Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a top-tier Islamic financial services group and Official Bank of the UAE Football League (UFL), today launched the first Football Fan Visa Card in the UAE. The new card, developed in partnership with the UFL and featuring the Etisalat Pro-League logo, offers football fans in the UAE the opportunity to express their passion for football and win a bonanza of football related experiences.
The new card allows fans to express their loyalty and support their chosen club from one of the 12 professional football clubs that are part of the UFL. The fan’s chosen club name will be printed on the card and a predefined percentage of the card’s annual fee will be donated to their club.
In addition to 1% cash-back on all retail purchases, cardholders will enter a monthly raffle with every AED200 spent on the card. They will have a chance to win a variety of football related experiences and gifts including a golden plated football, an all-expenses-paid trip to attend major international football events and training sessions for kids at one of the leading football academies in the UAE.
Ismaeil Matar, the UAE football legend is brand ambassador for the ADIB football strategy and will be part of the planned customer experiences for the ADIB Football Fan Card. Ismaeil was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2003 World Youth Championships and was voted best player. He led the UAE to its most important international trophy, the 2007 Gulf Cup.
Commenting at the launch, Sarvesh Sarup, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB, said: “The ADIB Football Fan Visa Card demonstrates our commitment to appeal to the aspirations of football fans in the UAE. From its attractive design to unique and exciting benefits, it is a product inspired by the passion and loyalty of the football fan. Additional features and surprises will be gradually introduced to keep it the best choice for all those who love the beautiful game.”
Dr Tariq Al Tayer, Chairman of the UFL said: “We are delighted to have ADIB on board as a key partner of the UFL and to be the first league in the region to have a dedicated Football Fan Card. This initiative is the ideal way for fans to express their support and passion for their teams, and will ultimately help us achieve our objectives of driving further interest and awareness in the Etisalat Pro-League.”
Ismaeil Matar said: “I am delighted to be part of this brand new initiative that recognizes fans’ passion and devotion to their chosen teams. We owe a lot to the fans for their support, which has made football the most popular sport in the UAE with excellent prospects for the future. Giving back to the fans and clubs is a noble objective that the ADIB Football Fan Visa Card will accomplish. I am excited about the overall plans ADIB has for football and I look forward to being actively involved in it for the benefit of the fans, UAE football and the community at large.”
As part of its UFL partnership, ADIB will also exclusively present the Best Under-21 Player of the Season Award. The new award, to begin this year, will identify future stars of the UFL and ADIB will invite fans to actively participate in the selection.
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