Emirates Skywards, the celebrated loyalty program of Emirates and flydubai, has forged a pivotal multi-year alliance with Visa, the global leader in digital payments.
This collaboration aims to bolster the synergy between Emirates Skywards and its co-brand issuer partners across the GCC, promising advancements in personalization, data analytics, digital innovation, and enriched co-brand card offerings.
The agreement was signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, and senior executives from both Emirates and Visa.
Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: “We’re excited to announce this landmark partnership with Visa – a strategic agreement which will unlock incremental value for our loyal members across the GCC and will tighten our collaboration with our banking partners in the region. This agreement is a major milestone for Emirates Skywards as it continues to lead the industry with innovative digital-first products and experiences.”
Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC at Visa, added: “This multi-year exclusive deal with Emirates Skywards, one of the largest of its kind worldwide and the largest in scale in the region, is a testament to Visa’s global leadership in travel co-brands and a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the payment experience for travelers worldwide. Here in the UAE, our Global Travel Intentions study revealed that 70% of outbound travelers consider digital payments integral to a secure and rewarding travel experience. This large-scale partnership is a step towards fulfilling that need and we are thrilled with this opportunity to work with Emirates in bringing new experiences to Visa cardholders in the UAE and GCC.’’
This alliance between two powerhouse brands is set to spur growth, amplify investments in the co-brand program, and unlock new avenues for Emirates Skywards to deepen its relationships with financial partners in the region.
The beneficiaries of this strategic partnership are the members themselves, who will enjoy more customized rewards and superior travel experiences. Enhanced data and technology utilization will enable personalized offers and improved travel conveniences, setting a new standard in loyalty rewards.
For those holding Emirates Skywards and Visa co-branded cards, the future looks promising with an array of exclusive benefits. These include accelerated miles accumulation, bespoke promotions, and unique experiences designed around member preferences, ensuring a more rewarding and seamless customer journey.
Emirates Skywards stands among the world’s most prestigious loyalty programs with a membership exceeding 30 million. It offers a tiered system of benefits ranging from Blue to Platinum, each providing distinct advantages such as immediate flight upgrades, priority services, additional baggage allowance, and on-board complimentary Wi-Fi, among others.
As an industry innovator, Emirates Skywards has consistently been recognized for its creative offerings and excellence in loyalty programs. It has amassed over 50 awards to date, including the “Best Earning and Redemption Ability” at the 2023 Frequent Traveler Awards and the title of World’s Leading Rewards Programme at the 2023 World Travel Awards for the tenth time in twelve years.
