Citibank and Emirates launch first co-branded airline credit card in Bahrain

The Emirates-Citibank credit card comes with automatic membership to Skywards- the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan Airlines.

For every US dollar spent using the credit card, card-holders earn one Skywards Mile which they can exchange for free flights on Emirates, SriLankan and partner airlines, flight upgrades, global recognition and acceptance, travel privileges with Skywards, in addition to all the powerful features and world-class benefits of a Citibank credit card.

Brian LaBelle, Skywards' Vice President said: "Skywards is proud to partner with Citibank for the Emirates-Citibank co-branded credit card, the first card of its type in Bahrain. We are confident that this card will be beneficial to cardmembers in the kingdom. A similar partnership has proved very successful with our members in the UAE."

"At Citibank, we strive to provide best-in-class banking service, evident in our range of superior products and services," said Rajeev Kakar, Regional Head for Citibank's Consumer Bank in Turkey, Middle East & Africa. "Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and has received more than 200 international awards for excellence since its launch in 1985. We are taking our strategic relationship with Emirates to new markets where we can offer customers the combined power of a world-class airline and the pre-eminent global financial powerhouse."

Ashish Bugra, Citibank's Consumer Bank Head in Bahrain, said: "Citibank and Emirates Airline have a highly successful co-branded alliance in the UAE. Based on the success of this co-branded credit card, we have also identified significant market potential for the co-branded card in Bahrain. Leveraging Citibank UAE's success has helped develop this powerful airline co-branded card partnership in Bahrain."

Citibank Bahrain is an active player in the field of consumer finance in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Citibank's offer provides tailor-made banking solutions to a diverse clientele. Keeping apace with the fast developing Bahrain market, Citibank has introduced a broad spectrum of innovative personal banking products including credit cards, consumer loans, CitiGold priority banking and investment services, in addition to tailored private banking products. The personal banking offer is backed by the sophisticated CitiPhone Banking service, a virtual branch meeting banking needs over the telephone.