Dubai First and Visa Launch ‘SKYY MILES’ Credit Cards

Global rewards currency model, a breakthrough in credit card rewards programs

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Monday, May 28th 2012 [ME NewsWire]

Leading UAE-based consumer finance firm ‘Dubai First’ and Visa, have held a joint press conference earlier today, to inaugurate the new ‘SKYY MILES’ credit cards, that are based on a path-breaking ‘Global Rewards Currency’ model.

Dubai First conceived the idea of the Global Rewards Currency, following a comprehensive study on the evolving preferences of the frequent traveler and holiday-savvy customers. As a result, the company sought to overcome the obstacles currently enforced by existing airline co-brand programs, with the ingenuity of Skyy Miles. The program combines two elegantly designed credit cards, namely, the ‘Skyy Miles Exclusive Visa Infinite card’ and the ‘Skyy Miles Visa Platinum card’.

Cardholders can spend, earn and redeem Skyy Miles on any airline, flying to any destination, any time, and via any route. Furthermore, Skyy Miles also permits the cardholders to fly their family members or friends, residing anywhere in the world. At the point of redeeming Skyy Miles, cardholders also have the benefit of simultaneously earning individual airline frequent flyer miles. This is a rewards currency program which has absolutely ‘No Restrictions’.

Ibrahim Al Ansari, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai First said, “The Skyy Miles Premium Visa credit cards were designed to ultimately serve as the natural choice for all air-travellers. The first program of its kind in the region, the Skyy model is a natural upgrade for those grounded by their typical airline-linked frequent flyer credit cards.”

Credit cards continue to be the number one way to earn miles without flying. Dubai First is offering a ‘new way to travel’ with the convenience of unrestrictive miles redemption, and the many perks provided internationally during any trip.

Mr. Al Ansari further explains, “The global recession of 2008, has brought about a massive shift in people’s preferences, both in the way they live and spend, and the way they choose to travel. They have certainly re-arranged their financial priorities, learned to be more vigilant and prudent, and are channeling their lifestyle spendings towards what counts, and based on what gets them more returns. We are aiming to make a difference in the market, by serving the UAE’s astute ‘miles-hungry’ community, anywhere around the world.”

Mr. Marcello Baricordi, General Manager for Visa in the UAE said, “We are delighted to work with Dubai First to create the Skyy Miles Exclusive Visa Infinite and Skyy Miles Visa Platinum cards. This is a real testament to our dedication to reward our cardholders for incorporating Visa into their everyday lives, and what better time of year to offer added flexibility on travel than the build up to the summer holiday season.”                                                                                             

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About Dubai First

Dubai First was established in 2007 and is one of the leading consumer finance companies in the UAE, specialising in liability and credit card products. The company strategy is based on building sustainable, long-term value through innovation in harnessing a genuine customer service experience. Since inception, and with a strong, multi-cultural workforce of professionals, Dubai First has sought to develop a niche reputation in the consumer finance and credit cards sector. Fully operational out of Dubai, with a representative office in Sharjah, Dubai First has managed to build a unique base of clients in the region.

About Visa Visa is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable digital currency. Underpinning digital currency is one of the world's most advanced processing networks—VisaNet—that is capable of handling more than 10,000 transactions a second, with fraud protection for consumers and guaranteed payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank, and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa's innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: Pay now with debit, ahead of time with prepaid or later with credit products. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com . 

Contacts

Mohamed Tahboub

Dubai First, Communications & PR

T: +971 4 506 8745

Email:mohamed.tahboub@dubaifirst.com



For Visa: Mia Lehwald, DABO & CO -

Tel: +971 4 344 4901