Alshaya Group, a leading international retail franchise operator, has joined forces with Mastercard to broaden its award-winning loyalty program, Aura. This collaboration will introduce an Aura co-branded credit card across multiple markets over the next two years, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The aim is to stimulate growth in the retail sector throughout the GCC region and enhance the benefits available to Aura members.

Impact on the GCC Retail Sector

The retail industry in the GCC continues to prosper, buoyed by rising consumer spending. Between 2021 and 2026, non-food retail sales in the region are expected to grow by approximately $39 billion. This growth is attributed to favorable demographics, improving macroeconomic conditions, and a booming tourism sector. Through this partnership, consumers will enjoy additional value and benefits when shopping at Alshaya’s diverse portfolio of over 70 brands, spanning dining, fashion, beauty, and homeware.

Statements from Key Figures

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing customer benefits both in-store and online. He expressed pride in the Aura loyalty program, which has recently received global recognition, and highlighted the importance of this partnership with Mastercard.

Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development for EEMEA at Mastercard, noted that the company is dedicated to transforming payment methods and enhancing the shopping experience across the GCC. She praised the partnership with Alshaya Group for its potential to deliver seamless and secure payment solutions.

Aura’s Growing Reach

Alshaya Group’s extensive portfolio includes globally recognized brands like Chipotle, which recently opened in Kuwait and will be available in Dubai later this year. Since its launch in 2022, the Aura loyalty program has attracted 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.