Dubai and the UAE are known for their luxurious lifestyle and world-class airports, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. And what better way to enhance your travel experience than with airport lounge access?
Credit cards with airport lounge access are a game-changer for frequent travelers in Dubai and the UAE. Many banks and credit card issuers offer complimentary lounge access to their customers, providing a comfortable space to wait for flights, along with complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and even shower facilities. Some lounges even offer spa services and private rooms for sleeping or working.
This article explores the best credit cards and banks in the UAE that offer airport lounge access, including their benefits, reward rates, annual fees, and lounge access details, as well as information about the different types of lounge programs available.
Best Credit Cards & Banks with Airport Lounge Access (UAE/Dubai)
1. Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card
Why We Like It
The Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card offers an excellent rewards program, along with access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. Cardholders can earn up to 2 reward points for every 1 AED spent on the card, which can be redeemed for various rewards, including flights, hotel stays, and retail vouchers. Below we have discussed many other benefits that come with this card, which would definitely help you make the right choice.
• Intro Offer: The Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card offers various introductory benefits, including a sign-up bonus of up to 100,000 reward points and 50% off on movie tickets at VOX Cinemas.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card is AED 700.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders of the Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card can enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, including lounges in Dubai International Airport. Lounge access is provided through the LoungeKey program and is subject to terms and conditions.
2. ADIB Dana Mastercard
Why We Like It
The ADIB Dana Mastercard is perfect for customers who want to earn rewards on their everyday purchases. Cardholders can earn up to 2.5 Dana Miles for every AED 1 spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and more. The card also offers a range of lifestyle benefits, including airport lounge access, dining discounts, and travel insurance.
• Intro Offer: The card offers an introductory bonus of 15,000 Dana Miles for new cardholders who spend AED 5,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the ADIB Dana Mastercard is AED 525.
• Lounge Access Details: The card offers unlimited complimentary access to more than 10 airport lounges in the UAE, KSA, Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt. Cardholders can also enjoy discounted access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide.
3. ADIB Smiles Visa Signature Card
Why We Like It
The ADIB Smiles Visa Signature Card is a great option for frequent travelers who enjoy earning rewards and benefits for their spending. The card offers a high rewards rate on all purchases, as well as exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. Additionally, the card comes with a range of lifestyle benefits and insurance coverage, making it a well-rounded option for those seeking a comprehensive credit card.
• Intro Offer: New cardholders can earn up to 50,000 bonus Smiles Points when they spend 5,000 AED within the first 90 days of card activation.
• Annual Fee: The ADIB Smiles Visa Signature Card has an annual fee of 699 AED.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy unlimited complimentary airport lounge access at select airports in the UAE and around the world, as well as discounted lounge access for their guests. Additionally, the card offers a range of travel benefits, including travel insurance, airport transfers, and more.
4. HSBC Advance Credit Card
Why We Like It
The HSBC Advance Credit Card is a great choice for those looking for a credit card that offers a range of benefits and rewards. Cardholders can enjoy cashback on their everyday purchases, as well as discounts on dining, travel, and entertainment. The card also comes with a range of complimentary benefits, including free travel insurance and access to HSBC’s 24-hour global assistance hotline.
• Intro Offer: New cardholders can enjoy a welcome bonus of up to AED 1,000 when they spend AED 5,000 or more within the first 60 days of card issuance.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the HSBC Advance Credit Card is AED 299, which is waived for the first year.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to select airport lounges worldwide, including two complimentary lounge visits per year.
5. HSBC Black Credit Card
HSBC Black Credit Card is designed for individuals who seek exclusive benefits and privileges. Here are the details of this credit card:
Why We Like It
The HSBC Black Credit Card is suitable for high-net-worth individuals who want to enjoy luxury lifestyle benefits such as free access to airport lounges, golf courses, concierge services, and exclusive events.
• Intro Offer: The card provides an introductory offer of 100,000 reward points upon joining.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the HSBC Black Credit Card is AED 1,500.
• Lounge Access Details: The HSBC Black Credit Card offers unlimited free access to more than 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, including the prestigious Dragon Pass lounges. Cardholders can enjoy a range of services such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and comfortable seating while waiting for their flights.
6. Emirates NBD Dnata World Credit Card
Why We Like It
The Emirates NBD Dnata World Credit Card offers an impressive range of benefits and rewards for travelers, especially those who frequently use Dnata for their travel needs. Cardholders can enjoy exclusive access to airport lounges worldwide, including more than 25 lounges in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the United States. Additionally, the card provides cashback on travel bookings made through Dnata, as well as a wide range of lifestyle and dining discounts.
• Intro Offer: New cardholders can enjoy a welcome bonus of 40,000 Skywards miles upon spending AED 15,000 within the first 90 days of card issuance.
• Annual Fee: The Emirates NBD Dnata World Credit Card has an annual fee of AED 1,500.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to more than 25 airport lounges worldwide, including Dnata lounges in Dubai, Singapore, and Zurich. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy two complimentary visits to select international lounges each year through the LoungeKey program.
7. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
Why We Like It
The Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card is perfect for frequent travelers who are looking for a card that offers exclusive travel benefits and rewards. With this credit card, cardholders can earn Skywards Miles for every purchase they make, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. In addition, cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to premium airport lounges, travel insurance coverage, and other travel-related benefits.
• Intro Offer: New cardholders can earn up to 100,000 bonus Skywards Miles when they sign up for the card and spend a minimum of AED 40,000 within the first 90 days of opening the account.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card is AED 2,500.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through the LoungeKey program. This benefit includes access to premium airport lounges, as well as other travel-related benefits, such as travel insurance coverage and concierge services.
8. The Platinum Card®
Why We Like It
The Platinum Card® is an exclusive travel credit card that offers a wide range of benefits and perks for frequent travelers, including access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, complimentary room upgrades at hotels, and travel insurance. Cardholders can also earn Membership Rewards points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for travel bookings, shopping, dining, and more. Below we have discussed many other benefits that come with this card, which would definitely help you make the right choice.
• Intro Offer: The Platinum Card® currently offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 Membership Rewards points for new cardholders who spend $5,000 in the first six months of account opening.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for The Platinum Card® is AED 3,675.
• Lounge Access Details: The Platinum Card® offers unlimited complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass lounges, Centurion lounges, and Delta Sky Club lounges. Cardholders can also enjoy access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes exclusive airport lounges, such as The Centurion Lounge and The International American Express lounges.
9. The American Express® Gold Card
Why We Like It
The American Express Gold Card is a great option for frequent travelers and diners in the UAE. The card offers a variety of benefits, including a generous rewards program that allows cardholders to earn points on all purchases, complimentary airport lounge access, dining discounts, and more.
• Intro Offer: The American Express Gold Card offers an intro offer of 20,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when cardholders spend 10,000 AED within the first 6 months of account opening.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the American Express Gold Card is 700 AED. However, the fee is waived for the first year.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders receive complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through the LoungeKey program. Additionally, cardholders can also enjoy up to 8 complimentary visits to select lounges in the UAE, including Marhaba Lounges at Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports.
10. ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card
Why We Like It
The ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card is a great option for those who frequently shop at LuLu hypermarkets in the UAE. Cardholders can earn up to 5% cashback on all their LuLu spends, as well as discounts on movie tickets, dining, and more. The card also offers a range of lifestyle benefits, including airport lounge access, travel insurance, and purchase protection.
• Intro Offer: The ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card offers a sign-up bonus of 2,000 LuLu points upon activation, and cardholders can also earn up to 10,000 bonus LuLu points per year.
• Annual Fee: The annual fee for the ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card is AED 525.
• Lounge Access Details: Cardholders can enjoy unlimited free access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through the LoungeKey program.
Types of Lounge Programs in UAE/Dubai
Priority Pass
Priority Pass is a global program that provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Memberships can be purchased online and come in various packages with different benefits. With a Priority Pass membership, you can access lounges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, as well as many other locations around the world.
Al Majlis Lounge
Al Majlis Lounge is a luxury lounge located in Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3. It provides exclusive services, such as private meeting rooms, spa services, and a la carte dining options, in addition to the usual lounge amenities. Access is available to first and business class passengers of select airlines, as well as passengers who purchase a lounge pass.
Emirates Lounge
Emirates Lounge is a network of airport lounges operated by Emirates Airlines for their premium passengers, including first and business class passengers, as well as Skywards Gold and Platinum members. Access is available at Dubai International Airport and other locations around the world, and offers a range of amenities, including dining, shower facilities, and entertainment.
Plaza Premium
Plaza Premium is a global lounge network with over 20 locations in Dubai International Airport alone. The lounges offer a range of amenities, such as showers, dining, and entertainment, and access is available to passengers of any airline, regardless of class or loyalty status, as well as through various lounge programs and memberships.
These lounge programs offer a variety of options for travelers to enjoy comfortable and convenient airport experiences, with different levels of access, amenities, and fees. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking for a one-time luxury experience, there is likely a lounge program that will suit your needs.
UAE/Dubai Airport Lounge FAQ
Can I access European airport lounges with a UAE or Dubai credit card?
It depends on the specific credit card and lounge program. Some lounge programs like Priority Pass offer access to lounges in Europe and other countries around the world. However, other lounge programs may have more limited coverage. It’s best to check with your credit card provider or the specific lounge program to see which lounges are available for access.
Which UAE or Dubai credit cards offer free airport lounge access?
Some credit cards in the UAE and Dubai offer free airport lounge access as a benefit, either with no annual fee or with an annual fee that can be offset by the value of the lounge access. Examples of credit cards with this benefit include the ADIB Dana Mastercard and the Emirates NBD Dnata World Credit Card.
Do you get lounge access with Emirates Airlines?
Emirates Airlines offers lounge access to its premium customers, including those traveling in First Class, Business Class, and certain frequent flyer programs. The lounge access varies depending on the type of ticket and program, but can include access to Emirates’ own lounges as well as partner lounges around the world. It’s best to check with Emirates directly or your travel agent for details on lounge access with Emirates Airlines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UAE/Dubai region offers a variety of credit cards and banks that provide airport lounge access to their customers. Each card or bank has its own unique features, rewards, and fees that cater to different types of travelers. The credit cards and banks listed in this article offer various types of lounge access programs such as complimentary access, priority pass membership, and access to specific airline lounges. These lounge programs provide travelers with a comfortable and luxurious pre-flight experience, including complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and various other amenities.
The credit cards and banks listed in this article not only provide airport lounge access but also offer a range of other travel-related benefits, such as travel insurance, discounted airfares, and hotel stays. It is essential to evaluate each credit card or bank’s offerings and fees to determine which one is the most suitable for your travel needs.
Overall, if you are a frequent traveler, having a credit card or bank that provides airport lounge access can make a big difference in your travel experience. The UAE/Dubai region offers a variety of options to choose from, and it is recommended to research and compare the features of each card or bank to make an informed decision. With the right credit card or bank, you can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free pre-flight experience and make the most of your travels.