Bahrain-based pan-regional banking group Ahli United Bank BSC (AUB) has signed a strategic partnership with Mastercard to make the payments leader its exclusive partner of choice for all of AUB’s card programs in Bahrain.
AUB’s partnership with Mastercard follows the banking group’s acquisition of Citibank‘s retail banking business in Bahrain in 2022. The partnership aims to cover the AUB’s entire portfolio, including the newly acquired segment, with an offering which focuses on premium and travel.
Mastercard also has plans to support AUB in launching value-added services to enhance and differentiate AUB’s card propositions. Services include real-time remittance solutions, innovative loyalty programs and cyber intelligence solutions.
AUB also has revealed its plan to launch a ‘World Elite’ product. This offers cardholders a range of curated travel, lifestyle and insurance benefits. These benefits include gaining access to selected luxury experiences, shopping opportunities in cities worldwide, discounted car rental and chauffeur services, complimentary nights at select hotels and resorts, as well as access to premium airline services.
Ahli United Bank and Mastercard partner
Suvrat Saigal, deputy group CEO of retail banking at AUB, discussed the partnership. He said: “We are pleased to choose Mastercard as our exclusive partner for all our issuing activities and growth plans of our retail offerings. In addition to this strategic agreement, we will be introducing the World Elite Card to the AUB portfolio.
“With our recent acquisition of Citibank’s retail business, this will further strengthen our consumer offering, allowing customers to capitalize on a wide array of benefits and experiences.”
Khalid Elgibali, division president of the Middle East and North Africa at Mastercard, also commented: “At Mastercard, we are providing innovative digital payment solutions that address the evolving needs of our consumers.
“And as AUB’s exclusive partner of choice, we look forward to working with them on building a more connected ecosystem and a thriving world beyond cash. Our collaboration with AUB will provide their customers with a variety of value-added benefits and solutions that will elevate their payment experience.”
