Cairo – 10th of August, 2009

Barclays Bank Egypt has announced today details regarding its latest service, the Premier Life Program, developed as part of the bank’s commitment to product innovation and superior service delivery for Egyptian banking market.

Commenting on the retail banking strategic direction, Khalid Elgibaly, Managing Director, Barclays Bank Egypt, said “At Barclays we examine the market carefully to design products suitable to different segments, in addition to tailoring unique packages from an array of services and benefits with affordable rates. We deliberately ensure that every product or service we provide adds value to our prestigious clients which differentiates us in the Egyptian market.”

The Premier Life Program was developed especially to provide customers seeking exclusivity with a unique experience that meets all their banking needs in a special way. The program extends the existing Premier package - offered now to the Premier customers - with a new set of features that give a larger number of customers the opportunity to take advantage of the great services and benefits of Premier banking. The most significant of these services are: a banking account without minimum balance requirements or maintenance fees, a free Barclays Gold Credit Card, a free 24 leaf checkbook, special waivers and discounts on administrative and operational fees for personal or auto loans. On the customer service front, a dedicated team serves customers in special designated areas located inside Barclays network of branches in addition to an outstanding service through the dedicated Barclays Premier call center, available around the clock seven days a week. Premier Life program allows clients to enjoy all services provided by Barclays Flagship branch in Stanley District, Alexandria, as well as Barclays’ Flagship branches all over the world.

Adding “Visa Platinum Debit Card”, the first of its kind in Egypt, to Barlcays Premier Life program is considered a crucial added value to our customers. Visa international in cooperation with Barclays Bank Egypt has added to the card a bouquet of privileges including enhanced security by utilizing embedded smart chip technology to guarantee the highest level of security. The card also offers access to funds at any time in Egypt and around the world and comes with higher withdraw limits of EGP 50,000 cash from ATMs and up to EGP 100,000 in shopping on a daily basis. Moreover, it offers a vast selection of exclusive insurance benefits, a free membership to Priority Pass giving access to 600 VIP airport lounges across the globe. A special website for Visa Platinum Debit Card holders only was also launched to allow fast access to latest offers and discounts via an online e-booklet. Another privilege offered by Visa International is the global contact center that responds to all client inquiries around the clock in nine different languages.

“At Visa, we strive to connect all cardholders with products and services that are designed to make payments faster, more convenient, reliable and secure,” said Mr. Tarek Elhousseiny, Visa’s General Manager for North and West Africa. “The launch of the first Visa Platinum Debit Card in Egypt by Barclays Bank Egypt is just one example of the comprehensive range of Visa payment products available for both everyday purchases as well as specialty items. We look forward to introducing even more innovative payment options as the Egyptian banking market continues to embrace the shift to electronic payments.”

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Barclays Bank–Egypt in brief:

Barclays Bank Egypt began operations in 1864 but was nationalized in 1956. It re-entered Egypt about 30 years ago in a joint venture with Banque du Caire. In March 2004, Barclays acquired 100% ownership and control of the business. Through horizontal and vertical expansion plan, number of bank employees exceeded 2046 to serve clients across the country through a network of 105 ATMs and 65 branches.
(Above figures are reported as at financial performance report ending March 2009).

For further information, please visit: www.barclays.com

About Visa:
Visa operates the world’s largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world and Visa/PLUS is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.
For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com

For further information please contact:
Salah El Din Aloui
Assistant Media Relations Manager
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
Tel: +2 02 3047215 - 17
Fax: +2 02 3047213
Mob: +2 012 39 79 586
E-Mail: salah@promoseven.com