Emirates Islamic announced a partnership with FC Barcelona to issue a co-branded credit card. The product launches today, 21 May 2026, with exclusive perks for football fans and banking clients. The bank says it has been working with FC Barcelona since 2024 to develop the product.
What the Card Offers
Cardholders gain access to stadium tours, matchday experiences, and merchandise discounts. The card also features cashback rewards on FC Barcelona-related purchases. Emirates Islamic says the product targets fans who want to merge their passion for football with financial services. According to the bank, 32% of its customer base follows European football leagues closely. The card will be available in three variants: gold, silver, and platinum, with varying reward structures.
The gold variant offers 5% cashback on FC Barcelona-related purchases, while the silver variant offers 3% cashback. The platinum variant offers 10% cashback on all purchases. The card also features a digital FC Barcelona badge on the card face, which will be updated with the latest team news and scores.
Why This Partnership Matters
This marks FC Barcelona’s first Middle East co-branded card. The bank notes that the partnership will help deepen customer engagement through shared brand values. According to Emirates Islamic, the bank has over 1.5 million customers in the UAE, and the partnership is expected to attract new customers who are football fans.
The bank says it has invested Dh50 million in the partnership, which includes the development of the co-branded card and marketing campaigns. Emirates Islamic expects to issue 10,000 cards in the first year, with a target of 50,000 cards by the end of 2027. The bank plans to expand the program to include other European clubs in 2027.
How to Apply
Applications open on 1 June 2026 through Emirates Islamic’s mobile app. Early applicants receive a 15% discount on their first card purchase. The bank says it has partnered with FC Barcelona to offer exclusive experiences to cardholders, including access to stadium tours and matchday experiences.
Cardholders will also receive a dedicated customer service hotline, where they can get assistance with their card queries. Emirates Islamic says it has a team of 50 customer service representatives who will be available to assist cardholders 24/7.
What This Means for UAE Fans
Local fans can now support their favorite club while earning rewards. The card includes a digital FC Barcelona badge on the card face, which will be updated with the latest team news and scores. Emirates Islamic plans to expand the program to include other European clubs in 2027, which will give UAE fans more options to choose from.
The bank says it has a strong presence in the UAE, with over 100 branches across the country. Emirates Islamic has a customer base of over 1.5 million customers in the UAE, and the partnership is expected to attract new customers who are football fans.
