Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Adib) has announced the launch of UAE’s first Islamic telecom card in partnership with telecommunications company Etisalat, and Visa International.

The Adib-Etisalat Card, available in Classic, Gold and Platinum versions, enables customers to earn free talk time for every dirham spent on their card, in addition to the best-in-market sign-up points, a statement from the bank said.

Upon signing up for the new co-branded covered card, Adib Etisalat cardholders will receive up to 70,000 ‘More Reward Points’ which is equivalent to 2,000 minutes of free talk-time within UAE. Cardholders will also earn up to 4 per cent cash back as ‘More Reward Points’ for every dirham whilst using their card for purchases anywhere in the world.

Customers will also be able to enjoy unique privileges such as access to Adib’s Travel Desk, and special discounts from national and international merchants as well as within the Etisalat partner network, the statement said.

Marking the launch of this partnership with Etisalat, Adib will offer its customers the chance to win up to 5 million ‘More Reward Points’ every month on every Dh250 spent on the card. Until December 31, 150 lucky winners will be selected to win a share of 8,000 hours of free talk time.

Dhafer Luqman, executive vice president, retail banking at ADIB, said: “Our continued commitment is to provide our customers with innovative new products and services through partnerships with leading corporations in the UAE.”

“Partnering with Visa and Etisalat to launch the UAE’s first Islamic telecom card provides our customers with a unique product and a rewarding experience that enables them to connect with friends and family whilst also providing a number of additional benefits.”

Jaber Al Janahi, vice president of corporate communications, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat has always endeavoured to offer the best value to its customers; as a result it launched the first telecom loyalty program in UAE called the More rewards programme in 2008.”

“The programme has over the years evolved and currently has more than 1.10 million unique customers enjoying the benefits from more than 52 brands and a unique online reward shop.”

“In line with Etisalat’s strategy to reward its customers and strengthen its relationship with them, today we are pleased to announce UAE’s first Shari’a telecom cobranded card  in association with ADIB and Visa. We are convinced that this initiative would bring in significant value to our customers.”

Marcello Baricordi, the general manager for Visa in the UAE, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with ADIB and Etisalat to launch the UAE’s first Islamic telecom co-branded card. This collaboration will encourage and enable Visa cardholders to stay connected with their families and friends more than ever, an experience that many will value deeply in the digital economy."

Customers can redeem ‘More Reward Points’ earned on Adib-Etisalat cards to receive free talk time, facilitate bill payments with Etisalat, and earn vouchers redeemable at a host of partner outlets.

Members can also redeem points through purchases from a choice of over 3,000 products and services at ‘More’ reward online shop hosted at www.etisalat.ae/more. They can redeem ‘More’ reward points or a combination of points plus cash, the statement said.

Cardholders will benefit from the existing features of Adib covered cards including free SMS transaction alert service, 100 per cent cash withdrawal, balance transfer facilities and a 55-day grace period on repayments.

Monthly card repayments by non-account holders can be made conveniently via Adib’s network of 73 branches, over 400 ATMs, as well as at UAE Exchange, Al-Ansari and Al Fardan Exchange offices throughout the UAE. – TradeArabia News Service