The Ultimate Guide to Privilege Cards in Dubai: Rewards, Discounts, and More

The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its luxury, innovation, and the high value it places on customer loyalty and satisfaction. Amidst this backdrop, privilege cards have emerged as a key player in enhancing the consumer experience, offering a myriad of benefits ranging from discounts and rewards to exclusive access to services and events. These cards, spanning various sectors including transportation, telecommunications, retail, and more, not only foster brand loyalty but also offer a personalized touch to the shopping and service experience. This article delves into the intricate world of privilege cards in the UAE, highlighting their benefits, application processes, and the unique advantages they bring to cardholders.

RTA Nol Plus

The RTA Nol Plus program is a pioneering loyalty initiative launched by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to reward residents and tourists for using the emirate's comprehensive public transportation network. This system not only simplifies payment across various modes of transport but now, with Nol Plus, turns each journey into an opportunity to earn rewards.

Key Benefits

Nol Plus allows cardholders to earn points on every dirham spent on public transport, including the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis. Personalized Nol cards earn 1 point for every 1 AED spent, while standard Nol cards earn 1 point for every 2 AED spent.
Points can be redeemed for free trips, discounts on RTA services, and even payment for public parking zones.
The Nol card system itself offers a cashless and hassle-free way to access Dubai’s transport services, and Nol Plus enhances this by adding value through rewards.

Eligibility

Open to all Nol cardholders: There are no specific eligibility criteria to join the Nol Plus program, other than possessing a Nol card. This includes personalized, anonymous, students, senior citizens, and people of determination Nol cards.

How to Register for Nol Plus

Visit the official Nol Plus website and click on the "Register" button.
You'll be redirected to the RTA official website for the registration process.
Create an individual user account by providing personal and contact information to generate an RTA ID.
Log in to the Nol Plus website using your new RTA ID, then link your Nol card and enroll in the Nol Plus program. Up to 4 Nol cards can be linked to one account, maximizing point accumulation for families or groups.

Checking Your Points Balance

After registration, checking your points balance is straightforward:

Log in to the Nol Plus website or mobile app.
Your points balance is displayed on the dashboard, updated within 9 days of earning points.
Points are valid for 12 months, offering ample time for redemption.

Redeeming Nol Plus Points

Nol Plus points are versatile, and redeemable for a variety of services:

Public transportation fares, including metro, bus, and water taxi services.
RTA paid parking zones.
Discounts and offers on RTA services.

To redeem, log in to your account, click the "Redeem Points" button beneath your points balance, and follow the prompts to convert your points into Nol balance top-ups or other rewards.

Smiles by Etisalat

Smiles by Etisalat is one of the most versatile and user-friendly loyalty programs in the UAE, designed to reward Etisalat users for their everyday activities. The program offers a wide array of redemption options ranging from dining and entertainment to travel and shopping, making it an integral part of daily life for its members.

Key Benefits

Earn Smiles points not just on telecom expenditures but also when shopping at partner outlets, dining, and more.
Points can be redeemed for "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" offers at restaurants, discounts on theme parks and attractions, cinema tickets, travel bookings, and even groceries.
Members receive six new deals daily, tailored to their interests, history, and location, ensuring that the benefits are both relevant and valuable.

Eligibility

Etisalat Customers: The program is available to all Etisalat customers, including prepaid, postpaid, and home internet users.
UAE Residents: While primarily for Etisalat customers, the app's benefits extend to UAE residents through daily deals and offers, even if they are not using Etisalat services.

How to Register for Smiles

Download the Smiles app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Open the app and register using your mobile number, which will be linked to your Etisalat account.
Complete the onboarding process by entering the required personal details.
Start earning points immediately by using your linked Etisalat services or shopping with program partners.

Checking Your Points Balance

Open the Smiles app and log in.
Your current points balance will be displayed prominently on the app’s home screen.
Keep track of earned and redeemed points directly through the app.

Redeeming Smiles Points

Redeeming points with Smiles is designed to be as convenient as earning them:

Browse through the app to find deals and offers.
Select the offer you wish to redeem and click on it to view the details.
Follow the instructions to redeem the offer using your points.

Share is Majid Al Futtaim’s innovative loyalty program that integrates rewards across its vast network of shopping malls, entertainment facilities, and grocery stores across the UAE. It allows members to earn and redeem points not just on shopping but also on dining, entertainment, and more within the Majid Al Futtaim ecosystem.

Key Benefits

Members earn points on every purchase at Majid Al Futtaim locations, including VOX Cinemas, Carrefour, and leisure activities like Ski Dubai.
Points can be spent on a wide range of services and products within the Majid Al Futtaim portfolio, offering unparalleled convenience and flexibility.
Share members gain access to special offers, discounts, and early access to sales across Majid Al Futtaim’s brands.

Eligibility

Open to All: There are no specific eligibility requirements to join the Share program. It's available to any individual interested in earning and redeeming points across Majid Al Futtaim’s vast network of services and retail offerings.

Download the Share app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Register by entering your mobile number and following the on-screen prompts to complete your profile.
Link your existing loyalty cards from Majid Al Futtaim’s brands to the Share account to start earning points on all your transactions.

Checking Your Points Balance

Open the Share app and navigate to your profile.
Your points balance will be displayed, along with the history of earned and redeemed points.
You can also track your transaction history to see where you’re earning the most points.

Within the Share app, explore the range of products and services on which you can spend your points.
Choose your redemption option and follow the instructions to redeem your points.
Points can be used for cinema tickets, grocery shopping, dining, and much more, directly from the app.

Blue Rewards

Blue Rewards is Al Futtaim’s loyalty program that encompasses a multitude of retail outlets, offering cashback and rewards on a diverse range of products and services. The program covers famous brands like IKEA, Marks & Spencer, and ACE, providing members with exclusive benefits across the UAE and beyond.

Key Benefits

Members enjoy cashback rewards that can be used on future purchases within Al Futtaim’s network of brands.
Beyond shopping, members can earn points for a variety of activities, including participating in promotions and events.
Blue Rewards members receive special deals, 2-for-1 offers, and access to exclusive events and sales.

Eligibility

Al Futtaim Customers: Membership is available to customers who shop at any of Al Futtaim’s brands and outlets. This includes both residents and tourists in the UAE.
App Registration: Members need to download the Blue Rewards app and register their details to start earning points.

How to Access Blue Rewards

Download the Blue Rewards app from your device’s app store.
Sign up by providing your personal details, such as name, email, and mobile number.
Link your payment cards within the app to start earning cashback and points automatically on eligible purchases.

Checking Your Points and Cashback Balance

Log in to the Blue Rewards app.
Your dashboard will display your current points balance and cashback amount.
You can also view detailed transaction histories to keep track of your earnings and spending.

Redeeming Blue Rewards

Through the app, select the cashback or points you wish to redeem.
Follow the prompts to convert your points or cashback into vouchers or apply them directly at checkout in participating stores.
Enjoy the flexibility of using your rewards online or in-store across Al Futtaim’s brands.

Shukran

Shukran, the Landmark Group's loyalty program, is the Middle East's largest retail loyalty scheme, rewarding customers for purchases made across its extensive network of brands. Members earn Shukrans (points) that can be redeemed for discounts, making every shopping experience more rewarding.

Key Benefits

Earn and spend Shukrans across a wide array of brands under the Landmark Group, including fashion, electronics, furniture, and hospitality.
Shukrans can be used for instant discounts at the point of sale, both online and in-store, across participating brands.
Members enjoy special offers, birthday discounts, and exclusive sale previews.

Eligibility

Open to All: Shukran membership is available to all customers shopping at any Landmark Group brand or outlet. There are no nationality or residency restrictions, making it accessible to both residents and tourists.
Free Membership: Joining Shukran is free, and you can sign up through their website or app.

Visit the Shukran website or download the Shukran app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Register by providing your personal details, including your mobile number and email address.
Start earning Shukrans immediately with your next purchase at any Landmark Group outlet or online store.

Checking Your Points Balance

Access your Shukran account through the app or website to view your current points balance.
Track your transactions and points history to plan your next redemption.

Redeeming Shukrans

Shukrans can be redeemed directly at the checkout in participating stores or online by selecting the "Pay with Shukrans" option.
Redemption details, including the minimum points required for redemption, are clearly outlined in the app and on the website.

Fazaa

Fazaa is a social initiative aimed at providing exclusive benefits and discounts to members of the UAE's Ministry of the Interior, government, and semi-government entities. It offers a wide range of discounts on services and products, from dining and shopping to travel and insurance.

Key Benefits

Members enjoy discounts at a variety of participating merchants, including dining, entertainment, and retail outlets.
Access to special rates on hotels, travel packages, and car rentals.
Attractive discounts on car, health, and home insurance policies.

Eligibility

Specific to UAE's Public Sector Employees: Fazaa membership is exclusively available to employees of the UAE Ministry of the Interior, other government entities, and semi-governmental organizations.
Verification Required: Eligible members must provide employment verification during the registration process.

How to Register for Fazaa

Eligibility is determined by employment with the Ministry of the Interior or other government entities.
Visit the Fazaa website or contact your HR department for registration details.
Once registered, members receive a Fazaa card, which can be presented at participating merchants to avail of discounts.

Checking Offers and Discounts

The Fazaa website and app provide a comprehensive list of current offers and discounts available to members.
Regular updates ensure members are aware of the latest deals.

Redeeming Fazaa Benefits

Present your Fazaa card to participating merchants to receive the advertised discount.
For travel and insurance offers, follow the specific instructions provided by Fazaa to avail of the discount.

Esaad card

Launched by the General Directorate of Dubai Police, the Esaad card is a loyalty program designed to offer Dubai’s government employees, military and civilian retirees, and other eligible groups a wide range of discounts and benefits across various sectors.

Key Benefits

Enjoy discounts at over 7,000 partners worldwide, including dining, retail, and entertainment venues.
Exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and travel packages.
Esaad cardholders benefit from streamlined access to government services and enhanced privacy features.

Eligibility

The Esaad card is specifically designed for employees of the Dubai government and semi-government organizations, including military and civilian personnel.
Retired government employees and certain beneficiary groups are also eligible for the Esaad card.
Applicants must provide government employment or retirement documentation as part of the registration process.

How to Apply for an Esaad Card

Eligibility is primarily for Dubai government employees and associated groups.
Register through the official Esaad platform, providing the necessary documentation to verify eligibility.
Upon approval, receive your Esaad card and start accessing the wide range of benefits it offers.

Checking Eligible Offers

The Esaad platform (website and app) lists all current discounts and offers available to cardholders.
Offers are regularly updated, providing a dynamic range of benefits.

Redeeming Offers

Show your Esaad card at participating vendors to avail of the discount.
For online deals or travel offers, follow the redemption instructions specified by Esaad.

Sanad Card

The Sanad Card is an initiative by the Dubai government aimed at empowering People of Determination by ensuring they have access to a wide array of services and benefits. This program underscores Dubai's commitment to inclusivity, making the city more accessible and enjoyable for all its residents.

Key Benefits

Sanad cardholders benefit from improved accessibility across various public spaces and transport systems in Dubai, facilitating easier and more comfortable movement.
Cardholders enjoy exclusive discounts and benefits across a range of services, including healthcare, education, entertainment, and retail.
Sanad provides priority access to certain services and facilities, further easing the daily lives of People of Determination.

Eligibility

The card is exclusively available to UAE nationals and residents identified as People of Determination, with valid documentation recognized by the Community Development Authority (CDA).

How to Apply for a Sanad Card

Eligibility: The card is exclusively available to UAE nationals and residents identified as People of Determination, with valid documentation recognized by the Community Development Authority (CDA).
Application Process: Interested applicants can apply online through the CDA's official website or visit their physical offices. Required documentation includes a medical report, Emirates ID, and, for non-nationals, proof of residency.
Issuance: Upon verification of eligibility, the Sanad Card is issued, granting access to its wide range of benefits.

Checking Eligible Offers

The CDA's website and the dedicated Sanad app provide a comprehensive list of all current offers and discounts available exclusively to cardholders.
Offers are frequently updated to ensure cardholders have access to a variety of benefits.

Redeeming Offers

To avail of an offer, cardholders simply present their Sanad cards at participating outlets.
For specific services or online deals, cardholders may need to follow additional redemption instructions as outlined by the CDA or the service provider.

The Emirates Platinum Card

The Emirates Platinum Card Programme is an exclusive loyalty and benefits scheme designed for the employees of Emirates, dnata, and its subsidiary companies, as well as their dependents. This program acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the Emirates Group's staff by providing them and their families with a wide array of discounts and offers across various categories, including dining, lifestyle, shopping, entertainment, and travel. The program encompasses four tiers, catering to different levels of benefits and privileges:

Emirates ID Card
Emirates Platinum Card
Emirates Platinum Club Card
Emirates Platinum Premium Club Card

Retired employees of the Emirates Group are also eligible for this program, extending its benefits beyond active service years. Each employee can add up to three dependents, who can equally enjoy the program's perks.

Key Benefits

Cardholders have access to over 1,700 partners where they can avail themselves of exclusive discounts, potentially saving up to 50% or more on various expenses.
The program covers a broad spectrum of categories, ensuring there's something for everyone – from travel and fashion to dining and entertainment.
Offers can be easily accessed through the Emirates Platinum Card website or the dedicated app, available for both Android and iOS users, streamlining the process of availing discounts.

Eligible Members

Emirates Group Employees
Retired Employees
Dependents of Employees

Dependents Coverage

Dependents can include spouses, children, or any other family member considered a dependent by the employee. This inclusion enhances the family-oriented nature of the program, making it a valuable asset for the entire family.

How to Register for the Emirates Platinum Card Programme

Employees of Emirates, dnata, and its subsidiary companies are automatically registered in the program.
New members receive a Welcome Email containing login credentials.
Members are advised to visit the Emirates Platinum Card website to change their initial password and secure their account.
For easier access to offers, downloading the dedicated app is recommended.

Availing Emirates Platinum Card Offers

Login: Use your credentials to log in on the website or app.
Explore Categories: Browse through various categories like travel, fashion, and entertainment to discover the available offers, including details on discounts and validity.
Usage: To avail of an offer, simply visit the partner establishment with your Emirates Platinum Discount Card. Be sure to check if prior booking is required, as indicated in the offer's terms and conditions.\