Emirates Islamic, a prominent financial institution in the United Arab Emirates, has entered into a significant agreement to become the Official Commercial Banking Partner for FC Barcelona in the UAE until June 2028. This strategic collaboration will provide local football fans with a range of exclusive benefits and financial rewards aimed at enhancing their connection to the iconic football club.
Launch of the Emirates Islamic Barça Cashback Card
As part of this partnership, Emirates Islamic is set to introduce the Emirates Islamic Barça Cashback Card, which will feature an enticing rewards program. Cardholders can earn up to four percent cashback on purchases made in various categories, including sports, fuel, supermarkets, and dining. Additionally, the card will offer special privileges related to FC Barcelona, such as access to match tickets and official merchandise. This initiative is tailored to the approximately 1.7 million FC Barcelona supporters residing in the UAE, who account for over 20% of the nation’s population.
Enhancing Customer Experience for Fans
The Emirates Islamic Barça Cashback Card is specifically designed to engage a younger audience, allowing fans to integrate their passion for football into their everyday lives. This partnership reflects Emirates Islamic’s dedication to providing innovative, digital banking solutions that not only meet customer needs but also help foster community connections and deliver lasting value.
Insights from Emirates Islamic Leadership
Mohammed Kamran Wajid, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Emirates Islamic, expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasizing the shared values of passion and excellence between the bank and FC Barcelona. He noted that this partnership offers customers a unique mix of rewarding financial products combined with extraordinary sporting experiences. The Emirates Islamic Barça Cashback Card embodies the bank’s commitment to enhancing customer value through lifestyle-driven initiatives.
FC Barcelona’s Commitment to Its Fans
Marc Bruix, Global Partnerships Director for FC Barcelona, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that fans are central to the club’s mission. With the support of Emirates Islamic, FC Barcelona is pleased to provide its supporters in the UAE with an avenue to enhance their connection to the team. The Barclays cashback card exemplifies how sports sponsorship can extend beyond the playing field to offer tangible benefits for fans around the globe.
About Emirates Islamic Bank
Founded in 2004, Emirates Islamic Bank PJSC operates as the banking arm of the Emirates NBD Group. As one of the UAE’s foremost financial institutions, it offers a comprehensive range of banking services tailored to individual, business, and corporate clients. The bank boasts a widespread network of 39 branches and 231 ATMs/CDMs throughout the UAE.
Emirates Islamic has garnered significant accolades for its performance and innovation in the banking sector. It achieved multiple honors in 2025, including awards for “Islamic Retail Bank of the Year – Middle East” and “Best Islamic Corporate Bank in the World.” Its commitment to digital banking has also earned recognition, getting named “The World’s Best Islamic Digital Bank” at the Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards.
In addition to its banking services, Emirates Islamic is dedicated to social responsibility through the Emirates Islamic Charity Fund, which provides crucial financial support focused on food, housing, healthcare, education, and social welfare initiatives throughout the UAE.