MasterCard, Skywards & Jumeirah join hands for Dubai Summer Surprises 2006

Notes and media contacts

Participating Banks:
Riyad Bank
China Citic Bank
Credimax Bahrain
Standard Chartered Bank, Qatar
National Bank of Kuwait
Citi Bank Russia

About Jumeirah Properties:

Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Dubai based luxury international hospitality group encompasses the world renowned Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Club Resort and Spa, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.

The group's activities are however, not restricted to hotel and resort management. The Jumeirah Group portfolio also includes Wild Wadi, regarded as one of the premier water parks outside of North America and The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, the region's only third level academic institution specializing in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Jumeirah has also expanded internationally and manages the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London's Belgravia.

Building on this success, Jumeirah Group has become a member of Dubai Holding, a collection of leading Dubai based businesses and projects, in a step that aims to initiate a new phase of growth and development for the group.

As of January 15th 2006, Jumeirah has assumed management of the Essex House, one of New York's most prominent hotels.

For further information please contact:
Anne Bleeker - Director of Public Relations & Communications
Jumeirah
PO Box 73137 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 4 3300111, Extension 762
Visit us at: www.jumeirah.com

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link between financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes more than 16 billion payments each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories.

Contact:
Vicki Morley, GolinHarris, +971 4 332 3308, mobile + 971 50 455 7149
Nicole Suter, GolinHarris, + 971 4 332 3308, mobile + 971 50 376 8865

About Skywards:

Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan, offers three tiers of membership - Blue, Silver and Gold - with each membership tier providing exclusive privileges.

Gold and Silver members are entitled to, priority check-in and baggage delivery, excess baggage privileges and airport lounge access.

Members earn Skywards Miles, one Skywards Mile for every mile they fly on Emirates, Sri Lankan or partner airlines, or when they use the programme's designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners.

Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an amazing range of rewards, including free tickets on Emirates or SriLankan and other Skywards partner airlines, flights upgrades, hotel accommodation, excursions, and exclusive shopping.

Skywards was launched in 2000. In just six years, worldwide membership of the award-winning loyalty programme, which is currently available in over 200 countries, has topped two million.

Skywards has consistently demonstrated success in award recognition. This year, the programme was named Best Loyalty Program by Middle East Business Traveler Magazine. Since its inception, the programme has also secured top honours at the annual Freddies Awards, the 'Oscars' of customer loyalty programmes. This year, Skywards won a "Freddie" for Best Reward Promotion, Asia-Pacific. In previous years, Skywards has also received Freddies for Best Member Communications, Best Customer Service, Best Award Redemption, Best Web Site (twice) and has twice secured the coveted title of Programme of the Year.

Skywards' website - www.skywards.com- is designed to allow members to manage almost all aspects of their membership online. The web provides an exciting, interactive online service packed with personalised features, news and special offers.

Skywards also has a club for its younger travelers that has proven to be as much fun on the ground and on the web as in the air! Skysurfers, for customers aged up to 16 years, is tailored to their preferences and interests and can be accessed on the web at www.skysurfers.com.