Following a decade-long partnership in the retail sector, Mastercard and LuLu Group join hands to foster sustainability, innovation, and efficiency in payments across multiple markets.
According to Industry sources, the partnership extends across six markets, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and now Saudi Arabia, the partnership will see an integration of Mastercard’s expertise into Lulu Group’s operations, advancing efficiencies, scale, and data-driven decision-making.
Industry sources also added that Projects that will benefit from the collaboration, include a variety of sustainability initiatives, co-branded credit card portfolios, and innovative technology enhancements.
Industry sources added that this partnership will introduce revamped features and benefits, like the digital in-store transactions and more cashless experiences, as well as personalized rewards and generous cashback offers on spends at LuLu stores. Being piloted for the first time, LuLu will also deploy the Mastercard Next Gen Point of Interaction (POI) solution, allowing its consumers to make cardless payments at its self-checkout counters.
Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard stated “We are delighted to embark on this transformative journey with LuLu Group, a valued partner, who shares our vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Our partnership will enable us to enhance the Mastercard co-branded credit card experience and support LuLu in leveraging technology and innovation to boost their offerings.”
Saifee Rupawala, CEO, LuLu Group International stated “Being able to personalize our offerings to better suit our customers’ needs, is key for Lulu Group’s growth and future ambitions. Our partnership with Mastercard enables us to do this, driving our business forward. It will also enhance the rewards and advantages we are able to offer via our co-branded credit card partner network across the region. As payments’ technology continues to offer new possibilities, we look forward to the next stage of our relationship with Mastercard.”
Industry sources further added that the firms will continue to offer a portfolio of co-branded credit cards via partners including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank in the UAE, Bank Muscat in Oman, CrediMax in Bahrain, Doha Bank in Qatar, Emirates NBD in the UAE, and Gulf Bank in Kuwait. There are also plans for expanding into Saudi Arabia.
The two firms have spent over a decade collaborating and innovating to meet the evolving needs of consumers in the region. In 2013, a first co-branded credit card was launched, which was later followed by other initiatives that strengthened relationships with various co-brand issuer partners.
