First card manufacturer to introduce these cards in the UAE
FutureCard- UAE-based expert in the design, manufacture and customisation of all types of cards from basic plastic to the most advanced smart card - and ViaFone, the platform provider, are bringing their solutions to Wafi, by supplying them with Near Field Communication (NFC) loyalty cards that make customers' shopping experience that much more rewarding.
The mixed-use development, Wafi, is a complex that includes hotels, restaurants, Spas and residences, and is home to Wafi Mall. The destination is the opportune place for loyalty cards, rewarding patrons for their visits and now with more ease.
The new technology works with smartphones and similar devices to establish two-way communication between the NFC cards and devices, where earlier versions were only one way. FutureCard is the first card manufacturer to introduce these cards in the UAE, which offers the holder the opportunity to have a multitude of contactless services on one card.
The cards can be used to collect on promotions, used as coupons and to avail privileges. Each card holder will be supplied with a personal loyalty id that will connect to the application database, managed with WAFI's employees' mobile phone/tablets or devices.
"Customers will revel in the opportunity to use their contactless card to collect on all the additional benefits. The process makes it easier for consumers to shop and save, in turn drawing more visitors to Wafi's loyalty programme." said Ayhan Yalcintas, Chief Executive Officer of FutureCard.
"NFC technology has the power to change pretty much everything from the way you shop, to the way you exchange information, and many interesting innovations involve smartphone NFC technology. FutureCard is working on introducing the fun experience of NFC to the region, and as always we are looking forward to diversify our range of products and solutions." Added Yalcintas.
From WAFI, Moira Billington, Head of Central Marketing WAFI, said: "The re-launch of the Wafi loyalty programme - Wafi Rewards - comprises a new identity and brand new technology contained in a 'Rewards card' which will change the way consumers collect and redeem reward points throughout the Mall. FutureCard's understanding of our requirements and their advanced production capabilities have been instrumental in helping Wafi set a new standard in terms of consumer loyalty programmes in the UAE retail sector."
Yalcintas concluded: "We are proud of the outstanding achievement. We would like to thank all our partners and all employees who participated in this project, and we appreciate the great efforts as they are our most valuable assets in achieving these results."
-Ends-
About FutureCard:
FutureCard is an international corporation, expert in the design, manufacture and customisation of all types of cards, from the most basic plastic to the most advanced smartcards.
Since 2002, the cards have been produced in the UAE-based plant that comes equipped with the latest generation of machines and software. FutureCard products can be used in a multitude of sectors, and are made from a wide range of material using varying degrees of technology. Serving over 1,000 customers in over 80 countries around the world, is a team of experienced engineers, technicians and support personnel, bringing a portfolio of state-of-the-art products and services.
As a member of the major global organisations (ICMA, GSMA), FutureCard is involved in the continuous progress and improvement of the card industry, holding different certificates and accreditations, including ISO 9001, Visa and MasterCard. In addition, FutureCard is the only UAE Company in the card manufacturing industry to hold the Security Accreditation Scheme (SAS) from GSM Association in security and data protection, which reflects the quality featured in each product.
© Press Release 2013
