ABU DHABI // Supermarkets will provide discounts of Dh500 to more than 8,000 Emirati employees who have an Absher card while shopping during Ramadan.
The initiative comes as part of a campaign to show thanks and appreciation to Emiratis working in the private sector.
The “Shukran” campaign aims to encourage more Emiratis to find jobs in the private sector.
Naser Al Hameli, a member of the Absher team, said: “We hope to save Dh6,000 from every card holder’s monthly expenses. This campaign will show the employees they are appreciated.”
He said the team had worked together with the supermarkets because “many Emiratis go to the supermarkets every day”.
He said: “This way, we are enforcing the importance of Emiratisation and patriotism.”
Al Dhafra and Abu Dhabi Cooperative supermarkets, the Union Cooperative Society in Dubai, Al Khalidiyah Supermarket and Al Ain Supermarket will all provide discounted rates and gift vouchers to those presenting the card during the holy month.
Yaqoub Al Baloushi, manager of fresh purchase at Union Cooperative Society, said: “We are proud to participate in such an initiative. It is our first, but not last, time. This is our chance to give back to the country and support Emiratisation.”
The supermarket will give card holders gift vouchers worth Dh500.
The discounts and coupons will be available in all branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain.
The supermarkets advertised the discounts with banners at shop entrances and having employees wear T-shirts advertising the offer.
Mr Al Hameli said this initiative would run only during the holy month, but there were other regular campaigns and discounts that were renewed annually by the partners.
He said thousands had previously benefited from similar campaigns and Absher would continue its efforts to reach more Emiratis.
“We wish this initiative to become a start of a continuing campaign that lasts,” Mr Al Hameli said.
The initiative launched on Thursday.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
