Mastercard Inc : MasterCard and Aïshti Host Fashion Extravaganza for Fourth Year

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Beirut, Lebanon, 18 October, 2012 - MasterCard Worldwide and Aïshti, the leading luxury and fashion group in the Middle East, have announced MasterCard's support of the MasterCard Aïshti Fashion Experience for the fourth consecutive year. The annual fashion and social extravaganza takes place on 24 October 2012 in Beirut, and promises to showcase the best of local and international fashion.

Last year's MasterCard Aïshti Fashion Experience 2011 was a star-studded event that attracted celebrities like Nancy Ajram, Elissa and VIP guests to a variety of fashion shows and stylish VIP fashion parties in the Lebanese capital. The 2011 event also included a trunk show for Celine's Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 collection, an Aïshti multi-brand fashion show, a private shopping tour at Aïshti shops and mono-brand boutiques and high-fashion styling sessions.

"Lebanon is a renowned iconic fashion and shopping destination, and we are delighted to announce our sponsorship of the MasterCard Aïshti Fashion Experience for the fourth year running," said Basel Eltell, vice-president and regional manager, Levant, MasterCard Worldwide. "Lebanon is a very important market for MasterCard, and we are glad to support the country's travel and fashion industry with initiatives like the MasterCard Aïshti Fashion Experience, which is beyond doubt one of the most anticipated events in Lebanon's fashion calendar."

Tony Salamé, CEO and owner of Aïshti, commented: "We are delighted to join hands with MasterCard to host the fourth annual MasterCard Aïshti Fashion Experience. This year, we build on the success of previous years' event and look forward to hosting an unforgettable, world-class fashion experience."

MasterCard and Aïshti have a longstanding relationship, during which they have collaborated to bring premium products like the Bank Audi Aïshti Platinum MasterCard Credit Card launched in 2010 that is tailored for Lebanon's fashion-savvy consumers. Besides, the premium Aizoners Aïshti MasterCard Credit Card was launched last year for young fashion enthusiasts in Lebanon at a prestigious event held at Sky Bar.  These cards offer cardholders unique privileges and benefits tailored to suit their lifestyles.

MasterCard has been a presenter and sponsor of some of the foremost premium global fashion events, including the World MasterCard Fashion Week in Toronto, Canada, In-Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival in Chicago, Audi Fashion Festival in Singapore and Stylicity in Canada. MasterCard also supports Future Fashion Now, Asia's first pre-order website that features a curated selection of the newest and most promising designer labels from around the world.

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.@MasterCardNews, join the conversation on Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe.

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Contacts

Heba Hassan, GolinHarris - Dubai, [phone], [e-mail]

Jandre Nieuwoudt, GolinHarris - Dubai, [phone], [e-mail]