Mashreq launches the Grand Entertainment Card
11 August 2009
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 11, 2009 – Mashreq, in partnership with the largest name in the entertainment industry in the UAE, Grand Cinemas and the leader in global payments, MasterCard, have launched UAE's first true entertainment credit card – The Grand Entertainment Card.
The newly designed credit card has a limit of up to Dhs 100,000 and offers a host of benefits and features specifically targeting those who believe in ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’. Research highlighted there was a need for a true entertainment card with features that cover entertainment offers which appeal across nationalities. Mashreq has designed the card to include exciting features such as Grand Movies, Grand Offers, Grand Prizes and Grand Privileges that cater to wide range of audience.
As part of the Grand entertainment card offering customers get 50% off on movie tickets purchased at all Grand Cinemas in the UAE and up to 50% discount on exciting adventure sports, golf, spa treatments and water sports. Cardholders get to indulge in exhilarating experiences which include jet boarding, parasailing, balloon rides, helicopter rides, yacht charters and rowing classes. These exciting activities are brought to the cardholders by Mashreq in partnership with Els Golf Club, Dream Explorer, Alpha Tours, Balloon Adventures, Jazira Aviation Club, Fun Sports, Timeless Spa and Montys Rowing Class amongst others. Cardholders can avail all these offers by using the Grand Entertainment card without having to carry discount coupons and vouchers.
“The ability to differentiate along dimensions that matter to customers such as, exclusive offerings, customer service and convenience are enabling factors that we at Mashreq consider as critical. We pride ourselves in introducing innovative and unique products and setting the pace for superior customer offering in the UAE. We believe value proposition differentiation is the key in generating loyalty and switch, hence our partnership with Grand Cinema and MasterCard,” said Douglas Beckett – Head of Retail Banking Group, Mashreq.
Amongst the other key benefits, cardholders who obtain the Grand Entertainment card and spend AED 1,000 in a month will be eligible to enter the ‘Grand Prize’ draw, which offers 12 incredible rewards throughout the year, worth AED 1.5 million. One winner will be picked each month for the chance to win one mega prize, such as one of three Jeanneau luxury boat, one of three Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, one of three holiday package for 6-days stay at the legendary Lost Chambers Suite at The Atlantis - The Palm and one of three all expense paid trip for two for a week to Hollywood - Universal Studios in Los Angeles.
“The strategic direction that we at Mashreq take is highly influenced by various researches that help us understand what customers look for in a credit card. The Grand Entertainment Card has been a product of study which highlighted a need for a lifestyle product for customers. A complete gamut of entertainment features are available on the ‘Grand Entertainment Card’ and with Grand Cinemas being the pioneer and leader in the entertainment industry, they were our preferred choice in this unique initiative. We are very proud of the collaboration with two well-respected brands in the market- Grand Cinemas and MasterCard,” Said Vimal Kumar, Head of Credit Cards, Mashreq
Being a MasterCard Titanium product, the Grand Entertainment card offers Grand Privileges, which include Marhaba lounge access and exclusive MasterCard premium card offers across the globe.
“The initiation of the co-branded card in association with Mashreq and MasterCard is an evolution of previous-tie ups and promotions which is deemed astoundingly successful .The launch of the Grand Entertainment Card in partnership with Mashreq will solidify the mission of Grand Cinemas of being the total provider of movie entertainment services providing exceptional and enjoyable movie viewing experience for our audience. The versatility and vast knowledge of Grand Cinemas in the entertainment industry and Mashreq in the banking industry has positioned both organizations at the forefront in constant efforts to strive for excellence. It is crucial to note that the relationship Grand Cinemas has built over the years with Mashreq is of great essence to the market position and the phenomenal growth that both parties have achieved”, said, Jean Ramia, Group Operations Director, Grand Cinemas.
Application for the Grand Entertainment card is available in all 62 Mashreq branches where a branch representative will assist customers with the simple application process. Customers also have the choice of sending the SMS ‘Grand’ to 4250 or visiting www.mashreqbank.com/grand and will be called on by a Mashreq credit card sales officer who will assist them with the application.