UAE travellers alert: Free first-class tickets, seat sales and millions of miles

In a bold alignment of marketing strategy, customer retention, and elevated traveler experience, the UAE’s top airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Air Arabia, have rolled out a wave of loyalty-led campaigns aimed at redefining value for their flyers. These initiatives, featuring everything from bonus miles and credit card perks to anniversary raffles and deep seat sale discounts, underscore a regional shift toward data-driven, experience-rich loyalty ecosystems.

Read more-How AI is powering UAE travel in 2025: More bookings, less fraud

With global aviation well into its post-pandemic rebound and Middle Eastern carriers competing for premium and mass-market passengers alike, airlines are no longer just selling tickets, they’re selling lifestyle memberships, where every purchase, swipe, or mile flown feeds into a broader rewards narrative.

At the heart of this strategic rollout are three key components:

• Etihad Guest is harnessing financial partnerships to deliver co-branded credit card benefits, exclusive vouchers, and the chance to win first-class tickets—all targeted toward affluent and aspirational UAE-based customers.
• Emirates Skywards is celebrating 25 years of loyalty innovation with a global activation campaign featuring millions of giveaway miles, airport surprises, and a striking new aircraft livery.
• Air Arabia, the region’s leading low-cost carrier, is focusing on future demand stimulation by opening a Super Seat Sale for early 2026 travel, catering to value-seekers planning ahead.

Together, these campaigns not only reward customer behavior but also reflect the growing role of loyalty programmes as core revenue drivers and brand equity multipliers for regional airlines. In an increasingly crowded and competitive airspace, differentiation comes not only from seat quality or network size, but from how well an airline makes customers feel seen, valued, and rewarded beyond the aircraft cabin.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s on offer, who’s eligible, and why these loyalty campaigns mark a defining moment in the evolution of airline consumer engagement in the UAE.

Etihad Guest: Five limited-time credit card deals take off

Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has unveiled five powerful new offers for UAE residents in partnership with four major local banks. The promotion is open to those who apply for co-branded Etihad Guest Visa Credit Cards before 30 September 2025, offering substantial rewards that go far beyond routine travel miles.

Mark Potter, Managing Director at Etihad Guest, explained the strategy behind the campaign:

“These offers are designed to help our members travel further, travel better, and enjoy the value of being part of the Etihad Guest family… We’re proud to partner with leading banks to ensure that our members benefit from the best travel and lifestyle perks in the region and beyond.”

The highlight of the campaign is a raffle draw for new cardholders, offering a chance to win two return first-class tickets, a premium experience valued at tens of thousands of dirhams.

The five limited-time Etihad Guest credit card offers:

1-Win two return first-class tickets

UAE residents who apply for any eligible Etihad Guest Visa Credit Card by 30 September 2025 will be automatically entered into a raffle draw to win two return first-class tickets to any global destination serviced by Etihad Airways.

This grand prize allows everyday spenders to potentially experience the pinnacle of luxury travel, transforming routine credit card usage into a life-changing journey.

2-First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Customers applying for the FAB Etihad Guest Infinite Visa Credit Card stand to earn up to 220,000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles, a fast-track to Gold Tier status, a Miles Discount Voucher of up to 75 per cent, complimentary airport transfers, and airport lounge access. This offer is valid until 30 September 2025.

3-Emirates NBD

Applicants for the Emirates NBD Etihad Guest Visa Card will enjoy a waived annual fee for the first year, up to 200,000 welcome miles, fast-track access to Gold Tier, and a Miles Discount Voucher of up to 50 per cent. The offer is open until October 30, 2025.

4. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)

The ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Covered Card offers a substantial 225,000 welcome miles, Gold Tier fast-track, and a Companion Voucher for select travel bookings. Valid through 30 September 2025.

5. Emirates Islamic

Applicants for the Emirates Islamic Etihad Guest Visa Card can earn up to 100,000 welcome miles, fast-track to Gold Tier, and receive two 60 per cent Miles Discount Vouchers. This offer remains valid until December 31, 2025.

All offers come with respective bank terms and conditions, including credit eligibility and application deadlines. Members can apply directly via partner banks, referencing Etihad Guest.

Etihad Guest members can redeem their miles on Etihad Airways, over 25 airline partners, worldwide hotel stays, exclusive vacations, or shop for premium products via the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.

Emirates Skywards celebrates 25 years with massive global campaign

As it marks a significant 25-year milestone, Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, is celebrating with a splash: 25 days of rewards, bonus miles, and a 25 million Skywards Miles raffle that could make one lucky traveler a mileage millionaire.

Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Skywards, highlighted the significance of this global campaign:

“Emirates Skywards is a true success story – one that was born in Dubai and has now become one of the most recognised and loved loyalty programmes in the world… Thank you for being at the heart of our story.”

Highlights of the 25-year anniversary celebration:

25 million Skywards Miles raffle

Skywards members can enter a prize draw between September 25 and October 20 by earning miles through eligible bookings or purchases. Prizes include:

• 1 winner of 1 million miles
• Multiple prizes of 250,000 and 100,000 miles

Bonus Miles Offers

• 50 per cent extra miles on Emirates and flydubai bookings
• 25 per cent bonus miles on spend across airline partners, Skywards Everyday merchants, Skywards Miles Mall, Skywards Hotels, and eligible credit cards
• Up to 50 per cent bonus miles for buying or gifting Miles

 DXB Terminal Activations: Surprise & Delight

From October 1–5 (Terminal 3) and October 8–9 (Terminal 2):

• Interactive games with Skywards Miles as prizes
• Complimentary lounge access and Duty Free vouchers
• Free ice cream via Skywards-branded trucks

 ‘Spot the Tag’ campaignskywards miles,

Special luggage tags at baggage belts in Dubai International Airport can unlock:

• Emirates-branded merchandise
• Lounge passes
• Bonus Skywards Miles

Premium surprises for longtime members

Loyal premium members may receive surprise tier upgrades, cabin class upgrades, and exclusive anniversary gifts.

To mark the occasion, Emirates is also launching a limited-edition aircraft livery featuring a bold silver “25 Years” decal, set to fly across Emirates’ global network from October.

Air Arabia: Super Seat Sale to open on September 29

While Emirates and Etihad lead with rewards and exclusivity, Air Arabia is addressing the value-driven market with a practical incentive: its upcoming “Super Seat Sale” will open bookings on September 29, 2025, for travel starting February 17, 2026.

Known for its budget-friendly fare strategy, Air Arabia’s seat sales are often snapped up quickly. This early-bird promotion gives passengers a chance to plan well in advance, ideal for families, business travelers, and bargain hunters.

Customers will have a limited booking window, and due to high expected demand, early action is encouraged. The airline has not yet revealed specific fare discounts or destinations, but past sales have included deep reductions across its regional and international routes.

This initiative helps the airline manage seat inventory and cash flow while allowing customers the flexibility to align travel with long-term plans and holidays.

Loyalty as strategy: The sky is the limit

Taken together, these offers represent more than short-term promotions, they reveal a strategic shift across UAE airlines toward deeper customer engagement, data-driven personalisation, and lifestyle integration.

• Etihad Guest is leveraging banking partnerships to embed travel into daily life.
• Emirates Skywards is enhancing its global prestige with milestone celebrations and member-first rewards.
• Air Arabia is capitalising on price sensitivity by rewarding early bookings.

Whether you’re a First-Class aficionado, a budget explorer, or a savvy credit card user, there’s never been a better time to maximise loyalty in the skies.