Did you know you live in the 9th Most Visited City in the World?

MasterCard recently released the MasterCard Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities, an index that gives a look at how the world’s biggest cities are connected. Multifaceted Dubai features prominently on the Index, coming in ninth in terms of numbers of inbound international visitors expected this year, and outshining cities such as New York, Amsterdam, Kuala Lampur and Shanghai.

The Index ranks 132 cities in terms of the number of their total international visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending by these same visitors in the destination cities, and gives visitor and passenger growth forecasts for 2011.

The Index showed that the UAE looks more alluring than ever. With 7.9 million international visitors expected in 2011, Dubai is the ninth most highly ranked destination city in the world. Abu Dhabi is expecting to see an increase of 15.5% in international visitors, and the UAE capital is expected to see these visitors fork out a whopping USD 2 billion this year.

The UAE is home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings. From the dizzying heights and splendor of Burj Al Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers something for everybody. Whether walking along the streets of the old city to enjoying modern-day adventures at theme parks, the emirates offer travelers ease and comfort.

In line with providing MasterCard cardholders from around the world with unique experiences and priceless rewards when visiting the UAE, MasterCard has teamed up with some of the leading players in the region to make their holiday in the UAE truly exciting.

“We are delighted to see Dubai and Abu Dhabi rank as two prominent worldwide destinations in MasterCard’s latest study,” said Raghu Malhotra, general manager, Middle East, MasterCard. “MasterCard continually strives to offer exclusive benefits to our cardholders this travel season as we are giving cardholders more opportunities to break away with their families. The UAE, with its renowned hospitality and retail offerings is a key destination for visitors and we aim to ensure that their trip to the UAE is filled with yet more priceless moments.”

Access to the Airport Lounge - To enhance their travel experience even further, MasterCard Titanium, Platinum or World MasterCard cardholders can enjoy privileged access to the Dubai Marhaba airport lounge at Terminals 1 and 3. Cardholders making a trip around the Middle East can also enjoy airport lounge access in Cairo, Kuwait, Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman.

Shop with MasterCard on Cobone and get 5% Discount - MasterCard has also teamed up with the Middle East’s largest deal-of-the-day website, Cobone to bring cardholders even more bang for their buck. Via Cobone.com, MasterCard cardholders will be able to receive unbeatable, experiential deals in Dubai every day; from delicious buffets and jet skiing to pampering spa specials and soul-soothing yoga, anyone can snatch a bargain deal. Turning a great shopping experience into a priceless one, MasterCard and Cobone are offering cardholders an additional 5% off all value-added deals – that’s right, a discount on every deal, every day. Click on www.cobone.com/deals/nationaluae today to grab yours now!