Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic agreement with Visa to drive international tourism and enhance visitor experiences using data-powered solutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, will see Visa provide DET with in-depth analytics on tourist behavior, spending patterns, and seasonal trends. This data will help shape targeted marketing campaigns and seamless, personalised services for travelers.
The collaboration is aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to cement Dubai’s standing as a global hub for tourism and business. The move also reflects the strength of Dubai’s public-private partnerships, which continue to fuel the sector’s growth—evident in the city’s strong performance in Q1 2025, with 5.31 million international overnight visitors, a 3% increase from the previous year.
The agreement was signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of DET, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC.
Kazim highlighted the role Visa has played in enhancing Dubai’s tourism landscape through secure and seamless payment solutions, adding that the partnership will elevate Dubai’s global visibility and enrich the visitor experience. Dr. Jaffar noted Visa’s commitment to empowering DET with actionable insights and innovation, backed by a $10 billion investment in technology over the past five years.
As part of the deal, Visa will also support DET’s global marketing efforts and exclusive promotions for Visa cardholders, helping local tourism operators and small businesses tap into international markets.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
