Emarat yesterday launched its next-generation smart cards that will revolutionise corporate fleet management by shifting from a manual and time-consuming process to a fast, streamlined and efficient procedure, said Rashid Al Shamsi, general manager.

"The chip-based cards mean that the Emarat range of cards will store more information, can be programmed to activate restrictions or benefits on predetermined instructions, provide flexibility and speed for transactions and incorporate greatly enhanced security features.

"With the launch of the new smart cards, Emarat is poised to offer a complete motoring management solution not only by becoming a leading solutions provider in fleet management and the card sector in the UAE but across other countries in the region as well.

"The new range of smart cards include the Safeer, Atheer and Em-Cash. Safeer incorporates a chip which will make it the first smart credit-based fuel card of its kind in Dubai allowing for more security, flexibility and up-to-date information for its customers.

"Atheer, a pre-paid smart card, has been specially tailored for small-to-medium fleet owners to offer a far higher level of control, security and convenience when it comes to motoring payments.

"Em-Cash is the first rechargeable smart card in the UAE and is designed to make motoring payments quicker and easier for fleet owners as well as individual drivers.

"Customers can also access all their information on Emarat's web site, www.emarat.ae, which will be launched within two weeks. With a secure server and log-in facility, customers can be assured of complete confidentiality.

"Till now, cards have been ready-made products without the advantage of flexibility or tailor-made solutions. With the launch of the Emarat smart card, this trend is set to change completely – there will be complete flexibility. Customers can demand tailor-made solutions, in addition to enjoying the overriding benefits of speed, efficiency, security and range of use.

"However, these cards can only be as good as the infrastructure on which it sits," said Al Shamsi.

"The technology to operate the Emarat smart cards is the most sophisticated available in the world today."

"At the moment it's estimated that in the UAE over half a billion dirhams each year is spent using corporate fuel cards – but this is just scratching the surface of the market," said Simon Green, Emarat manager, Card Marketing.