Emirates Islamic, a leading financial institution in the UAE, has announced a major partnership with FC Barcelona, becoming the football club’s Official Commercial Banking Partner in the country until June 2028. The collaboration kicks off with the launch of a co-branded credit card aimed squarely at the club’s extensive supporter base in the region.
Quick Facts
- New Emirates Islamic Barça Cashback Card launched.
- Partnership targets 1.7 million UAE Barça fans.
- Offers up to 4% cashback plus fan benefits.
Blending Fintech with Football Fandom
The new Emirates Islamic Barça Cashback Card is a strategic move to engage the estimated 1.7 million FC Barcelona supporters in the UAE, who make up over 20% of the country’s population. The card merges financial utility with fan passion, offering up to 4% cashback on everyday spending categories, including sports, fuel, supermarkets, and dining.
This partnership highlights a growing trend of financial institutions creating lifestyle-centric products to capture specific market segments. By aligning with one of the world’s most popular sports clubs, Emirates Islamic is positioning itself to attract a younger, digitally-savvy demographic.
More Than Just Cashback
Beyond the financial rewards, the card is designed to bring fans closer to the club. Cardholders will gain access to exclusive benefits such as match tickets, discounts on official merchandise, and other selected fan experiences. This dual-benefit approach aims to create a product that integrates into the daily lives and passions of its target users.
Mohammad Kamran Wajid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Emirates Islamic, commented on the strategy.
“This partnership allows us to offer our customers a unique combination of rewarding financial benefits and extraordinary sporting experiences. The Emirates Islamic FC Barcelona Co-Branded Card reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing customer value through innovative and lifestyle-driven products.”
Marc Bruix, Global Partnerships Director of FC Barcelona, emphasized the value for the club’s regional supporters.
“For FC Barcelona, our fans are at the centre of everything we do. Thanks to our alliance with Emirates Islamic, we can offer our supporters in the UAE a new way to connect with the club in their daily lives.”
About Emirates Islamic
Emirates Islamic Bank PJSC (Emirates Islamic) is the banking arm of the Emirates NBD Group and one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions. Founded in 2004, it offers a full range of personal, business, and corporate banking products and services through a network of 39 branches and 231 ATMs/CDMs across the UAE. As part of its community commitment, the Emirates Islamic Charity Fund provides financial assistance to people in need, focusing on food, housing, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Source: Fintech News AE
