Reuters
Reuters

Card and bank promotions in the Emirates



Amex Platinum Credit Card

Benefits: The UAE-only Platinum Credit Card is aimed at travellers. Member Rewards points never expire and can be used on 12 airlines, including Emirates and Etihad. There is also free access to airport lounges, 90-day insurance on purchases, emergency card replacement and an online fraud guarantee.

Beware of: Applicants must earn a minimum annual salary of Dh270,000.

RAKBank Kalyan Jewellers Goldback Credit Card

Benefits: RAKBank has partnered with Kalyan Jewellers to launch a credit card — the first in the UAE to offer "Goldback". These are loyalty points that are earned at a rate of up to 7 per cent and can be redeemed at any Kalyan Jewellers outlets in the UAE for jewellery.

Beware of: The maximum gold back on domestic spending is Dh1,200 a month.

Mashreq Insure+ Saver

Benefits: The Unit Linked Savings Plan and Fixed Deposit savings and insurance bundle offers Mashreq Gold customers the UAE's highest interest rate on a three-month fixed deposit To qualify, customers must invest a minimum of US$25,000 in a fixed deposit along with an equal amount in an insurance savings plan.

Beware of: A penalty of 2 per cent is applied on premature withdrawals.

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The biog

Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
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Why it pays to compare

A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.

Route 1: bank transfer

The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.

Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount

Total received: €4,670.30 

Route 2: online platform

The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.

Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction

Total received: €4,756

The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.

While you're here
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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