Real Madrid ink deal with National Bank of Abu Dhabi

Real Madrid President Florentino Perz and NBAD CEO Alex Thursby

The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has inked a three year deal with La Liga giants Real Madrid to be their banking partner in UAE.

The deal is extendable by a further three years and could also include the entire Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. NBAD has now become the first bank outside Spain to issue co-branded Real Madrid credit and debit cards.

This is what club President Florentino Perez said on the occasion,

“Real Madrid today forms a strategic alliance with one of the most prestigious institutions in the world In the coming three seasons we shall share single passions, challenges and emotions and a set of values and common goals.

“We know this stadium is a special place for many thousands of our fans who show passion for our club in the UAE. And we know very well that every single match our team plays, they experience a lot of excitement there.

“The bond between the UAE and our club is getting stronger and stronger; we recently won our tenth UEFA Champions League thanks to the good wishes of our fans in the UAE and all over the world.

“This agreement enables Real Madrid to win the hearts of Emirati citizens and bring us closer to them. This club belongs to all fans and members and it is part of our vocation to carry on being the best. We have a huge responsibility to preserve the dreams of our millions and millions of followers.”

This is what Alex Thursby, CEO, NBAD said,

“We picked this partnership very carefully. We share much in common with Real Madrid. Both NBAD and Real Madrid are premier brands, heritage is the foundation for both organisations and both NBAD and Real Madrid have a history of commitment to excellence. As such we are confident our partnership will support NBAD’s continued commitment to deliver the best products in the market.”

As a privilege the card holders will have the opportunity to win trips to see matches, attend training sessions and meet players in Madrid or Abu Dhabi and Customers will also receive special Real Madrid welcome gifts upon opening an account and get automatic membership to the international ‘Madridista’ fan club, which gives them newsletters from the club and discount offers from other Real Madrid partners.

Even though the financials of the deal have not been revealed reports have been denied that NBAD is partnering with the club to provide funding worth $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) to revive the Real Madrid Resort Island in Ras Al Khaimah.