ADIB launches first football fan card in UAE

ABU DHABI — Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a top-tier Islamic financial services group and official bank of the UAE Football League (UFL), on Monday launched the first Football Fan Visa Card in the UAE.

Published: Tue 21 Dec 2010, 12:12 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 3:58 AM

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 per cent cash-back on all retail purchases, cardholders will enter a monthly raffle with every Dh200 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, UAE football legend, is the 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.

“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,” Matar said.