Citiank launches golf in the city offer to cardholders

That's what Citibank cardholders discovered on Sunday when they teed-off at the Montgomerie Golf course in Dubai to experience "Golf in the City and Golf with Citi", a comprehensive golf offer available only to Citibank credit cardholders.

Avid golfers had a day to remember as they formed groups of 4 each and golfed intensively against each other at the 18-hole par Montgomerie players course. Simultaneously, a free 90 minute golf sessions at the golf clinic and a round of golf at the 9-hole par-3 course at the Montgomerie Academy was offered to customers who are emerging golfers.

At the wrap-up of the tournament, Golfers were presented with prizes, courtesy of Mont Blanc, Imate, Intercontinental DFC, Raffles Hotel, Fairmont, Jumeirah International, Kempinski hotels, Emirates Holidays, Jet Airways and Egypt Air. Event was also supported by UAE's integrated telecom operator - du and Virgin Megastores as support sponsors. All participants at the event also received an Elite Plan SIM pack, the uniquely rewarding monthly plan from du, offering individuals a world of privileges and benefits tailored to suit their lifestyle.

The Citibank Golf offer is a comprehensive golf benefit made possible by the combined efforts of OAAG, one of the largest, most advanced golf service providers in the world and Citibank UAE. This offer is now available to Ultima and Ultimate Credit Card customers and Citigold customers. The offer provides access to five of the most exclusive golf courses in the UAE: The Montgomerie, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, The Els Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and other exclusive golf clubs in the UAE.

"Businesses as well as individuals are all feeling the challenges of the new economic realities. implication we see are our customers spending patterns changing toward entertainment/leisure spend that is closer to home,"

said William Keliehor, Divisions Credit Cards head for MEA and Pakistan.

"Our cards must provide real and relevant value in the UAE and Around the World. This golf offer delivers what our customers have asked for in access to 5 top golf clubs in the UAE, savings in pro shops, and discounted golf packages around the world."

Taking into account the globality of Citibank's customer profile, the Citibank Golf offer provides discounted access to over 30 international Golf Clubs with 7 unique Golf packages to 4 Golfing destinations: China, Malaysia, Thailand and UK, thanks to OAAG's wide network which combines 10 million members, and offers unlimited access to over 12,000 championships, resorts and private golf courses around the world.

Commenting at the Citibank Golf Tournament, Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager Middle East, Visa Inc, said: "We are proud to partner with Citibank to offer cardholders unique value added experiences. Given the current economic realities, card providers need to think out-of-the-box in search of customer-friendly offers such as the one announced today. This offer combines the global strength of Citibank, Visa and OAAG to make leisure activities more affordable and enjoyable."

Citi has been in the Middle East for nearly 50 years and currently offers consumer-banking services in the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt. In the UAE alone, Citibank, the consumer banking arm of Citi, has had a presence for the past 45 years and is expanding its major operations within the country. The bank is currently a major player in the UAE's credit card market and a leading provider of banking, Wealth Management and Consumer credit services.

"One of Citibank's key strengths is our ability to offer full range of financial needs that maximize value for customers as well as provide them with the best available offers fitting their lifestyles," said Sanjoy Sen, Citibank's Consumer Bank Head - Middle East.

"This unique golf offer further enhances the superior benefits and privileges that are available to our Ultima, Ultimate and Citigold cardholders and complements the comprehensive suite of products and services provided by Citibank."

Citi Cards is part of Citi, the leading global financial services company, and the world's largest credit card issuer with more than 170 million cards in issue in 50 countries worldwide. Citi is a global leader in partnership credit cards, with leading airlines, retail, telecoms, oil and gas companies as key partners around the world.