United Arab Emirates, Dubai, April 21st, 2008, Emirates Islamic Bank (EIB), one of the leading financial institutions in the UAE, already has a series of firsts to its name when it comes to introducing innovative products and services designed to make life easier for its customers. Now, in partnership with Emirates Skywards and VISA, EIB has launched the First ever Islamic Co-brand airline Credit Card in the region. Called the Skywards Emirates Islamic Bank Credit Card,  is a product that opens up an exclusive world of travel benefits and lots more for the discerning customers.

Filled with exciting offers, discounts and numerous travel-related benefits, the Skywards Emirates Islamic Credit Card has many special privileges that no other card can match and also enjoys global acceptance at over 22 million outlets across 130 countries. "This is yet another strategic partnership that the bank has entered with market leaders into that puts the needs of our customers above all else," said Mr. Faisal Aqil, General Manager, Retail, Emirates Islamic Bank. "Travel is an integral part of the lives of many of our customers, and through this partnership we have been able to add huge value to their travel and offer them many more benefits that complement their lifestyle" he said. The Skywards Emirates Islamic Bank Credit Card offers an unprecedented earning of up to1 Skywards Mile for every 1 Dirham spent on the card, subject to terms and conditions. These Skywards Miles are redeemable against exciting offers and discounts, including reward tickets from Emirates Airline and other partner airlines, hotel stays, rent a car facilities, etc.

"As an example of our commitment to innovation and outstanding service, we add Emirates Islamic Bank as a prestigious new partner adding substantial value for our Skywards members and those new to our programme. Skywards aims to take our members far beyond the immediate travel experience, providing more choice and rewarding loyalty with free travel, upgrades and other rewards," said Brian Labelle, Senior Vice President of Skywards.

Visa is committed to the development of payment solutions which help banks to become leaders in their markets. By combining our tailored payment products with EIB and Emirates Airlines' ability to provide distinct added-value options, the unique EIB Skywards Credit Card enables cardholders to enjoy the convenience and security of a Visa card combined with the opportunity to earn Skywards miles. Today's ceremony is another example of Visa working to benefits for cardholders," said Kamran Siddique, Visa Inc General Manager for the Middle East and North Africa.

The Skywards Emirates Islamic Bank Credit Card also features exclusive benefits such as a complimentary Golf Fee Card that offers the cardholder huge savings in golf courses and resorts around the world, other benefits that will be music to the ears of frequent travellers, such as the Free e-Gate Card which saves them valuable time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. It entitles the holder to receive various retail discounts at numerous prestigious retail outlets across the globe, with many more new offers in the pipeline. Cardholders can also benefit from complimentary lounge access at Dubai International Airport with free secretarial services, free buffet, internet connection, reading material and 24-Hour porter facilities. The combination of skywards miles, global acceptance, airport, shopping and travel benefits clearly positions the card as a "must have" for Credit Card customers and especially travellers.

Skywards EIB Credit Card customers can also enjoy the luxury of emergency roadside assistance across the UAE anytime they need it. Other benefits like free travel insurance, Free valet parking service in prestigious malls and Dubai Airport, round-the-clock customer support, cash advances, up to four free supplementary cards add to the allure of this benefit-packed card that is truly global in every sense.

For more details, please contact the Emirates Islamic Bank customer care centre on 04 316 0101 or visit your nearest branch today.

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About Emirates Islamic Bank:
Emirates Islamic Bank opened its doors in October 2004 with a mission to provide consumers in the UAE with effective and innovative Shari'a-compliant financial solutions.

The Bank offers a range of Shari'a compliant products and services conforming to the highest standards of Islamic finance and all its activities are overseen by a Shari'a board comprising several prestigious scholars of Islamic law.

On the retail side, the bank has an array of products, such as a full range of credit cards including Visa Infinite Card; Manzili Home Finance, Intaleq Car Finance, and many other products. The bank has also launched Al Reem Ladies Banking, a specialized banking service designed to cater to the banking and financial needs of women in the region.

The bank also offers Ethmar Priority banking to suit the demands of the high-net-worth clients.

Emirates Islamic Bank is very active on the Corporate Banking level, seeking exceptional investment opportunities in the local as well as the regional market. Within almost three years of its inception Emirates Islamic Bank has managed to position itself as one of leading financial players in the UAE's banking sector. The bank's rapid growth and success is mainly due to its continued successful launch of Shari'a compliant products, services and other key business initiatives.

EIB is headquartered in Dubai and employs more than 800 staff.   

Issued on behalf of Emirates Islamic Bank by tamra C2. For additional information, please contact
Randa Gharzeddine 
randa@tamra-c2.com.
Tel: 009714 295 11 77 ;
Fax: 00971 4 295 11 88.

© Press Release 2008