Buying a property is one of the biggest investments many of us will make in our lifetimes. Saving for the deposit can take years and then there's the mortgage - and its future interest-rate variables - to negotiate.
But one lucky Abu Dhabi-based customer of Mashreq bank could see themselves leap-frogging on to the property ladder way ahead of their homeownership timeline.
Mashreq, Dubai's second-biggest bank by assets, is giving away a Dh1 million apartment on Al Muneera Island at Al Raha Beach. All Mashreq customers have to do is take advantage of up to 50 per cent discounts at 22 partner outlets in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall to be eligible for the draw.
By spending more than Dh2,000 at the participating outlets, which include Jumbo Electronics, Damas Jewellery, Swiss Arabian Perfumes, Dumond, Forever 21 and Woolworths, on their Mashreq credit or debit cards, customers will go into a draw for their chance to win the luxury apartment.
"Abu Dhabi is a focal point as we maintain offering significant financial products and services," says Karim Mahmoud, the chief executive of Mashreq in Abu Dhabi.
"We are very excited to launch these huge prizes as we continue extending a truly diverse customer banking experience in the capital.
"At Mashreq, we value customer loyalty; hence our generosity to give away a substantial prize is a reflection of our commitment to them."
The competition ends on January 6. Customers who apply for a Mashreq loan that is approved up to February 29 are also eligible to enter the draw to win the apartment.
For more information, go to www.mashreqbank.com.
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Passengers who have booked flights with flydubai, the low-cost airline, can now pay for their tickets at any Al Ansari Exchange branch across the country.
The move is aimed at saving time and making air travel more convenient for passengers.
"This newly signed strategic partnership with flydubai will provide our travelling customers with a unique level of service that saves on both time and effort," says Rashid Ali Al Ansari, the general manager of Al Ansari Exchange.
"Our customers can now pay their air tickets and exchange money at the same time."
Al Ansari Exchange has broadened its services of late and now allows customers to use it for recharging their mobile phone credits, pay water and electricity bills, as well as make payments on their credit cards.
"This agreement is part of our strategy to help people book and pay for their flydubai flights at convenient locations across the UAE," says Ghaith Al Ghaith, the chief executive of flydubai.
For more details, check out www.alansariexchange.com.
