Unlocking Extraordinary Experiences

With 20 years of experience in the payment industry, Nizar Abou Hassan plays a pivotal role in identifying opportunities, developing partnerships, and implementing initiatives to enhance the wide range of products and services offered by one of the Kingdom’s leading players in the sector. Durrah Magazine had a one-on-one with Abou Hassan to explore the impact of the Platinum Card® on Saudi Arabia’s flourishing premium segment and how its members’ experiences in air travel, fine dining, and world-class shopping have now been transformed.

THE PLATINUM CARD® HAS UNDERGONE A COMPLETE REVIVAL RECENTLY, WITH NEW BENEFITS AND A SLEEK METAL DESIGN. HOW DO THESE CHANGES REFLECT THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE AMERICAN EXPRESS SAUDI ARABIA CUSTOMER BASE?

American Express Saudi Arabia, through the Platinum Card® and the entirety of our card portfolio, is keeping pace with evolving consumer trends the affluent segment in particular... The Kingdom’s new lifestyle dynamic and market landscape shifts are other significant factors. The Platinum Card®, with its unique metal design, meets the demanding lifestyle needs of our customers, offering enhanced benefits and rewards for the most exclusive experiences locally and globally. Those include a wide array of airlines, airport lounges, hotels, and dining programs and value benefits. In addition, the Platinum Card proposition is supported by a 24/7 concierge service.

IN SUCH A COMPETITIVE AND DYNAMIC MARKET, HOW DOES THE PLATINUM CARD® DIFFERENTIATE ITSELF FROM OTHER PREMIUM OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN SAUDI ARABIA?

Throughout the years, the brand has always given special attention to the premium segment, with American Express Saudi Arabia being a key player in this space. Sustaining and reinforcing our position in this segment has always been a top priority. The Platinum Card® sets itself apart by offering a combination of valued benefits, exclusive rewards, and personalized service. Our partnerships, through the International Airline Program, with renowned airlines such as British Airways, Emirates Airlines, SAUDIA, and Qatar Airways provide our Cardmembers with special offers, complimentary upgrades, and exclusive airfares. Additionally, access to over 1,300 airport lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide is made available through the complimentary Priority Pass Membership. This includes the American

Express global lounge collection, which features notable lounges such as the Delta Sky Club® lounge, American Express® Lounge, and The Centurion® lounge, offering a diverse range of luxurious options. The Fine Hotels and Resorts service provides early check-in and guaranteed late check-out at over 1,800 hotels around the world. Cardmembers are also granted benefits and upgrades across leading chains such as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton, Radisson, and others. In addition to our international programs, American Express Saudi Arabia has collaborated with local brands to deliver great offers and benefits tailored to meet the needs of our Platinum Cardmembers. Those benefits cover different sectors such as retail, dining, entertainment, and other dedicated Cardmembers’ activities. Through American Express Saudi Arabia’s agreements with financial entities such as the Al Rajhi, Saudi National Bank and Riyad Bank and others, we have been working closely to expand our merchants’ acceptance which has a coverage of 75% of the market reach, particularly for everyday spending. As of early 2023, the number of ATMs available to our card members has surpassed 3,500 across Saudi Arabia.

THE PLATINUM CARD® CONCIERGE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24/7, OFFERING ROUND-THE-CLOCK ASSISTANCE TO CARDMEMBERS IN SAUDI ARABIA. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT HOW THIS SERVICE ADDS VALUE AND ENHANCES THE OVERALL PLATINUM EXPERIENCE?

American Express Saudi Arabia’s concierge team comprises dedicated Platinum Account Managers who are truly our heroes. These seasoned professionals are dedicated to going above and beyond in assisting our Cardmembers, ensuring their needs are met while delivering outstanding experiences whether locally or abroad. As our Cardmembers’ needs are constantly evolving, the Platinum team is always available, 24/7, to assist with fine dining reservations, curated travel experiences, and personalized recommendations. This commitment to service excellence remains a top priority as we strive to fulfill our mission: to become essential to our customers by providing differentiated products and services that help them achieve their aspirations.

ASIDE FROM THE CARD’S IMPRESSIVE AIR TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY PERKS, WHAT OTHER ADVANTAGES CAN CARDMEMBERS IN SAUDI ARABIA BENEFIT FROM THROUGHOUT THEIR TRIPS?

Aside from the exclusive air travel and hospitality benefits offered by the Platinum Card®, Cardmembers can benefit from a range of additional advantages throughout their trips. One notable advantage is its car rental feature. With The Platinum Card®, renting a car while abroad becomes incredibly hassle-free. Cardmembers can enjoy increased savings on car rentals worldwide and receive exclusive monthly offers from Avis, SIXT, and Hertz. Beyond travelspecific benefits, we have curated an exceptional shopping experience through partnerships with various renowned luxury brands and destinations. Moreover, we are excited to offer complimentary platinumtier access to FARFETCH’s loyalty program, allowing customers to explore one of the world’s number-one luxury product platforms with ease. Additionally, our exclusive local dining programs allow travelers to enjoy complimentary drinks, secure same-day reservations, and receive exclusive dining benefits. Cardmembers can enjoy total peace of mind while traveling, thanks to the comprehensive coverage provided by Platinum travel insurance. This coverage extends to unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, alleviating the stress and anxiety that can come with travel. Additionally, Cardmembers have access to 24/7 travel assistance services that offer a sense of comfort and reassurance while abroad. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Platinum travel insurance can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. americanexpress.com