Best Islamic Credit Cards for Travelers in the UAE

Traveling while staying true to your values is now easier with Islamic credit cards designed for modern Muslim travelers. These Sharia-compliant cards combine faith-based finance with practical travel benefits, making them an ideal choice for frequent flyers in the UAE.

Why Choose an Islamic Credit Card for Travel?

For Muslim travelers in the UAE seeking financial options that align with their beliefs, Islamic credit cards provide a Sharia-compliant method for managing travel costs. Unlike traditional credit cards, Islamic cards function without riba (interest) and are based on ethical finance principles, such as ujrah (service fees) or wakala (agency) models. This guarantees that all costs are clear and consistent with Islamic values.

However, Islamic credit cards are not just about compliance but also practical. Many of the leading Sharia-compliant travel cards in the UAE provide valuable travel perks, including:

• Air miles or rewards that can be redeemed for flights and hotel stays.
• Complimentary access to airport lounges in major destinations.
• Complimentary travel insurance and global concierge services.
• Discounts on travel bookings, car rentals, and airport transfers.

Since the UAE is a global travel hub, Islamic credit cards strike an ideal balance of faith, convenience, and smart spending, making them a preferred choice for frequent flyers, families, and business travelers.

Best Islamic Travel Credit Cards in the UAE

Here are three of the top Islamic travel cards you can apply for in the UAE:

• FAB Etihad Guest Islamic Cards: The FAB Etihad Guest Islamic Credit Cards offer Sharia-compliant travel rewards with generous bonus Etihad Guest Miles for new customers. Depending on the card, you can earn up to 110,000 miles on sign-up and even more with eligible spending, along with travel perks like lounge access and complimentary home check-in vouchers for UAE Nationals and FAB Islamic Elite members. These cards are ideal for frequent flyers seeking halal financial products with added travel convenience.
• FAB Cashback Islamic Credit Card: The FAB Cashback Islamic Credit Card offers a Sharia-compliant way to earn rewards on everyday spending. Cardholders can enjoy up to 5% cashback on categories like fuel, groceries, and utilities, with no interest charges, as the card operates on an Islamic Ujrah (fee-based) model. Additional perks include purchase protection and exclusive lifestyle offers, making it a practical and halal option for those looking to save while spending.
• ADCB Emirati Islamic Card (UAE Nationals only): Designed specifically for Emiratis, the ADCB Emirati Islamic Card lets you earn up to 7% cashback on flights, hotel bookings, and more, with a monthly cashback cap of AED 1,500. You can enjoy unlimited lounge access, concierge services, and premium lifestyle benefits.

You can also compare the benefits and features of Islamic cards available in the UAE from First Abu Dhabi Bank, ADCB, Mashreq, a nd other UAE banks on yallacompare to select the one that best fits your needs as a traveler.

What to Look for in a Travel Credit Card 

Selecting the ideal travel credit card can be challenging, given the variety of issuers, reward systems, and travel perks available. However, the right card can enhance your travel experience by helping you earn points or miles toward free trips. Many offer valuable extras like airport lounge access, travel insurance, free hotel nights, and waived baggage fees.

Here’s what to look for when choosing your travel credit card: 

• Think about which travel perks matter most to you: When comparing rewards cards, focus on benefits that match your travel habits. A card with practical, usable perks is much more valuable than one filled with features you’ll never use. The right perks often outweigh the annual fee and provide real value over time. While premium travel cards usually offer the most comprehensive benefits, they also tend to have higher annual fees.
• Co-branded or general travel credit card: When choosing an Islamic travel credit card, select a co-branded card with a travel brand or a general travel card. Your choice depends on your loyalty to airlines or hotels and how you prefer to redeem rewards. Loyal to an airline? A co-branded card offers value and perks. General Islamic travel cards aren’t tied to specific brands; they offer up to 5% cashback on categories like supermarkets, fuel, and utilities, giving more flexibility for travel spending.
• Look for a Strong Welcome Bonus: Look for a strong welcome bonus to boost early rewards and possibly justify the annual fee. Ensure the spending requirement fits your lifestyle. For example, if a card offers a big bonus for AED 15,000 in three months, check if that aligns with your expenses. Generally, larger bonuses mean higher spending requirements. Timing your application with major expenses like travel or bills can help you meet the requirement without overspending.