Sharjah-based United Arab Bank (UAB) said it has joined hands with FC Barcelona to launch the Mena region’s first Barca-themed credit/debit cards.

These exclusive Visa credit and debit cards will make everyday spending more enjoyable to Barca fans by providing unique “Barca Rewards” and chances to win trips to watch the team play live in Barcelona, said the bank which is FC Barcelona’s 'Official Partner in the UAE.'

FC Barcelona fans residing in the UAE will have the opportunity to sign up for any of three Barca-themed cards – the Visa Signature and Platinum credit cards, and the Visa Platinum debit card, said a statement from UAB.  

The exclusive Visa Signature credit card, a genuine collector’s item featuring the autographs of Messi, Neymar, Xavi, Pique and Puyol, gives cardholders a chance to win an all-expense paid trip and game ticket to Barcelona with a nominal spend of every Dh500 and every Dh1,000 with Platinum Card credit and debit cards.

The draws will be held on the January 16, February 20 and March 20 to select the winners.

All FC Barcelona cards are linked with “Barca Rewards”, which will allow customers to earn points to redeem for Barça merchandise, along with over 900 airlines, 200,000 hotels and thousands of electronic items. “Barca Rewards” will be part of the award winning “UAB Rewards”, the Best Customer Loyalty program in the Middle East, the statement added.

Commenting on the launch, Tony B Graham, executive VP (Retail Banking) said:"We are thrilled to offer the region’s first FC Barcelona cards to our customers and to fans of the club here in the UAE.  It’s a fantastic way to show their support for the world’s greatest football club."

"Even better, not only Barca cardholders will earn chances with each transaction to win an all-expense paid trip to see the club play live in Spain at Camp Nou, they will also earn “Barca Reward” points, which can be also redeemed for over hundreds of Official FC Barcelona merchandise – designed especially for the true Barca fan," he stated.

He said this was the next step in UAB's three-year partnership with FC Barcelona.

Marcello Baricordi, the general manager UAE and Global Accounts Lead at Visa Mena, said: "In addition to being the world’s largest electronic payments network, Visa is also a strong supporter of sports, so we are delighted to partner with UAB to launch these unique Visa co-branded premium products for UAE affluent cardholders who are passionate about football."

"The Visa Signature credit card offers something to satisfy both the affluent and sports enthusiast’s needs, offering a full suite of privileges and rewards for travel and lifestyle, and Concierge service available to cardholders 24 hours a day, from anywhere in the world," he added.-TradeArabia News Service