UAB seals FC Barcelona partnership
Dubai, September 9, 2013
United Arab Bank (UAB), a fast-growing bank in the UAE, has sealed a three-year partnership deal with football giant FC Barcelona.
The landmark alliance confirms UAB as FC Barcelona’s “Official Partner in the UAE” and places the bank as the first and exclusive financial partner of the football club in the emirates, said a statement from the bank.
The partnership will continue for a period of there years ending July 2016.
The Emirati retail bank had posted record half-year profits of Dh260 million, registering a 35 per cent increase over the same period in 2012.
The bank is now looking to tap into the nation’s immense passion for football and reach a large number of football followers. As official partner of FC Barcelona, the bank will create a range of customized Barca-themed products and offers to delight the host of Barca fans across the UAE, said a senior offical.
An event was held at the Mirdif City Centre to kick start a week-long promotion designed to attract many Barca fans to register on the dedicated website for the event.
Senior officials from UAB including its CEO Paul Trowbridge, retail banking head Tony Graham and Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Al Nuaimi, the executive VP were present along with Javier Faus, the FC Barcelona VP (Economic and Strategic area) and Manel Arroyo Pérez, the director (Economic and Strategic Area (Media and Sponsorship).
Commenting on the alliance, Trowbridge said: "We are excited to partner with FC Barcelona – a brand that shares the same values as ours and embodies the spirit of winning. UAB has had a very successful 2012 and 2013 and we have demonstrated our strength through our many achievements."
"The club’s selection reiterates our position as one of the major players in the banking sector in the region and also this partnership will help them fulfill their aspirations in the emirates," he noted.
"The club enjoys tremendous popularity amongst UAE football fans and so the alliance creates a great platform for us to incentivize our clients with a range of FC Barcelona privileges including hospitality match tickets, Barca-themed banking products, official merchandise and more. We will also be unveiling more exciting details in the days to come," he added.
Javier Faus said, "We have chosen UAB for many reasons. These include its capacity for growth, being the fastest growing bank in the UAE, and the enthusiasm it puts into its projects. Our Club and our members share the same passion for football," he added.
The week-long promotion is giving 14 lucky ones an unique opportunity to watch FC Barcelona live at Camp Nou on September 24.
The bank also plans to roll out various FC-branded products and services, in addition to rewarding an additional 1000 customers with exclusive hospitality seats to watch FC Barcelona live in action over the next three years.-TradeArabia News Service
