Emirates Skywards and Visa Forge Exclusive Partnership
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine the loyalty program landscape, Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has joined forces with Visa, the global leader in digital payments, to announce an exclusive, multi-year strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the Emirates Skywards and Visa co-branded card portfolio across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This alliance is poised to significantly amplify card benefits and Miles earning opportunities for members.
The partnership, which stands as a testament to the innovative vision of both organizations, was unveiled in a high-profile ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, alongside senior executives from Emirates and Visa. This collaboration is set to empower Emirates Skywards and its banking partners in the GCC with increased personalization, data-driven decision-making capabilities, and enhanced digitization and innovation in co-brand card propositions.
Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, highlighted the partnership as a pivotal achievement, stating, "This strategic agreement with Visa will unlock incremental value for our loyal members across the GCC and strengthen our collaboration with regional banking partners. It represents a major milestone for Emirates Skywards, emphasizing our commitment to leading the industry with digital-first products and experiences."
Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC at Visa, remarked on the significant scale of the partnership, "This exclusive deal... is a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the payment experience for travelers worldwide." The collaboration aims to fulfill the digital payment needs of the 70% of outbound travelers from the UAE who see digital payments as integral to a secure and rewarding travel experience, as revealed by Visa's Global Travel Intentions study.
The strategic partnership is designed to drive growth for both Emirates Skywards and Visa, fostering increased investment into the co-brand programme and opening new avenues for closer collaboration with financial partners across the region. Emirates Skywards members can anticipate personalized rewards and enhanced travel opportunities, leveraging optimized data, technology, and resources.
Emirates Skywards and Visa co-branded cardholders will benefit from an enriched customer journey, featuring exclusive offers such as accelerated Miles earning opportunities, customized promotions, and experiences tailored to member preferences.
Renowned for its innovation, Emirates Skywards continues to be recognized for its superior product offerings, having amassed over 50 awards and, most recently, being named the "Best Earning and Redemption Ability" at the 2023 Frequent Traveler Awards and the World’s Leading Rewards Programme at the 2023 World Travel Awards for the 10th time in 12 years.
With more than 30 million members globally, Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership – Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – each providing exclusive privileges. Members can earn and redeem Skywards Miles across an extensive network of partners, including flight upgrades, hotel stays, and unique experiences, further enhancing the value of the Emirates and flydubai partnership for travelers around the world.
