Our Middle East Loyalty Landscape study reveals a significant gap: while 70% of customers choose their bank based on the strength of its loyalty programme, only 13% of banks tailor these programmes to meet the individuals' needs. This disconnect presents a major opportunity for differentiation through personalised, experiential rewards that go beyond traditional offerings.
Over our 35 years of building best-in-class loyalty propositions, we have consistently found that meaningful experiences drive stronger customer advocacy than physical products alone. The trend is reflected in the data: 56% of European loyalty programme owners now incorporate personalised rewards, outperforming the global average by 15.8%. Yet more than 7 out of 10 companies still plan to enhance their programmes further, underscoring the growing demand for tailored customer engagement.
In the Middle East, loyalty programmes are rapidly evolving, with a heightened focus on seamless digital experiences and bespoke engagement strategies. By prioritising personalised rewards, banks can cultivate deeper relationships, boost customer retention and build stronger brand loyalty in a competitive market.
Over half of respondents report travelling 4-12 times a year, highlighting the role travel plays in shaping spending habits and lifestyle choices across the region.