Top 4 Travel Credit Cards in the UAE
Planning your next getaway? Whether you're aiming for lounge access, big rewards, or luxury perks, the right travel credit card can deliver superb value. Here are four standout options tailored to different travel styles 🇦🇪.
1. Citi Ultima Credit Card – Elite Perks & Big Travel Credits
Designed for high-frequency, luxury travelers, the Citi Ultima packs powerful perks with a premium experience.
Top benefits:
- 50% cashback on air travel (up to AED 2,000) once per calendar year, applicable on single transactions booked via Citi Ultima Concierge
- Unlimited complimentary 3rd night stay: Book 3 consecutive nights at any eligible hotel to get the 3rd night free (via concierge)
- Home check-in: Four complimentary services annually from DXB
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge travel credits & elite services | High minimum income (AED 36,750) |
| Superior concierge perks | Steep annual fee (AED 3,000) |
| Strong rewards structure | Bookings should be done via concierge to avail top benefits |
Pro Tip: Maximise value by using the 50% airline cashback early in the year, and combine hotel freebies with Citi’s travel portal.
2. ADCB Traveller Credit Card – High Cashback on Travel Spend
If you're after reliable cashback on your travel-related expenses, the ADCB Traveller Card is a strong pick.
Top benefits:
- 10% cashback on airline tickets and hotel stays (AED & foreign).
- AED 2,000 hotel welcome voucher (via Expedia) upon meeting a AED 15K spend within 60 days
- 0% FX fees
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent travel cashback | Need AED 5K/mo minimum spend |
| Solid welcome voucher | AED 1,575 annual fee |
| No foreign transaction fees | Cashback capped at AED 1,500/month |
3. FAB Travel Card – Flexibility for Flyers & Budget Travelers
The FAB Travel Card delivers universal rewards and flexible redemption across airlines and hotels.
Top features:
- A free return flight every year to over 15 exciting destinations, including London, Paris, Istanbul, Baku, Tbilisi, and Mumbai on card activation and every year after with a minimum annual spend of AED 300,000.
- Earn 12% cashback on your flight and hotel bookings with a maximum of AED 1,800 per month
- 0% FX Fees
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge rewards on flight and hotel bookings | AED 1,500 annual fee |
| Relatively low minimum salary | Minimum spend amount is required |
| No foreign transaction fees | Cashback capped at AED 1,800/month |
Maximise: Transfer to Etihad or Turkish during bonus periods to bump value ~25-40%.
4. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite – Best for Frequent Emirates Flyers
Tailored for Emirates fans, the Skywards Infinite gets you rolling from day one.
Top perks:
- Instant Emirates Silver status + up to 100,000 Skywards Miles welcome bonus
- Complimentary Rotana membership for one year as a welcome bonus
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Immediate Silver status & miles boost | Best value tied to Emirates usage |
| Rotana membership for 1 year | One of the most expensive cards (AED 3,148.95 joining fee + AED 1,575 annual fee) |
| Generous lounge & insurance benefits | High salary requirements |
Hack: Use Silver status to unlock 25% bonus miles on paid Emirates flights and work toward Gold tier.
🧭 Choosing the Right Card
- Luxury traveler? Go for Citi Ultima—top-tier perks and credits.
- Balanced cashback seeker? Choose ADCB Traveller or FAB Travel Card.
- Emirates loyalist? ENBD Skywards Infinite is your best fit.
Pick based on your travel frequency, airline loyalty, and how much you want in perks vs. flexibility.
FAQs
Can Citi Ultima's 50% airline cashback be used anytime?
Yes, once per calendar year on a single transaction (max AED 2,000) via the Citi Ultima Concierge
Does ADCB’s 10% cashback apply to third-party bookings?
Yes — as long as the merchant is coded as "airline" or "hotel" by Mastercard
Are annual fees worth it?
If you travel >2x/year, the credits, lounge access, and insurance often outweigh fees — just make sure to do the math and then activate and use privileges fully.
What are the benefits of Emirates Silver status?
Becides increated miles rewards on spends with Emirates, you're getting the access to the Emirates Business Class Lounge
Kredit provides informational content only and does not offer financial advice. We do not guarantee accuracy and recommend consulting a licensed financial professional before making decisions.
