Skywards gives shoppers 15,000 reasons to purchase a Nokia phone from i2

Special promotion runs from July to September in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, 1^st July, 2006 -- i2, the region's largest and most diverse mobile phone provider has joined forces with Skywards, the award-winning frequent flyer programme for Emirates and SriLankan Airlines to offer 15,000 bonus Miles with the purchase of a Nokia phone from i2 outlets. The two month promotion takes effect on July 1^st, 2006.

Skyward members will automatically earn 15,000 Miles with the purchase of a Nokia phone from i2 outlets. 15,000 Miles is equivalent to a return ticket from Dubai to any other GCC country or an upgrade from Economy to Business Class from Dubai to any destination in the Middle East and Africa.

"Tying up with Skywards will benefit everyone involved, particularly consumers. With such fierce competition for the same percentage of consumer's disposable incomes, it is essential to give our customers more for their money," explained Abdul Hameed Al Sunaid, President, i2. 

"We believe that our partnership with i2, will benefit our members because i2 is the leading mobile phone retailer and telecommunication solution provider in the region. We constantly try to generate interesting promotional activities to please our loyal members as well as attract new ones," explained Brian Labelle, Vice President, Skywards.

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About Itsalat International (i2):
Founded in 1993 in Saudi Arabia, i2 is the region's largest and most diverse mobile phone provider. Over 1,300 employees across 400 stores in 17 countries are dedicated to providing i2 customers with technological solutions and services that enhance their lifestyles and shopping experience. i2 stores offer the widest range of mobile phones, PDAs, wireless technology, software, value added services and mobile accessories in the region. It is the first mobile phone provider to offer its customers a life-time warranty and a comprehensive after sales maintenance program on all products purchased in store or online. To better serve their customers, i2 has expanded its reach to include i2 magazine, i2 club, i2 prestige, i2 caf and other innovative support programs.  For more information about i2 products and services please visit www.i2-mobile.com.

About Skywards:
Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan, offers three tiers of membership - Blue, Silver and Gold - with each membership tier providing exclusive privileges.

Gold and Silver members are entitled to, priority check-in and baggage delivery, excess baggage privileges and airport lounge access.

Members earn Skywards Miles, one Skywards Mile for every mile they fly on Emirates, Sri Lankan or partner airlines, or when they use the programme's designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners.

Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an amazing range of rewards, including free tickets on Emirates or SriLankan and other Skywards partner airlines, flights upgrades, hotel accommodation, excursions, and exclusive shopping.

Skywards was launched in 2000. In just six years, worldwide membership of the award-winning loyalty programme, which is currently available in over 200 countries, has topped two million.

Skywards has consistently demonstrated success in award recognition.  This year, the programme was named Best Loyalty Program by Middle East Business Traveler Magazine. Since its inception, the programme has also secured top honours at the annual Freddies Awards, the 'Oscars' of customer loyalty programmes. This year, Skywards won a "Freddie" for Best Reward Promotion, Asia-Pacific.  In previous years, Skywards has also received Freddies for Best Member Communications, Best Customer Service, Best Award Redemption, Best Web Site (twice) and has twice secured the coveted title of Programme of the Year.

Skywards' website - www.skywards.com- is designed to allow members to manage almost all aspects of their membership online. The web provides an exciting, interactive online service packed with personalised features, news and special offers.

Skywards also has a club for its younger travelers that has proven to be as much fun on the ground and on the web as in the air!  Skysurfers, for customers aged up to 16 years, is tailored to their preferences and interests and can be accessed on the web at www.skysurfers.com.

For further information please contact:
Dana Salloum/Suzanne Samaan
Asda'a Public Relations             
Dubai,
UAE                                                                  
Tel: +9714-3344550                                                       
Fax: +9714-3344556                                                     
Email: info@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006