Dubai, 10 June 2007 - Barclaycard, one of Europe's leading credit card issuers, has pledged to change the cards industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the launch of a range of cards and innovative benefit bundles that give customers an unprecedented level of choice.

Zeeshan Saleem, Barclays Head of Cards Business in the UAE said: "We have put customers in control. They choose what to pay, what they get and the rewards they earn, not us. This is a first for the UAE market."

Barclaycard's approach is simple. Customers apply for a Classic, Gold or Platinum card in the usual way but can then choose the right bundle of benefits, rewards and pricing options to suit their needs.

Barclaycard's 'Preferred' bundle is available on Classic and Gold cards and offers great value. The 'Preferred' bundle is uncomplicated, with no annual fee, and includes road, travel and insurance benefits together with a competitive interest rate.

Customers selecting the 'Prestige' bundle pay an annual fee of AED 550 and receive the lowest interest rate available in the market at just 2.19% per month. The 'Prestige' option comes with comprehensive benefits, including the exclusive Barclays Butler service, double rewards at the weekend and discount offers at luxury spas, salons and health clubs.

Barclays Butler offers customers a helping hand, whatever the situation. The Barclays Butler benefit provides free and fee based services including courier service in the UAE, document drops at the airport, an on-call maid, driver and butler service and even an emergency gift-buying service for those rare occasions when a loved-one may have been forgotten.

Zeeshan continues: "We put the choice in the customer's hands . Whichever option they choose, they can be assured of the highest standards of service that you expect from a brand like Barclays."

Barclaycard's associate in the venture is Visa International, widely accepted as a preferred partner by leading card issuers worldwide. Cards are available from 10th June 2007. Customers can apply through www.

Barclaycard.ae or by calling 800 4286000. Barclaycard, product and benefit terms and conditions apply.



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About Barclays Global Retail and Commercial banking
Barclays Commercial Banking offers a wide spectrum of customised solutions to meet the needs of its customers. This ranges from vanilla trade finance requirements such as letters of credit and guarantees to more complex products such as commodity financing, acquisition financing and structured financing packages for specific sectors such as property. The solutions provided by Barclays Commercial Banking are tailored, and can be rapidly customised to meet the evolving needs of its growing customer base. In cognisance of the strong trade and investment linkages within the Gulf and North African region, the Barclays Commercial banking team has developed its regional hub in the UAE and as a result is able to offer a seamless and integrated offering across the Middle East and North Africa. The operation also includes Retail.

Ahmed Khan is the CEO Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Emerging Markets.

Barclays has operated in the UAE for over thirty years and is now expanding in the Emirates as part of its strategy to increase exposure to attractive emerging markets and the reach of its retail banking service. The bank launched its UAE mortgage business last year, breaking the mould with its Mini-driving sales team. From June 2007, customers in the UAE are being offered new products that make it easier to bank with Barclays. Using technology and an innovative mobile sales force, Barclays will take its banking services to its customers in the UAE instead of the customer coming to the bank. Barclays UAE GRCB has more than 300 employees.

About Visa
Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial institutions through the world's largest electronic payments network. Visa products allow buyers and sellers to conduct commerce with ease and confidence in both the physical and virtual worlds. Visa is committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment systems to support the needs of all stakeholders and to drive economic growth.

Visa products currently generate more than $4 trillion in sales volume worldwide. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world. In addition, Visa/Plus is one of the world's largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in over 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.

For further information, please contact:
Maitha Al Qader,
Public Relations Manager,
Barclays Bank PLC
Tel: + 971 4 362 6772,
Mobile: + 971 50 652 5903
Email: Maitha.alqader@barclays.com

Hicham Amrani at Visa International
Tele: +971 4 331 9690,
Fax F +971 4 332 2199
Email: amranih@visa.com

Press Release 2007