Manchester United have today announced a five-year partnership with Emirates NBD, one of the UAE's leading banks.
The agreement will see the financial institution become United's exclusive financial partner in the UAE, with the laucnhing of the Emirates NBD Manchester United Co-branded MasterCard Credit and Prepaid Cards.
This deal also continues United's aggressive commercial strategy means with Emirates NBD the latest in a long line of prestigious brands to join the club's exclusive and ever-expanding family of sponsors and world-wide partners.
United’s Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold said of the deal: “We are proud to be partnering with Emirates NBD as this will give our fans in the UAE another platform to engage with the best club in the world.
The Club has always had fantastic support from our fans in the Middle East and we are pleased to be able to offer them such a fantastic product."
Benefits for fans
The agreement will ensures Emirates NBD Manchester United MasterCard Credit and Prepaid Cardholders will be rewarded for their loyalty, inclduing official United signed memorabilia and 60 fully paid trips every season to watch the champions play at Old Trafford.
In addition, cardholders also stand a chance to win a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro every quarter, in addition to enjoying attractive offers and privileges at Chevrolet. Cardholders will also earn up to 10x Red Points for all transactions made on their cards. Red Points can be redeemed for a wide range of attractive offers including exclusive United merchandise, gift vouchers, cash back and miles from leading frequent flyer programs.
Apart from these outstanding benefits, cardholders will also enjoy attractive discounts of up to 30 per cent across 600 restaurants in the UAE, discounts of 10 percent at the Manchester United Mega store, free annual subscription to UAE's daily sports newspaper, Sport360°, and much more.
Suvo Sarkar, General Manager – Retail Banking, Emirates NBD said: “As the leading bank in the region, Emirates NBD is delighted to partner with a global brand like Manchester United; a household name in the UAE with a huge residential fan base.
"This partnership provides the perfect stage for the launch of a card which will enable fans to connect further with one of the most exciting brands in world football,” he added.
Both the Credit and the Pre-paid cards will be issued as Chip and Pin cards for added security. As an introductory offer the annual fee of AED 250 has been waived to encourage the strong Manchester United fan base to get a card free for life.
The Prepaid Card will be issued at a one-time fee of AED 75. Cardholders are also guaranteed to receive a gift box with exclusive Manchester United merchandise on activation and usage of the card.
The United and Emirates NBD deal follows hot on the heels of a similar tie-up between United Arab Bank and Spanish giants FC Barelona, which was announced last week.
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City are also expected to announce a partnership with First Gulf Bank in the not too distant future.
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