per cent of the total spend. Dining spend rose 27 per cent, contributing 8 per cent to the total spend across the nation. Retail spending witnessed an impressive 83 per cent surge, accounting for 27 per cent of the total spend across the UAE during the F1 weekend.
Visa is committed to supporting tourism in the UAE and wider GCC with data-driven insights and innovative payment solutions that enhance their offerings for visitors. Visa’s high-frequency data analytics also help financial institutions and businesses in the country understand shifting consumer trends to tailor engagement strategies that foster brand loyalty and enable seamless and secure transactions for UAE cardholders when travelling worldwide.
With a suite of travel benefits and secure payment options, Visa cardholders in UAE can explore with confidence, making every journey more convenient and rewarding.
Travel Pulse has been prepared using transaction data from Visa cards issued globally. This report leverages VisaNet data and analytics to analyse inbound travel trends in the UAE and their impact on the local economy.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
