Emirates NBD Skywards vs FAB Etihad Guest
Our Pick
Etihad Guest Infinite
Best Value Miles Card — You want maximum miles per dirham spent
Emirates NBD
Skywards Infinite
Instant Skywards Silver status
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Etihad Guest Infinite
110k welcome miles + 75% voucher
The UAE's two flagship airline credit cards face off in early 2026—and the landscape has shifted. With ADCB discontinuing their Etihad cards on November 30, 2025, FAB is now the exclusive conventional Etihad card issuer, launching aggressive 330k miles offers to capture market share. Meanwhile, Emirates NBD's Skywards Infinite remains the go-to for Emirates loyalists. Which premium miles card deserves your wallet?
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Skywards Infinite | Etihad Guest Infinite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | AED 1,575 + AED 3,150 joining | AED 2,500 (Free Year 1) |
| Min. Salary | AED 30,000 | AED 30,000 |
| Rewards Rate | Up to 2 Miles per USD 1 | Up to 7 Miles per AED 10 |
Detailed Breakdown
Welcome Bonus
Skywards Infinite
Up to 100,000 Skywards Miles
Etihad Guest Infinite
Up to 110,000 Etihad Guest Miles
FAB offers 55k base + 55k promo (ends Apr 2026), no joining fee. ENBD requires AED 3,150 joining fee + spend thresholds
Local Earn Rate (AED)
Skywards Infinite
27 miles per AED 100
Etihad Guest Infinite
35 miles per AED 100
FAB earns 29% more on everyday UAE spending
International Earn Rate
Skywards Infinite
41 miles per AED 100
Etihad Guest Infinite
60 miles per AED 100
FAB earns 46% more on overseas purchases
Europe/UK Earn Rate
Skywards Infinite
20 miles per AED 100 (50% penalty)
Etihad Guest Infinite
60 miles per AED 100
ENBD penalizes Europe spending—FAB earns 200% more
Airline Booking Earn Rate
Skywards Infinite
54 miles per AED 100 at Emirates
Etihad Guest Infinite
70 miles per AED 100 at Etihad
FAB earns 30% more on airline bookings
Year 1 Total Cost
Skywards Infinite
AED 4,725 (fee + joining)
Etihad Guest Infinite
AED 0 (waived)
FAB waives first-year fee; ENBD requires joining fee
Annual Fee (Ongoing)
Skywards Infinite
AED 1,575
Etihad Guest Infinite
AED 2,500
ENBD cheaper long-term if you keep the card 2+ years
Airline Status Included
Skywards Infinite
Emirates Skywards Silver (automatic)
Etihad Guest Infinite
Fast-track to Etihad Gold (1 flight required)
ENBD gives instant Silver; FAB requires a return flight within 6 months
Tier Miles from Spending
Skywards Infinite
None
Etihad Guest Infinite
2.5 Tier Miles per AED 10
FAB lets you earn status through spending—unique in UAE
Airport Lounge Access
Skywards Infinite
Unlimited (AED 5k/month spend required)
Etihad Guest Infinite
12 visits/year (no spend gate)
ENBD unlimited but gated; FAB limited but guaranteed
Miles Validity
Skywards Infinite
3 years (fixed)
Etihad Guest Infinite
18 months (activity required)
Skywards miles are more forgiving for occasional travelers
Premium Redemption Value
Skywards Infinite
Standard award pricing
Etihad Guest Infinite
75% off voucher at AED 200k spend
FAB's voucher = Business Class for 35k miles (normally 140k)
Foreign Transaction Fee
Skywards Infinite
~4.15% total
Etihad Guest Infinite
~4% total
Both charge similar FX fees—neither is ideal for forex
Family Miles Pooling
Skywards Infinite
Up to 8 members (partial %)
Etihad Guest Infinite
Up to 9 members (100% to head)
Etihad Guest pooling is more generous
Route Network
Skywards Infinite
137+ destinations (Dubai hub)
Etihad Guest Infinite
70+ destinations (Abu Dhabi hub)
Emirates has significantly larger network—better for Dubai residents
The Verdict
FAB Etihad Guest Infinite wins on pure value: higher earn rates (29-200% more across categories), larger welcome bonus (110k vs 100k), free first year, and the game-changing 75% discount voucher for high spenders. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite wins on convenience with instant Silver status, Emirates lounge access, and 3-year miles validity. For Emirates-loyal flyers who value status perks, Skywards is worth it. For everyone else seeking maximum return on spend, FAB delivers superior value.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Skywards Infinite if:
- You fly Emirates 3+ times per year
- You value instant Skywards Silver status (no flying required)
- You're chasing Skywards Gold/Platinum tier
- You want access to Emirates lounges in Dubai
- You prefer longer miles validity (3 years vs 18 months)
- You live in Dubai and Emirates routes suit you better
Choose Etihad Guest Infinite if:
- You want maximum miles per dirham spent
- You spend heavily in Europe/UK (FAB earns 200% more)
- You can spend AED 200k/year to unlock the 75% voucher
- You prefer free first year to test the card
- You want to earn Etihad Gold status through card spending
- You're flexible on airlines and optimize for value
Eligibility Note
Both cards require AED 30,000 monthly salary. Breaking news: ADCB discontinued all Etihad Guest cards on November 30, 2025. FAB is now the exclusive conventional Etihad card issuer in UAE. Former ADCB cardholders should consider FAB's 330k miles mega offer (requires salary transfer + deposits).
Frequently Asked Questions
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