United Arab Emirates
Emirates Skywards (for UAE residents)
Emirates Skywards for UAE residents: earning on DXB flights and flydubai, Skywards Everyday at UAE shops, tiers, expiry and rewards.
In 30 seconds
Who it's for
UAE residents who fly Emirates or flydubai at least now and then, families who can pool their Miles, and anyone happy to plan reward flights or upgrades a few months ahead.
Who it isn't for
People who rarely fly and would only ever collect small amounts from shopping, or who want points they can spend like cash at the till without thinking about expiry dates.
Our verdict
Skywards rewards people who plan. Miles usually go furthest on reward flights and upgrades, so always compare the Miles price with the cash fare, choose the fare type that matches how firm your plans are, and keep an eye on your expiry date.
Key facts
- Skywards Miles are valid for 3 years and expire at the end of your birth month in the year they're due to expire.Sources: S1, S7
- From 1 June 2027, Miles earned from that date will be valid for 3 years from the flight or partner activity date, rounded to the end of the month. Miles already in your account aren't affected.Sources: S9
- Classic Rewards start from 5,000 Miles and upgrades from 7,020 Miles. Taxes and carrier charges are paid on top.Sources: S4, S8
- Tiers need 25,000 Tier Miles for Silver, 50,000 for Gold and 150,000 for Platinum, which also needs at least one First or Business Class flight.Sources: S2
Summary
- Typical fixed value:
- No fixed value published. Cashing out in Skywards Everyday is currently 350 Miles = AED 10 (limited time).
- Expiry:
- 3 years. Miles expire at the end of your birth month in the year they're due to expire. From 1 June 2027, Miles earned from that date will be valid for 3 years from the flight or partner activity date, rounded to the end of the month. Miles already in your account aren't affected.
- Last checked:
- 1 November 2026
- The loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai. You earn Skywards Miles to spend and Tier Miles for status, on both airlines.
- From the UAE: earn on flights from Dubai (DXB), and on everyday spending with Skywards Everyday (1 Mile per AED 3).
- Our verdict: essential if you fly from Dubai. Earning on the ground is easy. Get value by spending Miles on flights or upgrades after comparing against the cash fare.
Insider tips
- Pick Flex Plus if your plans might move. On a Classic Saver reward you get one free date change, then pay USD 25 a change, a refund before travel costs USD 75, the maximum stay is 3 months and you get 1 stopover. Classic Flex Plus has free date changes and refunds before travel, a 12-month maximum stay and 2 stopovers. If your dates aren't fixed, the extra Miles for Flex Plus can be cheaper than the fees.Sources: S8
- Pool Miles with My Family. A My Family account can have up to eight members, including the Family Head. Each member chooses to contribute 0% or 100% of the Miles they earn, and members aged 18 or over can redeem from the pool. Tier Miles aren't pooled, and Miles you've contributed can't be moved back to your own account.Sources: S7
- Book in the traveller's name. Miles and Tier Miles go to the person who flies, not the person who books or pays. The name on the ticket must match the name on the Skywards account, so add each traveller's own membership number.Sources: S7
- Add your number before check-in. You need to choose the loyalty programme you want to earn with when you book or at check-in. It can't be changed once you've checked in.Sources: S3
- Claim missing flights within 6 months. You can claim Miles for an Emirates flight up to 6 months after flying. If you've just joined, you can also claim Emirates, flydubai and Qantas flights taken up to 2 months before you joined. Partner transactions can take up to 3 weeks to appear, so wait before you chase them.Sources: S6
- Time your upgrade on a Saver fare. Special fares can't be upgraded with Miles, and Saver fares can only be upgraded at online check-in, between 48 and 6 hours before departure. Flex and Flex Plus fares need fewer Miles to upgrade, so factor that in when you buy the ticket.Sources: S4
- Extend Miles rather than lose them. From 3 months before Miles expire, you can pay to extend them for up to 12 months, which Emirates says costs less than buying new Miles. If they've already expired, you can reinstate them within 6 months at USD 20 per 1,000 Miles, up to 50,000 a year.Sources: S5, S7
- Start Miles Mall shopping at the portal. Skywards Miles Mall pays up to 50 Miles per AED 50 at online retailers, but only if you start at skywardsmilesmall.com and accept cookies. Miles are credited within 45 days of the order and taken back if you return the item. Skysurfers, My Family and Business Rewards accounts can't earn through it.Sources: S11
Common mistakes
- Buying or transferring Miles at the last minute. Buying, gifting, transferring, extending, reinstating or multiplying Miles must be done at least 48 hours before you book. These purchases are non-refundable and don't guarantee a seat will be available.Sources: S8
- Cancelling a reward after the Miles have expired. If you cancel a reward after the Miles used for it have passed their expiry date, those Miles aren't refunded (Platinum members and Skysurfers are the exception).Sources: S8, S7
- Forgetting the taxes and charges. Reward tickets aren't free: you still pay taxes and carrier charges. Carrier charges can be paid with Miles, but count the full cost when you compare with a cash fare.Sources: S8, S4
- Expecting full Miles on a Cash+Miles ticket. With Cash+Miles you only earn Skywards Miles and Tier Miles on the part you pay in cash, excluding carrier charges, taxes and fees.Sources: S7
- Counting on Mile-A-Minute when you live in the UAE. The October 2026 Mile-A-Minute offer, which pays Miles for time spent in Dubai, is only open to members who live outside the UAE.Sources: S13
- Making the wrong person Family Head. If the Family Head leaves My Family or closes their account, the My Family account is closed and the Miles left in it are forfeited. Choose someone who's likely to stay.Sources: S7
How to earn faster and spend better
- Double Miles on hotels and car hire this winter. Booking.com and IHG hotel stays, and SIXT, Europcar, Avis, Budget and Hertz rentals, earn double Miles when booked from 29 October to 30 November 2026 and completed by 31 January 2027.Sources: S12
- 50% extra on Emirates Holidays and Skywards Hotels. The same winter offer gives a 50% bonus on Emirates Skywards Hotels and on Emirates Holidays packages booked by 26 November 2026 for travel until 31 January 2027.Sources: S12
- Earn more Tier Miles with Skywards+ Premium. Skywards+ Premium gives 20% more Tier Miles while you're subscribed. A subscription lasts 12 months, isn't refundable and doesn't renew automatically, so only buy it if you're already close to the next tier.Sources: S2, S7
- Don't value Miles at the buy price. Emirates sells Miles at USD 30 per 1,000 and says the price to buy Miles isn't related to what they're worth when you redeem. Work out the value from the reward you'd actually book instead.Sources: S5
Best time to earn or redeem
Earning
- Book partner hotels and car hire by 30 November 2026. That's when the winter double Miles window closes for bookings. The stay or rental must be completed by 31 January 2027.Sources: S12
- Make sure every flight credits. Add your membership number when you book or before check-in, and claim anything missing within 6 months.Sources: S3, S6
Redeeming
- Book reward flights well ahead. You can book flights with Emirates, flydubai and partner airlines up to 11 months ahead, which gives you the widest choice of reward seats.Sources: S7
- Get a reminder before Miles expire. Miles expire at the end of your birth month. In My Account you can set reminders for any Miles due to expire in the next 12 months, and you can extend them from 3 months before they expire.Sources: S7, S5
- Start the trip within 12 months. A reward ticket is valid for up to 12 months, and the journey must start within 12 months of the ticket being issued.Sources: S4, S8
How to tell if a reward flight is good value
- Find the cash fare for the exact same flight and cabin.
- Note the Miles needed and the taxes and carrier charges you'd still pay on the reward.
- Take the charges off the cash fare, then divide by the Miles. That's what each Mile is worth on this booking.
- Compare it with Emirates' own floor: in the Skywards Everyday app, 350 Miles can be turned into AED 10 for a limited time. That's about AED 0.029 a Mile (our sum). If a reward gives you much less than that, it may be better to pay cash and save your Miles.
Example with made-up numbers
- Cash fare AED 2,000. Reward: 25,000 Miles plus AED 500 in taxes and charges.
- (AED 2,000 − AED 500) ÷ 25,000 Miles = AED 0.06 a Mile.
- That's about twice the AED 0.029 floor, so using Miles looks good value here.
Is it right for you?
Answer honestly, thinking about the next 12 months.
Do you fly Emirates or flydubai at least once or twice a year?
Yes is a good sign: Flights are the main way to earn Miles and Tier Miles.
Sources: S3Could you pool Miles with family members?
Yes is a good sign: My Family lets up to eight people add to one balance.
Sources: S7Can you book trips months in advance?
Yes is a good sign: Reward flights can be booked up to 11 months ahead, and earlier booking means more choice.
Sources: S7Do your travel dates often change at short notice?
Yes is a warning sign: Saver rewards charge for changes and refunds, so you'd need to budget Miles for Flex Plus.
Sources: S8Would you mostly want to spend small amounts of points at the till?
Yes is a warning sign: Skywards Miles are built around flights and upgrades, so small everyday spending isn't where they shine.
Mostly good signs
Skywards should suit you. Make sure every flight credits, consider pooling with family, and compare the Miles price with the cash fare before each booking.
Mostly warning signs
Skywards may not be worth focusing on. Collect Miles if you fly Emirates anyway, but you'll probably get more from a programme you can spend in everyday shops.
Earning from the UAE
Flights from Dubai (DXB)
- What you earn depends on route, fare type and cabin:
- Fare types: Economy and Business have Special, Saver, Flex and Flex Plus. Premium Economy is Flex Plus only. First is Flex or Flex Plus.
- Cabin bonus: Business and First earn extra bonus Miles and Tier Miles.
- Tier bonus: Silver +30%, Gold +75%, Platinum +100% bonus Skywards Miles on Emirates and flydubai. This bonus doesn't add Tier Miles.
- When Miles arrive: they're credited after each direction is flown.
- Missing Miles: new members can claim Emirates, flydubai and Qantas flights taken up to two months before joining. Members can claim missing Emirates flights within six months.
- Estimate first: use Emirates' Miles Calculator. Emirates doesn't publish a fixed earn per AED on flights, so we don't give one.
flydubai
- flydubai flights earn both Skywards Miles and Tier Miles.
- You can spend Miles on flydubai flights and extras with Cash+Miles.
- Tier members get flydubai benefits, including up to 100% bonus Miles and up to 20kg extra baggage, depending on tier.
Skywards Everyday (UAE only)
- What it is: an Emirates app for earning Miles on everyday UAE spending at hundreds of partners in shopping, dining, beauty and wellness, leisure, pharmacy and grocery.
- Earn: 1 Mile per AED 3 with most partners; 1 Mile per AED 5 at grocery and pharmacy.
- Spend: turn Miles into cashback on an eligible purchase. The current rate is "for a limited time only, 350 Miles = AED 10".
- What that's worth (our sum, at the 350-Mile rate):
- AED 10 ÷ 350 Miles = AED 0.029 per Mile.
- Spending AED 3 at a partner earns 1 Mile, worth about AED 0.029. That's about 0.95% back if you cash out.
- At grocery and pharmacy partners (1 Mile per AED 5), it's about 0.57%.
- Flights or upgrades may give more per Mile, but there's no fixed figure.
- Points exchange: convert to and from partner programmes in the app, e.g. 10 EmCan Coins = 1 Skywards Mile. You can convert 2,000–150,000 Miles in a single transaction.
Skywards Miles Mall (UAE online shopping)
- Earn up to 50 Miles per AED 50 at UAE brands.
- You must start on skywardsmilesmall.com and be logged in. Miles arrive within 45 days.
- Spend from 2,000 Miles on UAE gift cards.
- My Family, Skysurfers and Business Rewards accounts can't earn on the Mall.
Hotels and partners
- Marriott Bonvoy: convert points in at 3 points to 1 Mile, plus 5,000 bonus Miles per 60,000 points.
- Linked accounts: Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum earn 1 Mile per US$1 on eligible Marriott stays. Link at least 48 hours before checkout.
- ALL Accor: 4,000 points to 2,000 Miles (25% bonus to 30 November 2026, see offers).
- In Dubai: Emirates lists Atlantis The Palm stays, Arabian Adventures tours and eligible Dubai Mall purchases as ways to earn.
Buying and topping up
- Buy Miles: USD 30 per 1,000, minimum 2,000. The yearly limit is 100,000 (Blue, Silver) or 200,000 (Gold, Platinum).
- Transfer to another member: USD 15 per 1,000 Miles, minimum 2,000, up to 50,000 a year.
Ways to spend
- Classic Rewards: from 5,000 Miles on Emirates or flydubai, any class, one-way or return.
- You pay taxes, duties and carrier-imposed charges on top. Emirates lets you pay carrier charges with Miles.
- Compare the total with the cash fare from DXB before you book.
- Upgrades:
- From 7,020 Miles.
- Flex Plus needs the fewest Miles. Saver fares can only be upgraded at online check-in, 48 to 6 hours before departure.
- Special fares can't be upgraded.
- Cash+Miles: any mix on Emirates and flydubai fares. It also covers Emirates lounge access, excess baggage and paid seats, plus flydubai meals and insurance.
- Other: hotels, Skywards Exclusives events, gift cards via Miles Mall, cashback via Skywards Everyday.
Tiers
Blue
- To qualify (12 months):
- Join free
- Highlights:
- Miles upgrades at check-in or on board, waitlist priority, free Wi-Fi in First and Business
Silver
- To qualify (12 months):
- 25,000 Tier Miles
- Highlights:
- 30% bonus Miles; Business Class lounge in Dubai
Gold
- To qualify (12 months):
- 50,000 Tier Miles
- Highlights:
- 75% bonus Miles; free Economy seat selection for your booking
Platinum
- To qualify (12 months):
- 150,000 Tier Miles + at least one qualifying First or Business flight
- Highlights:
- 100% bonus Miles; home check-in in Dubai; lounges worldwide with guests; Gold tier for a nominee; Miles don't expire while Platinum
- Your tier lasts 12 months. To keep it, you need the same Tier Miles again in the review period.
- Skywards+ Premium subscribers earn 20% more Tier Miles.
Common mistakes
- Using your own number on someone else's ticket. Miles go to the person who flies.
- Expecting Miles on reward tickets. Classic Rewards earn none.
- On Cash+Miles tickets, you only earn on the cash part.
- Trying to buy Tier Miles. They can't be bought or transferred.
What's changed
- From 1 June 2027 (announced). Miles earned from this date will be valid for 3 years from the activity date, rounded to the end of the month, instead of to the end of your birth month. Miles already in your account aren't affected.Sources: S9
- 29 October 2026. Emirates announced winter bonuses: double Miles on Booking.com and IHG hotels and on SIXT, Europcar, Avis, Budget and Hertz rentals booked by 30 November 2026, plus 50% extra on Emirates Skywards Hotels and Emirates Holidays.Sources: S12
- 22 October 2026. Mile-A-Minute returned for members who live outside the UAE, with registration by 5 November 2026 and travel between 21 October and 13 December 2026.Sources: S13
- 1 April 2024. Miles in Skysurfers (children's) accounts stopped expiring.Sources: S7
- 1 April 2023. Platinum started to require at least one First or Business Class flight as well as 150,000 Tier Miles.Sources: S2
Dates are when Emirates applied or announced each change on its official pages. We checked them all on 1 November 2026.
FAQ
Is Skywards worth it if I live in Dubai? Yes, if you fly Emirates or flydubai even occasionally. It's free, Miles last three years, and Skywards Everyday earns on daily spending.
How much is a Skywards Mile worth in AED? Emirates publishes no fixed value. The only fixed cash-out we found is Skywards Everyday's limited-time 350 Miles = AED 10, which is about AED 0.029 a Mile.
Can I earn Skywards Miles on flydubai? Yes. You earn both Skywards Miles and Tier Miles.
Can I move Etihad Guest Miles to Skywards? We found no official route between the two. Compare them in Skywards vs Etihad Guest.
When do my Skywards Miles expire?
Miles are valid for 3 years and expire at the end of your birth month in the year they're due. Miles earned from 1 June 2027 will instead expire 3 years from the activity date, rounded to the end of that month. Platinum members' Miles don't expire while they hold Platinum, and Skysurfers' Miles don't expire.
Sources: S1, S7, S9Can I transfer Miles to someone else?
Yes, for a fee of USD 15 per 1,000 Miles, in multiples of 1,000 with a minimum of 2,000, up to 50,000 a year. The receiving account needs some earning activity, transfers can't be reversed, and transferred Miles are valid for at least 3 years. This isn't available for My Family accounts.
Sources: S5, S7Who gets the Miles when I book for someone else?
The person who flies. Miles can't be credited to the booker, and the name on the ticket has to match the Skywards account.
Sources: S7Can I get my Miles back if I cancel a reward?
On Classic Saver, a refund before travel costs USD 75; on Classic Flex Plus it's free. There are no refunds after travel, and Miles that have expired by the time you cancel aren't returned unless you're Platinum or a Skysurfer.
Sources: S8Related
Sources
All official, all checked 1 November 2026.
- S1. Emirates Skywards overview (UAE) · Checked 1 November 2026
- S2. Emirates Skywards: membership tiers · Checked 1 November 2026
- S3. Emirates Skywards: earn Miles · Checked 1 November 2026
- S4. Emirates Skywards: spend Miles · Checked 1 November 2026
- S5. Emirates Skywards: do more with your Miles (buy, extend, reinstate, transfer) · Checked 1 November 2026
- S6. Emirates Skywards: claim missing Miles · Checked 1 November 2026
- S7. Emirates help centre: Emirates Skywards FAQs · Checked 1 November 2026
- S8. Emirates Skywards programme rules · Checked 1 November 2026
- S9. Emirates Skywards programme updates (Miles validity from 1 June 2027) · Checked 1 November 2026
- S10. Emirates Skywards: Skywards Everyday · Checked 1 November 2026
- S11. Emirates Skywards: Skywards Miles Mall · Checked 1 November 2026
- S12. Emirates media centre: bonus Miles on hotels, holiday packages and car rentals this winter · Checked 1 November 2026 · Page updated 29 October 2026
- S13. Emirates media centre: Mile-A-Minute offer for visitors to Dubai · Checked 1 November 2026 · Page updated 22 October 2026
Current offers
Double Skywards Miles on hotel stays and car rentals
Double Skywards Miles on hotel stays and car rentals · Standard: The usual rate is on this profile.
Ends
Double Skywards Miles on hotel stays and car rentals with participating partners (including Booking.com, IHG, SIXT, Europcar, Avis, Budget and Hertz). - Book between 29 October and 30 November 2026; stays and rentals must be completed by 31 January 2027. - Source: Emirates media centre, 29 October 2026.
Source: emirates.com
50% bonus Miles on Emirates Skywards Hotels stays and Emirates Holidays packages.
50% bonus Miles on Emirates Skywards Hotels stays and Emirates Holidays packages. · Standard: The usual rate is on this profile.
Ends
50% bonus Miles on Emirates Skywards Hotels stays and Emirates Holidays packages. Emirates Holidays bookings must be made by 26 November 2026, for travel until 31 January 2027. - Source: as above.
Source: emirates.com
25% bonus Miles when converting ALL Accor Reward points to Skywards Miles
25% bonus Miles when converting ALL Accor Reward points to Skywards Miles · Standard: The usual rate is on this profile.
Ends
25% bonus Miles when converting ALL Accor Reward points to Skywards Miles, within the same winter campaign (to 30 November 2026). - Source: as above.
Source: emirates.com
2,000 bonus Miles on your first Skywards Miles Mall purchase over USD 50
2,000 bonus Miles on your first Skywards Miles Mall purchase over USD 50 · Standard: The usual rate is on this profile.
Ends
2,000 bonus Miles on your first Skywards Miles Mall purchase over USD 50 (or local-currency equivalent). Runs until 31 March 2027, all members eligible, credited after 45 days. - Source: Emirates, Skywards Miles Mall page.
Source: emirates.com
Last checked . Offers come only from official scheme or issuer pages and disappear when they end.