Yusuffali M A and R Seetharaman at the launch of the LuLu Doha Bank MasterCard credit card at Doha Marriott Hotel yesterday, as Mohamed Althaf and Raghu Malhotra look on. PICTURE: T K Nassar
In what is referred to as a “first for Qatar” in the retailing business sector, Doha Bank and LuLu Hypermarkets Group jointly launched the LuLu Doha Bank MasterCard credit card yesterday, which the promoters said would benefit customers considerably while shopping at any LuLu  outlet in Qatar, and also outside.
 To mark its formal launch, managing director of LuLu Hypermarket Group Yusaffali  M A handed over the newly introduced card to Doha Bank Group CEO R Seetharaman at a function held at Doha Marriott Hotel where general manager (Middle East) of  MasterCard Worldwide Raghu Malhotra, leading GCC-based NRI businessman and Padma Shri award-winner C K Menon and LuLu Hypermarket Group regional director (Qatar) Mohamed Althaf were present among others.    
 Speaking at the function, both Seetharaman and Yusuffali said the LuLu Doha Bank MasterCard is a unique and innovative payment solution that provides customers with a simpler, safer and easier way to enjoy shopping.
 The LuLu Group launched a similar card in the UAE more than two years ago.
 Seetharaman said Doha Bank pioneered “Free for Life” cards and an Instant Loyalty programme while the LuLu MasterCard has both these key features.
 The Doha Bank and LuLu Group officials said that all cards applied for the inaugural year come under the “Free for Life” segment. 
“We have guaranteed customers a saving each time they shop at LuLu outlets around the world.”
 While expressing his happiness with his company’s long association with Doha Bank, Yusuffali said he is excited that LuLu has joined a bank in this country to provide Qatar’s first ever co-branded shopping credit card.
“We are jointly looking forward to facing the future with this rewarding partnership and we believe that the world comes to shop at LuLu. With Doha Bank’s support we could make shopping at LuLu a remarkable experience every time a customer visits the place,” he said.
 While using the card, customers could avail of 5% savings on all their purchases made at LuLu outlets across the region and 1% at any other stores anywhere across the world.
The shoppers are also entitled to an additional 5% discount on all their purchases at LuLu outlets in Qatar until August 31 to mark the launch of the card. These savings are earned by way of shopping points.  The use of the card enables customers to earn one point for every QR1 spent on all transactions at LuLu outlets in Qatar and one point for every QR5 spent on all other transactions, purchases and cash withdrawals in Qatar and around the world.
“All points earned can be redeemed at all LuLu stores in Qatar to enjoy free shopping for groceries, electronics, home appliances, cosmetics, clothing or any item purchased from LuLu,” said a LuLu official.
 Inquiries with the bank and LuLu officials found that the card offered its holders a special complimentary access to airport lounges in Dubai, Cairo, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.
 Also speaking, Malhotra said “MasterCard is a critical link for businesses and cardholders worldwide and this collaboration with Doha Bank and LuLu is an example of how MasterCard worked with businesses to develop, secure, convenient and rewarding payment solutions that added real value for cardholders.”
 Customers can get their LuLu Doha Bank MasterCard credit card by typing LuLu as an SMS on their mobile and sending it to 92610 or make inquiries at any branches of  the Doha Bank or LuLu outlets.
More info is available on 44456000.