When it comes to spending money, most of us will happily splash out on our favourite leisure activity whether it's watching sport, visiting the newest theme park or taking in the latest blockbuster at the cinema.
Which is why the Barclays Premier League Platinum credit card could be a winner for any sports lovers in the UAE thanks to its benefits specifically tailored to a football fan's needs.
The card, which was launched in 2008, has released a new set of rewards to tie in with the recent kickoff of the Middle East leg of the Barclays Premier League Trophy Tour, which attracted 10,000 fans to its Abu Dhabi and Dubai events.
Customers now have access to "Buy One Get One Free" offers at entertainment venues such as Yas Links, in Abu Dhabi, and Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm, in Dubai, 50 per cent cash back on its "Any Ticket, Any Movie, Any Cinema" promotion - where half the ticket price is credited straight back to the card after payment.
Other new benefits include the "Any Airline, Any Destination, Anytime" travel rewards programme which allows cardholders to earn one reward point for every Dh1 they spend. Accumulated points can then be exchanged for airline tickets or mall vouchers.
"The Barclays Premier League credit card reflects the lifestyle of our football loving customers," says Mark Elliott, director of sales for Barclays UAE. "Football has a huge following in the UAE both among those fans that attend football matches and those that are armchair fans."
Other new benefits include 90-day purchase protection on any items bought using the card. The protection covers accidental damage and an extended warranty covers purchases for one year from the expiry date of the original manufacturer's warranty for a maximum of three years.
Anyone signing up for the card also has the chance to win return flights and accommodation for two to the UK to watch a Barclays Premier League football game as well as unlimited access to the Marhaba Lounge at Dubai International Airport.
Mr Elliott adds: "The card is popular among younger male customers but we expect it will appeal to all football fans irrespective of their gender as there are just as many female football fans here in the UAE."
Barclays Group first began sponsoring the Premier League - the most watched domestic football league in the world with over 211 nations and 500 million homes tuning in to catch the latest action - in 2001.
And their credit card, which requires a minimum monthly income of Dh10,000 and has an annual membership fee of Dh500, is not the only player on the market promoting the beautiful game.
In January, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Visa launched the Football Fan Visa card which allows UAE Football League fans to donate a portion of their Dh250 membership fee directly to their favourite club.
For more information log onto www.barclaycard.ae.
