By introducing General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology to the home deliveries segment in the UAE, world leading payment solutions provider Visa International has successfully pioneered another first for the UAE by bringing superior service and a new revenue stream to many local restaurants.
The new initiative, which utilises roaming mobile phone technology, allows Visa credit or debit card transactions to be authorised immediately, regardless of location, eliminating the need for a fixed telephone line. This provides easy payment tracking and greater convenience to home delivery staff who no longer have to carry loose change with them, whilst also giving added convenience to home diners who previously had to pay for orders using cash.
To mark the launch of the UAE’s first GPRS home delivery programme, Visa International recently teamed up with UAE’s popular restaurants Chili’s and The Pizza Company to give customers the opportunity to win fabulous prizes including two family trips to Disneyland® Resort Paris. In addition to the grand prizes, customers paying with Visa during the 2-month promotion received gift vouchers free ice cream and free tropical drinks.
Commenting on the initiative, Stephen Coakley, Marketing Communications Manager for Visa International in the Middle East said: “Visa continuously strives to be the most convenient way to pay by utilising world-leading technology to bring new payment channels to every market segment and merchant category.
“This promotion demonstrates that it pays to use Visa. Thanks to Visa’s world-wide acceptance, cardholders can make secure purchases anywhere whilst also receiving special privileges and rewards. Currently over 24 million merchants worldwide accept Visa cards and by setting new standards in innovation we endeavour to expand our merchant network further with the introduction of technologies such as GPRS, making Visa payments possible virtually anywhere.”
UAE residents Sawsan Abou, an Iraqi national, and Dr. Mustafa Hatim, an Indian national, were named the winners of family trips for four to Disneyland® Resort Paris courtesy of Visa International valued at US$10,000. The winners were selected in a raffle draw for the recently-concluded promotion for home diners using their Visa credit or debit card when ordering from Chili’s or The Pizza Company.
Commenting on her winning, Sawsan Abou, an interior designer in Dubai said she dines regularly at Chili’s and always uses her Visa card to pay. “I use my Visa card regularly instead of cash as it allows me to better manage my budget and I don’t have to queue at the ATM to withdraw cash. I enjoy dining at Chili’s and now with their new facility, I can enjoy the convenience of ordering using a Visa card and dining at home or work.
About Visa
Visa connects cardholders, merchants and financial institutions through the world’s largest electronic payments network. Visa products allow buyers and sellers to conduct commerce with ease and confidence in both the physical and virtual worlds. Visa is committed to the sustained growth of electronic payment systems to support the needs of all stakeholders and to drive economic growth.
Visa products currently generate more than $4 trillion in sales volume worldwide. Visa has unsurpassed acceptance at more than 24 million locations worldwide including one million ATMs. For more information, visit www.corporate.visa.com.
