UAE is a land of luxury, innovation, and diverse offerings, where residents and tourists alike are presented with an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. However, even in a country known for its opulence, saving money is always welcomed, and one of the most efficient ways to do so is through the use of discount cards. These cards allow individuals to enjoy significant savings across a variety of sectors, including retail, dining, travel, and leisure.
From large retailers to banks and even government institutions, the UAE offers a variety of discount cards designed to make your daily expenses more manageable while offering access to exclusive deals.
This article delves into the various discount card options available in the UAE, helping you to make the most out of your purchases and experiences.
What Are Discount Cards?
Discount cards are membership or loyalty cards that provide exclusive access to deals and discounts at participating businesses. These cards are issued by retailers, shopping malls, credit card providers, and even specific industries such as travel and hospitality. In the UAE, discount cards cover a broad range of services, allowing users to save money while accessing a wide selection of goods and services.
These cards are often designed for both residents and tourists, offering discounts that can be used for everything from everyday shopping to luxury experiences. In addition to financial savings, many discount cards offer additional perks, such as reward points, exclusive access to events, and membership privileges.


Types of Discount Cards in the UAE
Discount cards in the UAE come in various forms, catering to different lifestyles and needs. Below are the most common types of discount cards you’ll find in the UAE:
1. Retail Discount Cards
Retail discount cards are provided by large department stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. These cards offer significant savings on everyday items such as groceries, electronics, clothing, and household goods. Popular retailers like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Dubai Duty-Free offer their own loyalty programs to reward customers for their purchases.
- Carrefour MyCLUB Card: The Carrefour loyalty card allows customers to earn points on every purchase, which can later be redeemed for discounts or rewards. It offers members access to exclusive promotions and personalized offers.
- Lulu Hypermarket Loyalty Card: This card offers a range of discounts across multiple product categories, including food, electronics, clothing, and more. Members can also benefit from seasonal offers and exclusive deals on selected items.
These retail cards are a great way for residents to save on regular shopping trips while enjoying additional rewards such as free items or cashback.
2. Credit Card-Linked Discount Cards
Credit card companies in the UAE often collaborate with retailers and service providers to offer additional perks and discounts to cardholders. These cards allow you to enjoy offers on dining, shopping, travel, and entertainment by simply using your credit card. Many banks in the UAE offer credit card-based discount programs, making it easy to access a range of deals.
- Emirates NBD Rewards Program: Emirates NBD offers a rewards program that grants discounts on dining, shopping, travel, and leisure activities for its credit card holders. Points earned through purchases can be redeemed for exclusive offers at participating partners.
- Standard Chartered Credit Card Discounts: This card offers a range of discounts at global brands, fine dining restaurants, and entertainment venues in Dubai and across the UAE. Holders enjoy access to VIP experiences, including early bird offers and seasonal promotions.
These types of discount cards are ideal for those who prefer a cashless and convenient payment method while also reaping the benefits of exclusive deals.
3. Tourist Discount Cards
For tourists visiting the UAE, discount cards provide a unique opportunity to explore the country’s many attractions, landmarks, and experiences without breaking the bank. These cards often bundle multiple attractions together, allowing tourists to save on entrance fees, dining, and transportation. Some popular cards include:
- The Entertainer Card: Known for its “Buy One Get One Free” offers, the Entertainer is one of the most popular tourist discount cards in the UAE. It covers a wide range of activities, from dining at top restaurants to visiting leisure parks and attractions, such as Dubai Aquarium, Wild Wadi, and Dubai Parks and Resorts.
- Dubai Pass: This pass allows tourists to enjoy discounted or free access to major attractions, such as Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, and the Dubai Frame, with additional discounts on shopping and dining in Dubai’s malls.
- Abu Dhabi Pass: Similar to the Dubai Pass, the Abu Dhabi Pass provides discounts and bundled deals for top attractions in Abu Dhabi, including the Louvre Museum, Ferrari World, and Yas Waterworld.
These cards are especially useful for tourists who plan to visit multiple attractions, as they provide significant savings on top experiences in the UAE.
4. Dining and Entertainment Discount Cards
In the UAE, dining out is a popular activity, and a range of discount cards are available to make eating at top restaurants more affordable. These cards often offer exclusive deals like “Buy One Get One Free” or significant discounts on meals, making them a great option for food enthusiasts.
- Zomato Gold: This popular dining membership offers discounts at various restaurants across the UAE. Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 offers on food and drinks, making it perfect for those who love dining out.
- Entertainer Food and Drink Offers: The Entertainer app, aside from offering attraction discounts, also provides various “Buy One, Get One Free” offers on meals, helping food lovers save money while exploring new restaurants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates.
Additionally, entertainment venues such as cinemas, amusement parks, and concert venues often have discount cards or loyalty programs that reward frequent visitors with discounted tickets, free upgrades, or special access to events.
5. Health and Fitness Discount Cards
The UAE has a vibrant health and wellness sector, and residents can benefit from discounts on gym memberships, health treatments, wellness retreats, and more through specialized discount cards. Some popular options include:
- Fitness First Membership Cards: Fitness First offers loyalty programs and membership discounts, which allow individuals to access multiple gyms across the UAE. Members can enjoy additional benefits like personal training discounts and reduced rates on fitness classes.
- Saadiyat Beach Club Card: This card offers discounts on membership fees, spa treatments, and dining experiences at one of the UAE’s most exclusive beach clubs.
These cards help residents maintain a healthy lifestyle by providing access to fitness centers, sports events, and wellness services at discounted rates.
How to Get Discount Cards in the UAE
Discount cards are easy to obtain in the UAE. Most of these cards can be registered for either online or in person, depending on the service provider. Here’s how to get started:
- Retail Discount Cards: For store-specific cards, you can often sign up while shopping at the retailer or through their website. Once registered, your card will either be provided on the spot or sent to you via mail.
- Credit Card-Based Discount Cards: Apply for a credit card that offers discounts by choosing a bank that partners with your preferred retailers and service providers. You can often sign up through the bank’s website or at a branch.
- Tourist Cards: Tourist discount cards can be purchased online or at airports, hotels, and tourism hubs in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many of these cards can be activated immediately upon purchase.
- Specialty Cards: For gym memberships, entertainment venues, and dining offers, signing up usually involves filling out a form either in-person or via the service provider’s website.
Conclusion
Discount cards in the UAE offer a wealth of opportunities for residents and tourists to save money across various industries. Whether you are a frequent shopper, a foodie, or a tourist exploring the country’s top attractions, there is a discount card that can help you stretch your dirhams further. With the ease of obtaining these cards and the range of savings they provide, using discount cards is an excellent way to enjoy the UAE’s luxurious offerings while keeping your expenses in check. So, make sure to explore the discount card options available to you, and start saving today!
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