Alshaya Group and Mastercard partner to drive growth of GCC’s retail sector through Aura loyalty programme co-brand launches

Multimarket partnership will see the launch of Alshaya Group’s loyalty programme Aura and Mastercard co-branded credit cards to offer customers benefits across more than 70 brands

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, – 22^ndJuly2024:Alshaya Group,one of theleading international retail franchiseoperators,has partnered with Mastercard to expand its award-winning loyalty programme, Aura. The partnership, which willsee the launch of an Aura co-branded credit cardin multiple markets over the next two years includingKuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, aims to drive growth of the retail sector across the GCC region and bring additional benefits to Aura members.

The region’s retail industry continues to thrive, with increased consumer spending. Between 2021 and 2026, the value of non-food retail sales in the GCC is forecasted to increase by around $39 billion, driven by favorable demographics, improving macroeconomic factors and an ongoing tourism boom. The partnership will see consumers gain added value and extra benefits when they shop in Alshaya’s 70+ brands ranging from dining to fashion, beautyand homeware.

John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group, said, “At Alshaya Group, our customers are at the heart of our strategy, and we are always looking for new ways to enhance benefits and services in our stores and online with a focus on digital, including payments. We are incredibly proud of our game-changing Aura loyalty programme that has recently been globally recognised, and we welcome the opportunity to grow the pivotal role that Aura plays for our customers in partnership with Mastercard.”

“Mastercard is enabling the retail sector to leverage innovative payment channels to reinvent the ways people pay for their purchases. We are harnessing the power of partnerships and are proud to partner with Alshaya Group, to bring seamless and secure payment solutions to consumers. We look forward to enhancing the shopping experience across the GCC through the Aura loyalty program.”said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

Alshaya Group’s diverse portfolio features some of the world’s most famous brands, including Chipotle, which recently opened in Kuwait and will serve customers in Dubai later this year. Introduced in 2022, Alshaya’s Auraloyalty programme has 8.3 million members in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, and is one of the most downloaded loyalty apps in the Middle East.

About Alshaya Group

Alshaya Group is a dynamic family-owned business, first established in Kuwait in 1890. With a consistent record of growth and innovation, Alshaya Group is one of the world’s leading brand franchise operators, offering an unparalleled choice of over 70 well-loved, international brands to customers. 

Alshaya Group’s portfolio extends across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Türkiye and Europe, with over 4,000 stores, cafes, restaurants, and leisure destinations, major logistics and food production operations, as well as over 125 online and digital businesses including one of the region’s biggest retail loyalty programmes, Aura.      

Operating in multiple sectors including Fashion, Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmacy, Home Furnishings and Hospitality & Entertainment, over 50,000 Alshaya colleagues are united by a commitment to authentically deliver great customer service and brand experiences.  

From flagship stores and restaurants in prestige malls, through to local coffee shops, drive-thrus and online, Alshaya Group brings customers the experiences they want with the brands they love, in the ways they choose – including Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, and Chipotle.

Learn more about Alshaya Group at www.alshaya.com.

Media contact: diala.nahle@alshaya.com

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)  www.mastercard.com

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

Mastercard communications contact: halima.islam@mastercard.com