ADIB, Marriott Bonvoy and Visa launch co-branded cards in UAE - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Marriott Bonvoy and Visa have launched two co-branded payment cards in the United Arab Emirates, targeting customers who want to earn travel rewards through their everyday spending.

The new Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Infinite Card and Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Signature Card combine ADIB’s Sharia-compliant banking services with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme and Visa’s international payment network. Depending on the card, customers can receive welcome bonuses, Marriott Bonvoy Elite status and additional travel and lifestyle benefits.

Points for hotels, flights and experiences

Cardholders earn Marriott Bonvoy points on qualifying purchases. These can be redeemed for hotel stays, room upgrades, dining and other benefits within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations worldwide.

Points can also be transferred to more than 40 airline partners or used for experiences available through Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

The cards therefore extend the loyalty programme beyond hotel stays, allowing members to build their Marriott Bonvoy balance through regular expenditure in the UAE.

Up to 200,000 welcome points

The Visa Infinite version offers up to 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points as part of a limited-time welcome offer. Cardholders also have an opportunity to accelerate their membership from Gold Elite to Platinum Elite.

The Visa Signature Card provides 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points upon activation together with Silver Elite status.

Both products include Marriott Bonvoy Elite status benefits, which can include priority late checkout and enhanced room upgrades, subject to availability. Airport lounge access, dining offers and other travel and lifestyle privileges are also included.

UAE travellers at the centre of partnership

“This partnership represents a significant step in enhancing how we reward our customers and connect with their lifestyle aspirations,” says Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB. He describes the combination of Islamic finance, hospitality rewards and payment technology as a way of extending customer benefits beyond traditional banking.

Andrew Watson, Chief Commercial Officer EMEA at Marriott International, points to the importance of the UAE market. “The UAE is home to a highly engaged community of travellers, and these cards are designed to give them greater flexibility in how they earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.”

Visa will provide the underlying international payment infrastructure. According to Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, cardholders will benefit from Visa’s security and acceptance at more than 150 million merchant partners.

The launch reflects the growing overlap between banking, loyalty programmes and travel, with everyday card expenditure increasingly being used to provide customers with hotel status, travel rewards and benefits extending across international hospitality and airline networks.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of Marriott International