UAE fintech platform Botim and Mastercard have launched a card that allows eligible users to access prepaid balances, credit and instalment payments through a single payment product.

The companies said the launch of Mastercard One Credential was the first deployment of the solution in the UAE and across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

What One Credential offers

One Credential connects a single payment product to multiple funding sources through a digital interface. Eligible Botim cardholders will be able to switch between prepaid and credit funding without using separate cards.

Users will also be able to access funds in multiple currencies and convert purchases into instalment payments, according to the companies. The release did not disclose eligibility requirements, fees, credit limits, or the date on which the full range of services would become available.

Mastercard said 83 per cent of UAE consumers included in its global consumer research indicated that they would use card instalments through One Credential.

The company did not provide the survey’s sample size, polling dates or methodology in the release.

The product is intended to provide first-time credit users with access to credit through an existing card experience while giving cardholders greater visibility over transactions and payment choices.

“Our work with Mastercard reflects a shared commitment to fostering greater choice, transparency, and confidence in digital payments,” said Tariq Bin Hendi, board member at Astra Tech and chief executive of Botim.

“By bringing this capability to Botim cardholders, we are providing a more practical and trusted way to pay, while continuing to build a platform that can support long-term financial participation and create sustainable value.”

Gina Petersen-Skyrme, Mastercard’s senior vice-president and country manager for the UAE and Oman, said that combining the company’s One Credential technology with Botim’s platform would simplify the way cardholders access and manage multiple payment methods.

Botim Money and Mastercard boost alliance

The launch follows the expansion of a multi-year agreement between Botim Money and Mastercard announced in May. The companies said at the time that Botim Money cards were available without a minimum salary requirement as they sought to broaden access to digital card payments in the UAE.

The prepaid and instalment product is the first stage of a broader development programme between the companies. Botim and Mastercard said they planned to introduce further card products and payment uses but did not provide details or a timetable

Wynn Al Marjan Island has unveiled new concept images offering a glimpse at the beachfront experience planned for the landmark Ras Al Khaimah resort, which is set to open in September 2027.

The future shoreline will stretch for 550 metres along Al Marjan Island and feature a private beach, sheltered lagoon and a 319-metre purpose-built offshore reef.

Wynn Beach will be divided into three distinct environments — Resort Beach, Adult Beach and Enclave Beach — with a combined 372 chaise lounges, 61 cabanas and three private bungalows.

The bungalows will feature their own plunge pools and butler service, while guests will be able to swim, snorkel, paddleboard and kayak in the sheltered lagoon.

Submerged rock formations will frame the shoreline on both sides of the lagoon, while engineered reef units have already been installed offshore to encourage the development of a marine habitat.

Wynn said coral and marine life have already begun establishing themselves around the reef, with osprey also nesting nearby.

“Our ambition was to create a shoreline where guests can escape — somewhere they can swim in calm, clear water and enjoy the beachfront in complete privacy,” said Max Tappeiner, president of Wynn Al Marjan Island.

“As Wynn Resorts’ first beachfront destination, Wynn Al Marjan Island gives us the opportunity to create something entirely new for our portfolio, where exceptional surroundings and intuitive service come together in a way only Wynn can deliver.”

Wynn Al Marjan Island to open in September 2027

The beachfront reveal comes as construction continues at pace on what will become the UAE’s first integrated resort.

Wynn Resorts confirmed last week that Wynn Al Marjan Island will open its doors in September 2027, providing a firm launch date for one of the region’s most closely watched hospitality developments.

Read more: Wynn Al Marjan Island set to open in September 2027

“Importantly, we continue to invest in both growing and diversifying our business with construction at Wynn Al Marjan Island progressing at a rapid pace,” Wynn Resorts chief executive Craig Billings said.

“Wynn Resorts, alongside our partners in Ras Al Khaimah, are now pleased to announce that Wynn Al Marjan Island, the most exciting integrated resort to be developed in over a decade, will open its doors to guests in September of 2027.”

Wynn contributed $48.1m during the second quarter to the joint venture developing the resort, taking its total cash contributions to $1.06bn. The US hospitality group holds a 40 per cent stake in the venture.

When complete, Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, alongside 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, a theatre, five-star spa, designer boutiques, events and celebrations spaces, extensive pool areas and a beach club.

The development will also mark Wynn Resorts’ first beachfront destination globally.

Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the property is around 80 kilometres from Dubai International Airport.

Wynn Al Marjan Island beachfront by the numbers:

• 550 metres: total shoreline
• 319 metres: offshore reef
• 372: chaise lounges
• 61: cabanas
• 3: private bungalows
• 3: beach environments
• 1,530: rooms and suites
• 22: restaurants, lounges and bars
• September 2027: scheduled opening

Airline loyalty in the Gulf region is entering a new phase. Once defined by mileage accumulation, elite tiers and complimentary upgrades, loyalty programmes are increasingly becoming broader lifestyle platforms designed to influence customer behaviour far beyond the airport.

Across the GCC, airlines are expanding their ecosystems into city experiences, entertainment, dining, shopping, financial services and partner networks, reflecting a fundamental shift in how carriers define customer relationships.

The emerging strategy is clear: airlines no longer want customers to think about them only when booking flights. They want to remain part of travellers’ everyday decisions.

Read more-How UAE airlines are making sure travel journey starts at your doorstep

From Emirates’ city-focused initiatives and Etihad-linked destination experiences to Riyadh Air’s lifestyle-driven Sfeer programme, regional carriers are redesigning loyalty as a continuous relationship rather than a transaction that begins and ends with air travel.

Industry analysts say the change is being driven by evolving consumer expectations, particularly among younger travellers who increasingly value speed, personalisation and immediate relevance over traditional status structures.

Spend, relevance and experience reshape airline loyalty models

Research from Deloitte’s annual consumer loyalty survey highlights how airline loyalty strategies are undergoing a major transformation. Carriers are increasingly moving towards spend-based qualification models and deeper integration with co-brand credit cards, forcing airlines to balance financial efficiency with customer engagement.

The shift towards spend-based loyalty allows airlines to better identify and reward high-value customers while simplifying programme economics. However, Deloitte notes that carriers face a challenge in ensuring that these models do not alienate frequent travellers who may not spend at the highest levels today but could become valuable customers over time.

The challenge for airlines is finding the right balance between rewarding frequency and rewarding spend.

“You risk excluding people who might have been high-frequency travellers but are at a lower price point and maybe who could spend a lot over time but aren’t today,” Deloitte’s research commentary noted.

The research highlights that airlines are increasingly supplementing traditional mileage systems with ecosystem partnerships and experiential benefits to create stronger emotional connections.

Co-brand credit cards have become a major component of this evolution. According to Deloitte findings, airline loyalty members increasingly view branded credit cards as more than payment tools. They have become mechanisms that connect airline brands with everyday spending, allowing consumers to move closer to rewards through purchases beyond travel.

The result is a major expansion of the loyalty relationship.

A traveller is no longer only earning rewards while flying. They are engaging with an airline brand while dining, shopping, paying bills or using partner services.

Dragonpass: Loyalty is shifting from transactions to recognition

The move towards lifestyle loyalty is also being reinforced by changing consumer expectations around convenience and personalisation.

Andrew Harrison-Chinn, chief marketing officer at Dragonpass, said the biggest challenge facing loyalty programmes today is ensuring that customers receive relevant rewards at the right time.

“Having the right tools to simply and transparently offer customers relevant rewards, at the right time, is the biggest challenge currently facing most loyalty programmes,” Harrison-Chinn said.

According to Dragonpass’ GCC Loyalty Index, more than 66 per cent of GCC travellers define brand loyalty through factors unrelated to traditional point accumulation. Instead, customers prioritise service quality and trust, with 46.6 per cent highlighting the importance of receiving the best service and 39.5 per cent focusing on consistent brand delivery.

Harrison-Chinn said loyalty leaders must move away from simply buying transactions and instead focus on earning customer recognition.

“When a traveller receives a loyalty benefit that hits the mark, it shouldn’t just feel like a financial rebate,” he said. “Our data proves that 60.1 per cent of consumers feel genuinely ‘valued and recognised’ when a perk lands correctly.”

This shift explains why airlines are building wider ecosystems that include lifestyle experiences, rather than relying only on points and redemption structures.

The rise of the airline lifestyle ecosystem

Emirates has been among the strongest examples of this broader approach through its My Emirates Pass initiative, which transforms a boarding pass into access to experiences across Dubai and the UAE.

The programme allows eligible passengers to use their Emirates boarding pass to access offers across attractions, restaurants, shopping destinations, entertainment venues and wellness experiences.

The concept extends the airline relationship beyond the flight itself, encouraging travellers to engage with Emirates as part of their wider destination experience.

Similarly, Etihad has strengthened the connection between travel and destination discovery through the Abu Dhabi Pass, designed exclusively for Etihad guests.

The city pass, authorised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, provides discounts and digital access to attractions including cultural destinations, entertainment venues and family experiences. The initiative positions the airline not only as a transport provider but also as a gateway into the destination economy.

Air Arabia has also expanded its loyalty proposition through AirRewards, allowing customers to earn points through flights, baggage purchases, seats, meals and other services. The programme further extends value through family accounts and points transfers, reflecting the growing importance of household-based loyalty.

Riyadh Air uses loyalty to build community before scale

For newer Gulf carriers, loyalty is becoming a foundational brand-building tool.

Riyadh Air’s Sfeer programme demonstrates how airlines are attempting to create emotional connections even before their networks mature. Rather than positioning loyalty purely around miles, Sfeer is designed around membership, partnerships and lifestyle engagement.

The programme includes Sfeer Points, Level Points, partner benefits and Founding Member privileges. Riyadh Air has positioned Sfeer as a community built around travel, entertainment, dining, mobility and everyday experiences.

This approach allows the airline to establish a customer relationship early, creating engagement between flights and encouraging direct bookings.

The programme reflects a wider industry belief that future loyalty will depend as much on belonging as rewards.

Personalisation becomes the new competitive advantage

Dragonpass research also highlights a growing gap between what consumers receive and what they actually value.

The company found that 53.6 per cent of GCC travellers believe loyalty rewards often do not match their personal needs or lifestyles, while 69.9 per cent become frustrated by irrelevant blanket offers.

Harrison-Chinn said brands must move from analysing only past purchases to understanding future preferences.

“When you build profiles based on lifestyle, aspirations and preferences then you are looking to the future,” he said.

This is encouraging airlines to develop more personalised loyalty structures.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club, for example, combines Avios earning with travel benefits, shopping opportunities, family earning options and premium services across different membership tiers.

Kuwait Airways’ Oasis Club similarly combines mileage rewards with practical travel benefits such as baggage privileges, lounge access, priority services and family mileage pooling.

Meanwhile, flyadeal’s integration with AlFursan Reward Miles provides travellers with additional flexibility by allowing eligible customers to earn and redeem miles on available flights.

Loyalty becomes a year-round relationship

Other Gulf carriers are also experimenting with alternative models.

Oman Air’s Flight Pass introduces a prepaid travel concept that allows customers to purchase future flights in advance, locking in fares and creating a different form of customer commitment.

Together, these initiatives show that airline loyalty is expanding into multiple directions. Some programmes reward spending, others reward travel frequency, while newer models focus on experiences, convenience and emotional connection.

The common factor is that airlines are attempting to remain relevant between journeys.

Deloitte’s airline research reinforces this shift, noting that customer experience and digital convenience are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions. Digital-first airlines are finding opportunities to reduce costs while generating additional ancillary revenue by improving the overall customer journey.

For GCC airlines, the future of loyalty is therefore unlikely to be measured only by the number of miles accumulated.

Instead, success will depend on whether carriers can become integrated into customers’ lifestyles.

As travellers increasingly compare complete ecosystems rather than individual products, airlines that deliver personalised, effortless and meaningful experiences will be better positioned to build lasting loyalty.

The next generation of airline loyalty is not simply about rewarding where customers fly.

It is about becoming part of how they live.

Motorists across Dubai and other parts of the UAE could notice cloudier skies and slightly cooler conditions on Tuesday, as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast a gradual drop in temperatures, particularly along coastal areas.

The weather is expected to remain fair to partly cloudy for most of the day, with clouds developing over eastern regions during the afternoon. While no widespread rainfall has been forecast for Dubai, the increased cloud cover could give parts of the emirate a more overcast appearance compared with recent days.

The NCM attributed the conditions to an extension of a weak surface low-pressure system from the east, accompanied by an upper-air high-pressure system.

Light to moderate winds are expected to freshen at times, reaching speeds that could generate blowing dust in exposed areas, potentially reducing visibility for motorists. Sea conditions are forecast to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Looking ahead, the weather authority said similar conditions are likely to continue on Wednesday, with fair to partly cloudy skies and the possibility of convective cloud formation over eastern areas during the afternoon. Southeasterly to northeasterly winds are expected to strengthen at times, reaching up to 40km/h.

Temperatures are forecast to rise again on Thursday, particularly across coastal areas, while convective clouds may once again develop over eastern parts of the country. Humid conditions are also expected during the night and into Friday morning over some coastal areas.

Friday is expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, with humidity increasing overnight into Saturday morning. By the weekend, the NCM forecasts a chance of fog or mist formation over some coastal areas early on Sunday, alongside generally fair weather.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to six on Monday, compared with a 10-day average of about 11 vessels, shipping data showed, amid fading hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran.

Four commodity vessels, including two empty oil product tankers, entered the waterway, data from Kpler showed on Tuesday as of 0420 GMT. Two vessels — a small tanker laden with liquefied petroleum gas and another carrying residual fuels — exited the Strait, the data showed.

In pre-war days, about 130 to 140 ships typically transited the strait.

On Monday, 25 vessels transited the Bab el-Mandeb strait on the Red Sea, broadly unchanged when compared with the 10-day average of nearly 24 ships, Kpler data showed.

US President Donald Trump on Monday responded to Iran’s conditions for a peace deal by laying out his own demands that Iran pay compensation for people killed in wars, attacks and protests.

The proposal was a response to Tehran’s demands for compensation and an end to sanctions. The Iranian demands were largely in line with the terms of a preliminary peace deal signed in June, which has since broken down.

Since the war began in February, Trump has repeatedly swung between threats of escalation and assertions that a peace deal is close.