ADIB and Etihad Guest Launch Visa Infinite Covered Card with Record Travel Rewards

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has deepened its longstanding partnership with Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways’ loyalty program, by introducing the ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Infinite Covered Card. This strategic move targets frequent travelers and premium lifestyle seekers, aiming to reset the benchmark for Sharia-compliant credit cards in the UAE.

The new card, launched in collaboration with Visa, features industry-leading Etihad Guest miles accrual rates and a welcome bonus of up to 225,000 miles. Cardholders enjoy a wide array of travel and lifestyle benefits, including unlimited airport lounge access, intercity and airport transfers, golf privileges, companion ticket and upgrade vouchers via Etihad Guest, and flexible mile redemption options for flights, upgrades, hotels, and car rentals.

Key features include Gold, Platinum, and Infinite tiers, automatic Silver loyalty status, fast-track access to Gold status upon meeting spending thresholds with Etihad Airways, and full Sharia compliance. The launch signifies a shift in ADIB’s loyalty strategy, directly linking daily spending to the global travel value chain and creating a hybrid model that integrates Islamic finance, miles-based loyalty, and worldwide acceptance with digital security.

ADIB’s retail banking management emphasized maximizing long-term customer value, while Etihad Guest highlighted the ease of earning and redeeming miles as crucial for retaining regional and international travelers. Visa noted the card’s global acceptance at over 150 million points, enhancing its usability abroad.

Financially, ADIB holds assets of AED 281 billion, is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and maintains an international presence in Egypt, the UK, Qatar, and Iraq, offering retail, corporate, wealth, and digital services.

EcoPulse24 Analysis: The launch of the Visa Infinite Covered Card with such an extensive rewards package marks a shift in UAE banking competition - from financing rates to the loyalty economy. In a market where customer acquisition costs are rising, miles and privileges have become key retention and profitability tools, especially as travel recovers and affluent spending increases. Notably, the product combines Sharia compliance with global travel benefits, positioning ADIB competitively in a segment traditionally dominated by conventional banks. Immediate loyalty program upgrades enhance perceived value from day one, appealing to high-spending clients. This move signals that Islamic banking in the UAE is now directly competing at the top tier of premium products, leveraging travel recovery and a shift toward high-value experiences and services.