MasterCard International, DATEL and Mashreqbank today announced the launch of the Mashreqbank UAE Gate Prepaid MasterCard, the first combined MasterCard payment card and electronic immigration identifier in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) region. The new ‘two-in-one’ MasterCard prepaid payment and e-passport card is designed for security checked cardholders who want to avoid queues and quickly pass through passport control at airports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Cardholders simply tap their Mashreqbank UAE Gate Prepaid MasterCard at the electronic eGate terminal instead of presenting their passports to an immigration officer.
The eGate system is completely automated. In addition, cardholders also have the convenience of using their prepaid card for financial transactions. Initially the Mashreqbank UAE Gate Prepaid MasterCard can be used for immigration clearance at eGates in Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports. There are plans to enable acceptance at eGates at other UAE airports in the future. DATEL, the company that powers the eGate systems at all UAE airports used MasterCard’s innovative payment technology to develop this exclusive prepaid card.
Mashreqbank was selected as the bank provider because of its product expertise and wide distribution network in the UAE. Eyad Al-Kourdi, Vice President & Country Manager UAE & Qatar, MasterCard International said, “MasterCard is a critical link for businesses and cardholders worldwide and this collaboration with Mashreqbank and DATEL is an example of how MasterCard works with businesses to develop secure, convenient and rewarding payment solutions that add real value for cardholders.
“This is the first MasterCard payment card of its kind in the APMEA region and MasterCard is delighted to offer cardholders such an innovative program, which combines the benefits of MasterCard payment solutions technology with the convenience of enhanced travel through UAE airports,” he added. Atif Bajwa, Head of Retail Banking Group, Mashreqbank said, “Mashreqbank has always been a pioneer in offering the latest, be it banking or technology. We are very proud of this collaboration with MasterCard and DATEL as it will ease the long procedure when traveling and enhance immigration efficiency”. The Mashreqbank UAE Gate Prepaid MasterCard is available from dedicated UAE Gate kiosks at 10 selected Mashreqbank branches, seven in Dubai, and one each in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain. Applicants simply need to present their original passport and a passport photocopy. Dedicated staff process the application, which includes taking the applicant’s finger print. The card is then issued immediately for a fee of AED 250 and is valid for two years. On receiving the Mashreqbank UAE Gate Prepaid MasterCard, customers receive a credit of AED 30. The card can be topped up with cash at the same 10 Mashreqbank branches or via select Mashreqbank Cash and Cheque deposit machines available across the UAE. “DATEL is delighted to work with the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Naturalization & Residency Department (DNRD) UAE to pioneer the Middle East’s first prepaid payment card with built in eGate functionality. We believe that technology providers like us should work towards a converged world with open solutions that can talk to each other. This initiative with MasterCard and Mashreqbank makes this card a truly unique product that quite literally crosses boundaries, both real and virtual.
This project shows UAE’s commitment to be a global leader in the eCommerce and eGovernance space, and the spirit imbibed by the corporate organizations here in making this vision a reality,” said Prkash Ivaturi, Head of Strategy & Business Development, DATEL. - Ends - About Mashreqbank Mashreqbank is the largest private bank in the UAE. It is also the country’s second oldest commercial bank, having originally been established as Bank of Oman in 1967 and changing its name to Mashreq – which in Arabic means both sunrise and the East – in 1993.
With 46 branches in the UAE, four in Qatar, two in India and one each in Bahrain, Egypt, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States of America, its considered to be one of the fastest growing banks in the region. Mashreqbank has received numerous international awards, particularly for quality management. According to independent researchers it has more ISO certified operations than any other bank in the region “by a wide margin”.
