Online shopping more popular and easier than ever before as Visa and Borderlinx announce UAE partnership

By providing a US address and shipping services, Borderlinx allows UAE shoppers to make purchases from American retailers which only deliver within the U.S. In addition, Visa cardholders will benefit from free registration to the Borderlinx service as well as an exclusive 15% saving on Borderlinx shipping costs until 31 December 2009.

The UAE is one of the first countries worldwide to benefit from the exclusive agreement between Visa and Borderlinx. According to Visa's Mobile Services and e-commerce Usage and Attitudes Survey conducted in 2008, 74% of UAE internet users spent on average two hours or more per week looking for and/or purchasing goods online.

"Visa research into internet usage in the UAE has revealed that approximately 63% of people surveyed have internet access at home and spend an average of 16 hours per week online. Increased browsing has lead to increased demand for online shopping, which is why Visa is delighted to partner with Borderlinx to provide UAE consumers the benefits of shopping without borders,"

commented Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager, Visa Inc, MENA.

The partnership will provide UAE consumers with access to leading U.S-based retailers.

David Spottiswood, CEO of Borderlinx stated: "This agreement with Visa is significant in the development of cross border e-commerce, providing UAE online consumers with an easy and cost effective way of accessing US retailers.

"Consumers in the UAE now have the opportunity to purchase goods and to benefit from the exciting deals on offer and goods that are not readily available in their home market ."

"With an unsurpassed acceptance network, Visa is the most preferred card in the world for online shopping as it provides flexibility, convenience and security for cardholders," added Siddiqi.