Citi Partners With Mastercard for Ultima Credit Card in UAE

From left to right:

- Sanjay Nambiar, Citi’s Head of International Cards

- Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Country Manager, UAE & Oman, Mastercard

- Maria Ivanova, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head for the UAE

- Jason Lane, Executive Vice President, Global Account Management, Mastercard

- Dimitrios Dosis, President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA), Mastercard

- Shamsa Al-Falasi, Citibank N.A., UAE Onshore CEO

- Venkat Mahadevan, Citi UAE Head of Retail Wealth Business

- J.K. Khalil, Executive Vice President, Division President for East Arabia, Mastercard

Citi and Mastercard have teamed up to introduce the Citi Ultima Mastercard credit card, a premium offering tailored for high-net-worth clients in the UAE. The card made its debut at an exclusive Citigold Private Client Gala Dinner held in Dubai, setting the stage for a unique addition to the UAE's luxury financial landscape.

A Card Designed for Luxury and Convenience

Leveraging Citi Wealth’s comprehensive suite of services, the all-metal Citi Ultima Mastercard aims to redefine the travel and lifestyle experiences of affluent clients. The card offers a host of premium benefits, including:

> Travel Perks: 50% discounts on flight tickets, a complimentary third night at hotels worldwide, and global airport lounge access.

> Convenience Services: Complimentary home check-in, airport transfers, fast-track airport security, and meet-and-greet services.

> Enhanced Rewards: A top-tier rewards program allowing cardholders to earn up to five Citi Miles per USD spent, redeemable for flights on any airline, in any class, to any destination with just one click.

Sanjay Nambiar, Citi’s Head of International Cards, said, “With data revealing that the UAE’s affluent clients are travelling more frequently and in greater luxury than before, Citi and Mastercard recognized the demand for elevated, bespoke travel experiences. In response, the Citi Ultima Mastercard credit card was designed to offer exclusive, best-in-class travel and lifestyle benefits that provide more flexibility as well as enhance the experience of our clients in this dynamic market.”

A Strategic Collaboration for Innovation

The Citi Ultima Mastercard credit card is a result of a strategic partnership between Citi and Mastercard. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to introducing innovative card propositions and digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the UAE’s affluent clientele.

Through this initiative, Citi and Mastercard aim to set a new benchmark in luxury financial services, combining exclusivity, convenience, and cutting-edge technology for a seamless customer experience.

Jason Lane, Executive Vice President, Global Account Management, Mastercard, said, “We are delighted to expand our long-standing partnership with Citi to bring the Ultima credit card to the UAE, whose increasingly affluent population with rapidly changing requirements demands exceptional lifestyle experiences. As the home to the MENA region’s two wealthiest cities, this is the perfect place to unveil this sophisticated payment product that connects discerning consumers to their passions.”

Venkat Mahadevan, Citi UAE Head of Retail Wealth Business, stated, “We’re always striving to ensure that we bring products and services to our clients that are relevant to their needs and lifestyle. In partnership with Mastercard, the “Ultima” card has been meticulously curated to cater to the needs of the affluent traveller and offers an integrated suite of services that seamlessly combines premium credit card benefits with unique digital features.”