Dubai eGovernment in association with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) is to introduce an innovative Prepaid Card which offers a convenient, flexible and secure alternative to carrying cash without the necessity of opening a bank account. Developed to enable e-payment transactions and expedite the government’s online services, the card can also be used for all type of Card transactions on the Internet and at more than 24 million outlets and over one million ATMs worldwide.
Backed by Visa International, the co-branded card has the standard features of regular payment cards plus unique government-related features. The pre-funded Prepaid Card, with recharge facility is instantly available at any National Bank of Abu Dhabi branch and can be obtained without a bank account, income requirements, monthly repayments or security deposit. Customers, who would like to apply the card, can call 8002211 or visit www.nbad.ae.
Commenting on the new payment option tool, Salem Al Shair, eServices Director, Dubai eGovernment said, “Dubai eGovernment is committed to introducing various measures that improve the relationship and interactions between the government and the people in the region. As part of our strategy to increase the number of people that take advantage of our Payment solutions, we have teamed up with our partners to provide a convenient and flexible approach to banking that will save our customers time and money on necessary procedures and interactions with the government.”
“As the spending is limited to the amount deposited on the card and since the card is loaded with the local currency - UAE Dirham - the customer will not be charged currency exchange fees,” Al Shair added.
In addition to the Prepaid Card, Dubai eGovernment has also launched Credit Cards in Classic and Gold and the Corporate Card, with benefits that include no annual fees for Life, discounts at over 1,700 outlets in UAE, Visa Application services from Mandoob – Empost, free roadside assistance, free purchase protection and free SMS alert service.
“NBAD is proud to work in association with Dubai eGovernment to bring citizens access to this unique card that has the potential to change the way people use online services and perform day to day tasks. The Prepaid Card represents hassle-free banking, as customers can top-up the value on their cards at any of the 62 NBAD branches across the emirates,” said Saif Ali Al Munakhas Al Shehhi, General Manager of NBAD’s Domestic Banking Division.
The scheme reflects Dubai eGovernment’s commitment to delivering a broad range of services through maximising the functionality of the government portal. The portal was envisioned to assist busy people conduct business, get financial quotes, obtain visa information, book flight tickets and make payments. Citizens, residents, visitors and enterprises can access more than 2,000 electronic services on the portal www.dubai.ae, including payment of traffic fines, payment of municipality fees, communication with government departments, application for visas, renewal of health cards and other services.
“With an increasing number of transactions occurring online, it is important to have access to reliable, convenient and secure methods of banking. In association with our partners, eGovernment continues to provide high-quality, pioneering technologies suitable to our evolving digital environment,” Al Shair concluded.
Quelle/Source: Dubai City Guide, 05.02.2007
