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UAE is top destination in travel in the region

Seven markets were surveyed and travel and consumer lifestyle preferences were revealed. When it comes to personal air travel, 26 per cent of travellers from Kuwait, 18 per cent from Saudi Arabia, 14 per cent from India, 9 per cent from Egypt and 7 per cent from Lebanon said they would visit the United Arab Emirates by air during the next 12 months.

UAE travellers, on the other hand, favoured Egypt coming at the forefront (22.3 per cent) followed by Syria (11.7 per cent), Jordan (10 per cent) and Lebanon (9 per cent).

Most UAE travellers prefer to make their personal air travel abroad in July (42 per cent), August (22 per cent) and September (11 per cent). Of those surveyed, 47 per cent will stay away from home for over 21 days and 72 per cent will travel with family and friends.

Denzil Lawson, senior vice president and general manager, MasterCard International, Middle East and North Africa, said: "The results of the MasterIndex of Consumer Lifestyle survey confirm the UAE's position as one of the prominent destinations in the Middle East. Credit should be given to the UAE's tourism infrastructure and facilities, which are rated among the best in the world, together with its breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage."

"The results demonstrate the potential of tourism within the Middle East. Initiatives such as Dubai Summer Surprises shopping festival, for which MasterCard has been a key sponsor for six years now, are instrumental in taking tourism in the Middle East to new heights," added Denzil Lawson.

Recognising that holidays, travel and leisure are important aspects of MasterCard cardholders' lifestyles, MasterCard has recently launched a Middle East wide 'Together Wherever' promotion, giving cardholders from participating banks the opportunity to win 'priceless' travel experiences. The promotion is held between June 7 and September 30, 2005 for any transaction whilst home or abroad.