7 Best Air Miles Credit Cards in UAE – Earn Free Flights & Exclusive Perks

It’s no secret, travel in the UAE isn’t cheap. Families heading to London, executives flying to Singapore, or leisure seekers planning a Maldives escape often spend thousands of dirhams on tickets alone. But here’s the trick that savvy travelers already know: the right credit card can turn everyday spending into free flights, upgrades, and even access to airport lounges.

That’s where air miles credit cards come in. They’ve become one of the most popular financial tools in the UAE, especially for people who travel frequently. But which card really delivers the most value? And how do you know if you’re getting the right one for your lifestyle? Let’s break it down.

What Are Air Miles Credit Cards?

Just consider them as your travel reward program on plastic. You won’t need to just swipe your card and continue on your way, each dirham you spend can give you points. Those points are transferred into airline miles which can be then used by getting flight tickets, seat upgrades, hotel stays and even shopping vouchers.

It is straightforward and effective as the next: spend the card on your daily purchases: groceries, fuel, bills, etc and you begin to stack the miles without having to pay a penny.

How Do Air Miles Credit Cards Work?

Here’s the reality. These cards function just like regular credit cards, but with a twist. Each transaction earns you a certain number of miles. For example, AED 4 spent might earn you 1 Skywards Mile if you’re on Emirates NBD’s program. Some cards offer bonus miles when you purchase airline tickets directly, book hotels, or spend internationally.

The challenge is knowing which program matches your travel habits. If you mostly fly Emirates, a Skywards-linked card is your best bet. If Etihad is your airline of choice, an Etihad Guest card may be smarter. And if you want flexibility across multiple airlines, cards tied to broader programs like Citi Premier Miles offer more freedom.

Key Benefits of Air Miles Credit Cards in UAE

These aren’t just about free flights. The best ones pack a suite of benefits that turn your journey into a VIP experience:

• Free Flights and Travel Rewards– Accrue enough miles and your next flight may cost you nothing other than taxes.

• Airport Lounge Access – There are a significant amount of cards that grant free access to certain lounges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and even hubs worldwide.

• Hotel Discounts and Upgrades – Five-star hotels as well as boutique hotels offer cardholders with discounts.

• Everyday Spending Rewards -Groceries, dining, fuel- all of it counts toward your miles tally.

What to Consider Before Choosing the Right Card

Not every offer is made equal. Consider these points prior to leaping:

• Annual Fees– Premium cards can cost AED 1,500 and above, yet the benefits can offset the price.

• Conversion Rates -There are cards with 1 mile per AED 3 and 1 mile per AED 6. Minor expenses accumulate quickly.

• Airline Partnerships Cards related to any of the Emirates or Etihad airlines are typically awarded more when you book the airline.

• Eligibility Criteria – Most of them are based on a minimum monthly income, most often beginning with AED 12,000.

7 Best Air Miles Credit Cards in UAE (2025 Edition)

Choosing the right card isn’t about which bank looks most attractive, it’s about the fine print. Annual fees, conversion rates, bonus structures, and lifestyle perks all play a role in deciding which card works best for your needs. Let’s look at the seven standout options in detail.

1. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card

This card is virtually a no-brainer to the Emirates loyalists. It is also accompanied by free Emirates Skywards Silver membership that provides it with priority check-in, additional baggage allocation, and seat choice perquisites.

Rewards Program: 2 Skywards Miles on international purchases, and 1.5 on local purchases. Extra miles with a direct booking with Emirates.

Welcome Bonus: Sign-up bonus is usually approximately 25,000 Skywards Miles, which is sufficient to redeem a short flight ticket.

Travel Benefits: Limitless airport lounge access to more than 1000 lounge across the world, travel insurance and chauffeur services in the UAE.

Annual Fee: AED 1,500 (but easily offset if you travel regularly).

Best For: Frequent Emirates travelers who want to fast-track their Skywards tier status and enjoy premium travel experiences.

If you’re someone who flies Emirates three to four times a year, this card pays for itself.

2. ADIB Etihad Guest Infinite Credit Card

If Etihad Airways is your airline of choice, this card is built for you. The rewards structure is generous, and the welcome bonus can practically cover a long-haul flight.

Earning Structure: Up to 3 Etihad Guest Miles per USD on Etihad purchases, 1.5 miles per USD internationally, and 1 mile per USD locally.

Welcome Bonus: A massive 50,000 Etihad Guest Miles upon approval and minimum spend, one of the most generous offers in the UAE.

Travel Perks: Free Etihad Guest Gold Membership for the first year, global lounge access, and two complimentary chauffeur rides per year in the UAE.

Annual Fee: AED 2,000, making it a premium choice.

Best For: High-income Etihad loyalists who value luxury perks and want to accumulate miles quickly.

For Abu Dhabi residents who often fly out of AUH, this card is a smart investment.

3. HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card (Air Miles Program)

Unlike Emirates or Etihad-linked cards, this one is tied to the Air Miles Rewards Program, giving you flexibility across multiple airlines and hotels.

Earning Structure: Earn Air Miles for every dirham spent, with higher rewards on international purchases and dining.

Welcome Bonus: Up to 12,000 bonus Air Miles on first spend.

Travel Perks: Two complimentary airport transfers annually, free global travel insurance, and access to select lounges.

Annual Fee: AED 750, with waivers available if you hit spending thresholds.

Best For: Travelers who don’t stick to one airline and prefer a wider choice of redemptions.

If you want flexibility instead of being locked into Emirates or Etihad, HSBC’s program is one of the most versatile.

4. Citi Premier Miles Credit Card

This is a global traveler’s favorite. Its biggest strength? Miles never expire, which means you can save them up for a big redemption without the pressure of deadlines.

Earning Structure: 1 mile per USD on local spends, 2 miles per USD internationally.

Welcome Bonus: Around 10,000 Citi Miles on approval.

Travel Perks: Access to over 1,000 airport lounges, complimentary travel insurance, and hotel discounts through Citi’s travel portal.

Annual Fee: AED 750.

Best For: International travelers who fly different airlines and want maximum redemption flexibility.

Since Citi Miles can be transferred to over 100 airline partners, this is the go-to for people who don’t want to be tied to one airline alliance.

5. Dubai First Miles Credit Card

Dubai First, though smaller in brand presence, has crafted a strong offering for those who prioritize international spending.

Earning Structure: Earn up to 1.25 miles per AED internationally, and 1 mile per AED locally.

Welcome Bonus: Varies but can go up to 10,000 miles upon approval.

Travel Perks: Complimentary travel insurance, access to select lounges, and concierge services.

Annual Fee: AED 1,000.

Best For: Cardholders who travel often for business and want strong returns on international transactions.

It may not carry the same prestige as Emirates NBD or Citi, but the return on spend is competitive.

6. Standard Chartered Platinum Miles Card

This card is perfect for those who want dual benefits, earning air miles while also enjoying cashback-style perks.

Earning Structure: Up to 1.5 miles per USD spent abroad and 1 mile per USD locally.

Welcome Bonus: Varies depending on promotions, often tied to minimum spends.

Travel Perks: Access to lounges across the Middle East, complimentary travel insurance, and offers on hotel bookings.

Annual Fee: AED 525, making it one of the most affordable in this list.

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who want to dip into the air miles game without paying heavy annual fees.

It’s a solid starter card for someone who wants travel perks without committing to premium fees.

7. RAKBANK Air Miles World Credit Card

RAKBANK’s offering is versatile, catering to families and everyday spenders rather than just frequent flyers.

Earning Structure: 1 Air Mile per AED locally, 1.25 internationally, with accelerated miles on dining and entertainment.

Welcome Bonus: Around 5,000 miles on first use.

Travel Perks: Complimentary travel accident insurance, access to global hotel discounts, and flexible redemption for flights, hotels, and even shopping.

Annual Fee: AED 999.

Best For: Families who want a balanced card that earns rewards on daily spending as well as travel.

This one is great if you want a single card that works for both lifestyle and travel benefits.

Quick Comparison Table of 7 Best Air Miles Credit Cards in UAE

Credit Card	Annual Fee	Miles per Spend	Welcome Bonus	Key Travel Perks	Best For
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite	AED 1,500	2 miles/USD (int’l)	25,000 Skywards	Lounge access, Silver tier	Emirates loyalists
ADIB Etihad Guest Infinite	AED 2,000	3 miles/USD (Etihad)	50,000 Etihad Miles	Etihad Gold, chauffeur	Etihad loyalists
HSBC Platinum Select	AED 750	Flexible Air Miles	12,000 Air Miles	Transfers, lounges	Flexible travelers
Citi Premier Miles	AED 750	2 miles/USD (int’l)	10,000 Citi Miles	No expiry, lounges	Global travelers
Dubai First Miles	AED 1,000	1.25 miles/AED (int’l)	10,000 Miles	Insurance, concierge	Business travelers
Standard Chartered Platinum Miles	AED 525	1.5 miles/USD (int’l)	Varies	Insurance, lounges	Budget-conscious users
RAKBANK Air Miles World	AED 999	1.25 miles/USD (int’l)	5,000 Miles	Insurance, hotel discounts	Families & everyday spenders

Best Credit Card to Collect Air Miles in UAE: Our Top Pick

For those loyal to Emirates, the Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite stands tall. For global flexibility, Citi Premier Miles is hard to beat. Both cards reward frequent flyers generously while offering lifestyle perks that go beyond flights. If you want the best credit card to collect air miles, these two consistently outperform the competition.

Tips to Maximize Your Air Miles Earnings

• Use the card for everyday purchases – groceries, fuel, and online shopping all count.

• Pay your bills with the card – electricity, telecom, and even school fees.

• Watch for bonus mile promotions – banks often run limited-time offers.

• Combine family miles – Emirates and Etihad allow pooling miles with family members.

Mistakes People Make with Air Miles Cards

The perks are real, but so are the pitfalls. Some travelers let miles expire because they don’t track them. Others overspend just to earn more points, racking up interest charges that wipe out the value of rewards. And many ignore foreign transaction fees, which can quietly eat away at savings.

The truth is, these cards work best for disciplined spenders who pay off balances monthly.

Best Practices for Managing Rewards

• Track your miles regularly through the bank app.

• Redeem early—availability for flights can be limited.

• Match your card to your main airline to maximize benefits.

• Use miles strategically for upgrades, not just short-haul flights.

Conclusion

The decision on the best air miles credit card is not just a matter of finances to the UAE residents but a matter of lifestyle. You are flying home and need to visit your family or flying away to a country for business or simply just wishing to have an upgrade the correct card will turn your normal spending into the trip of a lifetime.

Smart travel, get rewards and leave the hard work to your card.

For more details on airline loyalty programs, check the official Emirates Skywards program for current updates.

FAQs About Air Miles Credit Cards in UAE

Which credit card is best for airmiles?

The Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite is generally considered the best option when it comes to Emirates flyers and Citi Premier Miles provides unmatched flexibility to travel all over the world.

Which credit card gives the highest air miles?

The Etihad spending can earn up to 3 miles per USD, one of the highest in the UAE market, with ADIB Etihad Guest Infinite.

Which is the best credit card to earn airline miles?

Citi Premier Miles is the best card that offers a well-balanced choice due to the lack of expiry and a variety of international transfer partners.

What is the best air miles card to get?

For UAE residents, it depends on your loyalty. Stick with Emirates? Go with Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite. Prefer Etihad? Choose ADIB Etihad Guest Infinite. Want freedom? Citi Premier Miles.

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