UAE: Dubai Islamic Bank becomes first Islamic bank to issue Visa Signature Cards

Adnan Chilwan, Chief Executive Officer, DIB
Adnan Chilwan, Chief Executive Officer, DIB

Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the world’s first fully fledged Islamic bank, has announced that it will be the first Islamic bank in Central Europe, Middle East & Africa (CEMEA) to issue all of its priority and premier customers with Visa Signature Debit Cards, providing them with access to a host of Visa’s exceptional benefits and features as well as strengthening its position as one of the most innovative banks worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1975, DIB has been recognised across the world as a leader in the creation of high quality, flexible and accessible Islamic banking products. A long-standing partner of Visa, DIB’s latest partnership with the payment solutions provider highlights its continued commitment to innovation and the very best in customer service.

Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Chief Executive Officer, DIB, said: “With the positive upturn in the global economy and in the UAE, DIB’s strategy for the coming years will be focused on growth. We aim to grow through constant innovation, creating value for our customers and by cementing our position as the pioneers in Islamic banking products and services. By being the first Islamic bank in CEMEA to issue Visa Signature Debit cards, we have leveraged our international partnerships to offer the very best in global financial products to our privileged customers who can now enjoy the exceptional benefits of Visa Signature.”

Marcello Baricordi, General Manager for Visa in the UAE and Global Accounts lead, said: “DIB’s introduction of Visa Signature cards for priority and premier customers means that they will now be able to take full advantage of the comprehensive features and benefits the Visa card has to offer, making spending even more attractive. This is a major development in the world of Islamic banking and Visa is delighted to be a part of such an important milestone in the UAE’s financial landscape.”

The new development also supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for Dubai to become the global capital of the Islamic economy.

The new Visa Signature Debit Cards are equipped with EMV chip and pin technology, which offers dynamic authentication values for each transaction, thus increasing the security on card usage. Also, the cards enable DIB to reward its customers with priority customer service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, travel and retail cardholder benefits and emergency travel services.

Bank customers will also have access to concierge services, exclusive lifestyle offers at establishments around the world and a cardholder web service that provides personalised travel information and links to a variety of cardholder services.