26th August Amman, Jordan:
In line with its strategic vision to capture the youth market, the Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) today announced its much anticipated VIP-JKB credit and prepaid cards during a press conference at Virgin Megastore in City Mall, Amman.

The Card which is the first entertainment loyalty programme tie-up in Jordan follows the formation in July of a strategic partnership between JKB and Virgin Megastore to capture the expanding youth market in the region. This partnership will see JKB establish an in-store kiosk inside Virgin Megastore as well as co-branded cards. The cards emphasize JKB’s commitment to bring further benefits to its customers such as a 10% discount in store, competitions and top Brands tie-ups.

“The upcoming launch of the VIP-JKB Card emphasizes our interest in diversifying our customer base,” said Mohamed Yasser Alasmar, General Manager of JKB. “JKB is dedicated to becoming a bank that appeals to the entire demographic going beyond its publicly perceived image as a bank focusing on dealing with businessmen, public and private sector companies. By partnering up with Virgin Megastore for the VIP-JKB Card we will be able to reach the youth market in a way that actually benefits the customers of Virgin Megastore and JKB. The VIP-JBK Card is a stylish and convenient way for customers to get more from their bank and a great opportunity for JKB to serve the diverse needs and interests of all our customers.”

Subscribers to the VIP-JKB Card will receive, on top of many other benefits, an instant 10% discount in Virgin Megastore on all purchases of books, CD’s, DVD’s and Boutique in Virgin Megastore simply by paying with the card.

The Card will be the first of its kind to be launched in Jordan and will boast an array of unique features designed to enhance the entertainment experience of cardholders. This includes ongoing promotions and opportunities to win tickets to concerts and other exciting events across the Middle East.

Additionally, a range of special offers and discounts will be added from quality Partners Brands covering the entertainment and lifestyle market.

Nisreen Shocair, President of Virgin Megastore for the Middle East region, added, “Jordan’s youth market is booming and was undoubtedly the next logical place to launch the VIP Programme. It is an accelerating market in terms of appreciation for entertainment and culture as well as for commercial endeavours. Having already gained brand loyalty in the region, this is an excellent way to retain our customers in Jordan by giving something back to them.”

Nisreen added “Our exclusive partnership with JKB for the VIP program in Jordan is the outcome of a shared strategic vision to cater to the youth and entertainment oriented market through our in store entertainment experience. With JKB’s profound reputation and competitive edge within the Jordanian banking sector and our close ties with the entertainment sector, both JKB and Virgin Megastore customers are set to benefit from this innovative program two-fold.”

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Editors' Notes:

About Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB):
Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) was founded in 1976 as the country’s fifth national commercial bank and has successfully evolved in to a major player in the Jordanian banking system.

The Bank practices a wide array of commercial banking activities inside Jordan and abroad and currently operates a domestic network of 49 branches and offices distributed throughout Jordan. The Bank maintains 2 branches in Palestine and a branch in Cyprus

JKB was the first bank in Jordan to launch Internet banking and many other electronic delivery channels. Technology awareness and its varied applications place this bank on par with any other European or American bank of its size.

JKB capitalizes on its capabilities to provide services that encompass personal, commercial and investment banking in addition to other business-related services (brokerage and insurance) through its subsidiaries, all topped with a unique customer- friendly treatment.

In recognition of its remarkable achievements and banking initiatives, JKB was awarded the “Bank of the Year Award” by the Banker Magazine in 2006 and 2007.

About Virgin Megastore
Virgin Megastore is a global leader in retail entertainment with stores in 50 countries throughout the globe, including the Middle East. A one-stop shop for all your entertainment needs, Virgin Megastore offers a wide range of products, including CDs, books, games, movies and the latest in technology. Virgin Megastore offers an innovative entertainment destination for the young and young at heart with its unique shopping experience. Catering to local cultures through events, activities and support of local artists in each market it enters, Virgin Megastore is truly a global brand with local flavour.

For media enquiries related to JKB, contact:

Suhail Turki
Executive Manager
Public Relations Dept.
Tel: +962 6 5629 400,+962 79 5582 413

Khaldoun Khalaf
Marketing & Sales Manger
Tel: + 962 6 5629400, +962 79 6802080

For media enquiries related to Virgin Megastore, contact:

Alec Harden or Nadia Karmali
Spot On Public Relations
Office: +971 4 349 1686
Fax: +971 4 349 3245
E-mail: alech@spotonpr.com or nadiak@spotonpr.com