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Alshaya Group, a leading international retail franchise operator, has announced a partnership with Mastercard to enhance its award-winning loyalty program, Aura. This multimarket partnership aims to launch co-branded credit cards in several GCC countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, over the next two years. The collaboration is expected to drive growth in the region's retail sector and offer additional benefits to Aura members.

The GCC's retail industry has been experiencing robust growth, with non-food retail sales expected to increase by approximately $39 billion from 2021 to 2026. This growth is attributed to favorable demographics, improving macroeconomic conditions, and a thriving tourism sector. The new co-branded credit cards will provide consumers with added value and benefits across Alshaya's extensive portfolio of over 70 brands, ranging from dining and fashion to beauty and homeware.

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, stated, "Our customers are at the core of our strategy, and we continuously seek innovative ways to enhance their shopping experience both in-store and online, with a strong emphasis on digital solutions, including payments. We are proud of the global recognition our Aura loyalty program has received and are excited to expand its pivotal role in partnership with Mastercard."

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development for EEMEA at Mastercard, added, "Mastercard is committed to enabling the retail sector to leverage innovative payment channels, reinventing the way people pay for their purchases. Our partnership with Alshaya Group will bring seamless and secure payment solutions to consumers, enhancing the shopping experience across the GCC through the Aura loyalty program."

Alshaya Group's diverse portfolio includes globally renowned brands such as Chipotle, which recently opened its first location in Kuwait and is set to launch in Dubai later this year. Launched in 2022, the Aura loyalty program has rapidly grown to 8.3 million members across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, making it one of the most popular loyalty apps in the Middle East

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