• 24-hour Platinum lifestyle and travel concierge services
• Enhanced travel insurance benefits, Air Privileges Programme and a regional Fine Dining Programme
• Region's Cardmembers among top spenders across American Express global portfolio

The leader in premium payment solutions, American Express Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it has enhanced its Platinum Card® in line with the evolving needs of affluent individuals in the Middle East. Further consolidating its position in the luxury payment industry, the company has additionally enhanced the Card by adding to the existing wide range of travel and lifestyle benefits.

The revitalised Card provides a full travel service as well as hotel privileges including upgrades, late check-out and early check-in at over 500 luxurious leading hotels worldwide. Furthermore, the company has linked with the loyalty programmes of Hilton, Carlson Hotels and Hertz.

The Card also offers enhanced travel and insurance benefits with up to US$ 1 million in Travel Accident Insurance and reimbursement of up to US$ 2,000 for Travel Inconvenience Insurance, in addition to a brand new Air Privileges Programme and a regional Fine Dining Programme.

Combined with the existing benefits - airport lounge access to over 500 regional and international locations, Emergency Medical and Legal, and Retail and Online Fraud Protection the Card is sure to retain its position as the most prestigious product available for application in the market.

American Express was the first brand to launch The Platinum Card® and continues to dominate this segment in both the Middle East and around the world, said Mazin Khoury, Vice President, American Express Middle East and North Africa. Affluent consumers have distinct needs and are looking for benefits and services that go beyond the ordinary and provide demonstrable value. The American Express brand has a strong heritage in catering to high net worth individuals and the revitalised Card will provide additional comprehensive features, financial flexibility and exclusive travel and lifestyle privileges to Cardmembers.

Even amid challenging global financial conditions, the usage and billings on Charge Cards have grown steadily. We are confident that the additional benefits we are announcing today are set to further widen the Card's appeal.

American Express has also strengthened its service team that provides 24-hour travel and lifestyle concierge services to Platinum Cardmembers. Signature service is the hallmark of American Express. Our service professionals can arrange a wide range of lifestyle-related and travel experiences, from the mundane to the extraordinary. This includes event management for parties, sourcing designer fashion accessories that are not available within the region, arranging tickets for sold-out sports and entertainment shows, or planning trips for Cardmembers to exotic locations, he added.

Earlier this year, American Express became the founding member of the Luxury Marketing Council's Dubai chapter. American Express is also recognised for the world's strongest card-based loyalty programme, Membership Rewards, and its Selects online programme of special offers, in addition to strong partnerships with top luxury brands around the world