Air Miles, the Middle East's leading multi-participant loyalty programme, has signed up with the hospitality division of Saleh Bin Lahej Group, a leading chain of restaurants, to further increase its ever growing partner portfolio in the UAE.

Saleh Bin Lahej Group operates a number of highly-popular dining brands across the UAE.

The partnership offers cardholders Three Air Miles per dirham spent on all food and beverage purchases at the Black Canyon Thai Restaurant, the Mexican eateries Cantina Laredo and El Chico as well as the Italian favourite Macaroni Grill.

'As a leading dining chain in the UAE, we constantly strive to set new standards in quality, service and customer satisfaction,' said Mohamed Saleh Bin Lahej, chief executive officer, Saleh Bin Lahej Group.

'Our partnership with Air Miles will enable us to provide our customers and Air Miles’ Million plus members with an even wider range of exciting places to earn Air Miles as they dine at their favourite restaurants,” he noted.

By showing their Air Miles Card, members earn Air Miles at a huge variety of retailers and service providers throughout the UAE.

Miles can then be redeemed for shopping rewards including electronics, household goods, jewellery, travel and leisure experiences.

“We are very happy to welcome Saleh Bin Lahej Group to the Air Miles partner network,” said Dave Battiston, CEO, Air Miles.

“With the UAE retail market growing exponentially, our partnership with Saleh Bin Lahej Group reiterates how alliances with loyalty programmes acts as catalyst in boosting retail sales and retaining their customers through strategic database led initiatives.'

Top retail brands are being added continuously to Air Miles’ extensive partner base and the company pledges to continue to operate by its motto of ‘Shop like always.

Rewards like never before’. Throughout 2008, Air Miles has signed up with over 37 high-profile retail brands and expects to increase its partner base even further.

In just seven years Air Miles have grown exponentially, now with more than 1.5 million members across the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

Air Miles has aligned with many of the regions' top players from different retail sectors – “We choose brands that are both accessible to consumers and bring credibility to Air Miles and Saleh Bin Lahej with its outstanding reputation fits in perfectly,” Battiston added.-TradeArabia News Service