Best Travel Credit Cards in UAE for 2026

If you fly more than 4-5 times a year, a travel credit card can easily offset its annual fee and then some. Here's our ranking of the best options for UAE residents in 2026.

Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite — Best for Emirates flyers

The gold standard for anyone who flies Emirates regularly. You earn 5 Skywards Miles per AED 1 on Emirates purchases and 1.5 miles on everything else. The card comes with complimentary airport transfers, Priority Pass lounge access, and comprehensive travel insurance. The annual fee is AED 1,575 but regular Emirates flyers will recoup this within a few bookings. Minimum salary: AED 30,000.

HSBC Premier Travel Card — Best for multi-airline travellers

HSBC's Premier Travel card earns 1.5 Avios per AED 1 on international spend, which can be redeemed on British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and many others through the Avios program. You get 6 complimentary lounge visits annually and travel insurance up to USD 1,000,000. The fee is waived for HSBC Premier banking customers, making it genuinely free if you qualify.

RAKbank World Credit Card — Best for lounge addicts

If unlimited lounge access is your priority, the RAKbank World card delivers. Unlimited visits across 1,300+ lounges globally, plus 2% cashback on international spend and golf privileges at 7 UAE courses. Annual fee: AED 300.

CBD Visa Infinite — Best for Abu Dhabi residents

CBD's flagship card earns 3% cashback on international transactions (rare at that rate), offers Priority Pass with unlimited visits, and includes a 24/7 concierge. At AED 1,200 annually with a AED 25,000 minimum salary, it's positioned at premium travellers.

What to look for in a travel card

The key metrics are: miles or cashback rate on everyday spend, lounge access policy (unlimited vs limited visits), travel insurance coverage, and foreign transaction fees. Most UAE cards charge 2-3% on international purchases — check before you travel.

Our pick for most UAE residents

The HSBC Premier Travel card if you bank with HSBC (fee waived). The RAKbank World card otherwise — AED 300 for unlimited lounge access globally is exceptional value, even if the rewards rate isn't the highest.