SMART PAYMENTS RESHAPE TRAVEL

From money management to travel benefits and peace of mind, travel cards are fast becoming the go-to spending tool for UAE residents

- GN FOCUS REPORT

For UAE travellers, how they spend has become just as important as where they go. Whether it's a long-awaited trip abroad or a quick staycation closer to home, more people are choosing travel cards over cash to manage expenses.

It reflects a change in how people think about travel. It's no longer just about ticking off destinations. There's growing demand for meaningful and efficient experiences, and that includes how people manage money while travelling.

Globally, this trend is gaining traction. According to Credence Research, the travel card market is set to grow from $36.07 billion (Dh132.46 billion) in 2023 to $63.58 billion by 2032, as more travellers adopt cashless and digital payment solutions that offer convenience, security and control over travel-related expenses.