MAF Launches Angry Birds Branded Prepaid Card In The UAE

Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Finance, the consumer finance company of Majid Al Futtaim, has announced the launch of an Angry Birds themed prepaid card that depicts the characters from the popular mobile gaming app.

The company has partnered with Rovio Entertainment, which owns the Angry Birds brand, to create the prepaid Najm card, a brief statement said.

The card can be used for both offline and online shopping including downloading music and games, and can also be used internationally, MAF Finance added.

“Integrating the Angry Birds theme into our card collection adds an element of entertainment and ingenuity to a quality financial product that is both convenient and enjoyable to use on a daily basis,” said Rasool Hujair, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim – Finance.

Co-branded cards increase loyalty, fuel spending and attract new members to a business, say experts.

According to MasterCard, co-branded credit cards comprise approximately 50 per cent of all credit card spending. Moreover, co-branded cardholders outspend their counterparts by approximately $4,900 per year.

A number of UAE lenders have launched co-branded cards in a bid to improve their businesses.

Last year, First Gulf Bank launched the first Ferrari credit card in the Middle East that provided users with various benefits, which included tickets to races and special deals in Ferrari’s online store.

The bank also inked a three-year deal with the English football club Manchester City in 2013 and launched an official credit card for the club’s fans.

Last year, Dubai’s biggest lender Emirates NBD too announced a five-year partnership agreement with the soccer club Manchester United of, which it launched co-branded credit, debit and prepaid cards in the UAE.

Cashing in on the football fever during the World Cup this year, Dubai’s Mashreq also launched a limited edition FIFA World Cup card.

Customers opting for the branded credit and debit cards were eligible for complimentary welcome gifts such as football jerseys, an EA SPORTS FIFA 14 game DVD and exclusive FIFA Visa memorabilia, the lender said.