logo
Smiles and Etihad Guest Partnership Takes Off, Offering Better Rewards Across Both Loyalty Programmes - Middle East Business News and Information

Smiles and Etihad Guest Partnership Takes Off, Offering Better Rewards Across Both Loyalty Programmes - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info3 days ago
Smiles, e& UAE's everyday rewards Super App that also houses its loyalty programme, has launched a partnership with Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates. Now offering customers of both programmes a fully integrated experience through the Rewards Exchange on the Smiles app, and soon via the Etihad website and mobile app.
Customers can now link their loyalty accounts to transfer between the programmes and instantly convert Smiles points to Etihad Guest Miles and vice versa. Unlocking greater flexibility, enhanced rewards earning potential, and more ways to spend points and miles across both programmes.
Masood Mohamed Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, e& UAE, said: 'This collaboration brings together two of the UAE's most trusted homegrown brands to deliver even more value to our loyal customers. By enabling seamless Smiles points and Etihad Guest Miles exchange, we're not only growing the rewards ecosystem but also making benefits more accessible. It reflects our focus on creating smarter, more connected experiences that meet the evolving expectations of our customers.'
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways, said, 'This partnership showcases our commitment to delivering extraordinary customer service for our guests, offering enhanced redemption flexibility and membership benefits. We are delighted to be collaborating as two of the UAE's most successful and international, Emirati brands, offering our loyal Etihad Guest members greater options to collect and redeem Miles, through this collaboration with e&.'
This partnership allows loyalty members of both brands to maximise the value of their rewards. Via the Smiles App, Etihad Guest members can now transfer their Etihad Guest Miles to Smiles Points and enjoy access to over 55 lifestyle services on the Smiles app, including food and grocery delivery, home services, e& bill payment and recharge, as well as exclusive deals across shopping, dining, entertainment and more. In turn, Smiles customers can transfer their points into Etihad Guest Miles to increase their balance and redeem their miles on flights across the airline's expanding network, upgrades, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, and shop from a huge range of products at the Etihad Guest Reward Shop.
To initiate the exchange, customers of both programmes must link their accounts through the 'Rewards Exchange' section on the Smiles app and will be able to instantly transfer their loyalty currencies from one programme to the other.
This strategic collaboration between two of the UAE's most prominent homegrown brands offers existing loyal customers more ways to benefit—and invites new customers to explore the best of both worlds: everyday lifestyle rewards through Smiles, and extraordinary travel experiences through Etihad Guest.
The integration is available exclusively through the Smiles app now, with the opportunity for members to transfer via the Etihad website and newly launched mobile app in the near future.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sky AD. Developments targets major expansion in Egypt's real estate market
Sky AD. Developments targets major expansion in Egypt's real estate market

Daily News Egypt

time6 hours ago

  • Daily News Egypt

Sky AD. Developments targets major expansion in Egypt's real estate market

Sky AD. Developments is planning a significant expansion across Egypt, with the company actively pursuing new land acquisitions in both coastal areas and emerging urban centers. Abdel Rahman Agami, CEO of Sky AD. Developments, told Daily News Egypt that the firm is seeking plots ranging between 500 and 600 feddans in key strategic locations, including Egypt's growing coastal cities. 'We are open to developing multiple projects in the same area,' Agami said, highlighting the company's confidence in the region's investment potential. Agami confirmed that Sky AD. is awaiting land pricing details from Modon Ras El Hekma, the UAE-based developer overseeing allocations in the high-demand North Coast area. 'Once land allocations are made available, we will move swiftly to secure suitable plots for our upcoming projects,' he added. Last month, the company launched 'Sky North,' a major mixed-use development in Ras El-Hekma spanning 430 feddans. The project is expected to attract investments of around EGP 80bn and generate EGP 240bn in sales over the next five years. Set for completion within four years, Sky North will feature residential and commercial zones, a five-star hotel, and a 50-feddan crystal lagoon. Agami revealed that the company is currently in discussions with four leading international hotel operators to manage the hospitality component, with a final decision anticipated by year's end. The investment value of the hotel will be determined following the selection of the operating partner. In addition to its coastal ambitions, Sky AD. is targeting inland growth, particularly in Sheikh Zayed and the New Administrative Capital (NAC). The company is in the market for up to 100 feddans in Sheikh Zayed and 50 feddans in the NAC, pending upcoming land offerings by the Capital Company. Sky AD. entered the Egyptian market in 2021 and currently holds four projects in the NAC and New Cairo, with total investments approaching EGP 19bn. Looking ahead, Agami said the company is targeting EGP 10bn in sales from its Egypt portfolio in 2025, expecting record figures following the Ras El-Hekma launch.

Rowad Modern targets doubling Egypt operations by year-end
Rowad Modern targets doubling Egypt operations by year-end

Daily News Egypt

time6 hours ago

  • Daily News Egypt

Rowad Modern targets doubling Egypt operations by year-end

Mohamed Mahlab, President and CEO of Rowad Modern Engineering — a subsidiary of Elsewedy Electric Group — announced that the company achieved substantial growth in the volume of projects executed in the Egyptian market during the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. The volume of work completed during this period exceeded double that of the same quarter last year. He noted that Rowad aims to double its total business volume in Egypt by the end of this year compared to 2024. Mahlab revealed that the company recently signed a contract to implement a new metal silos project with a storage capacity of 120,000 tonnes for an international investor within an industrial complex in the East Port Said Port area. In May, the Egyptian Prime Minister inaugurated a Rowad project for the construction of metal silos with a storage capacity of 100,000 tonnes at Abbas Quay in West Port Said Port. This project has raised the port's total storage capacity to approximately 2 million tonnes annually. Rowad is also making significant progress in other sectors. Mahlab confirmed that the company has begun executing the superstructure works for the Tahya Misr 1 container terminal project at Damietta Port. Trial operations for some sections of the terminal are scheduled to commence in October, with broader partial trial operations planned before the end of the year. In the industrial sector, the company has started work on the Alstom project and is expanding its presence in the healthcare sector, where its portfolio has reached around EGP 3bn. This includes the construction of New Giza Hospital and ongoing works at Hosh Eissa Hospital. The transportation sector represents a major share of Rowad's operations. Currently, the company is executing infrastructure (civil works) and terminal construction for the Damietta Container Terminal. It is also carrying out works on the Fayoum Bridge, part of the first line of the high-speed electric train project (October–Abu Simbel), as well as construction works for Sohag Station and the train maintenance depot, one of the main stations on the second line of the high-speed train. Additionally, the company is building a bridge over the Wadi El Natrun–Alamein Road as part of a series of bridges designed to eliminate intersections between Egypt's main road network and the high-speed electric train route. Mahlab added that Rowad has submitted a bid for the recent tender launched by UAE-based Modon Ras El Hekma for contracting works at the Ras El Hekma development. Regional Expansion Regionally, Rowad continues to pursue strategic growth. In Saudi Arabia, where the company began operations two years ago, contracts have so far reached approximately SAR 1.5bn. In the UAE, Rowad recently signed its first contract — the construction of an electricity substation in Abu Dhabi — with site preparation works already underway. This project marks the beginning of a broader plan to expand in the UAE market. Mahlab explained that the company has a branch in the UAE and aims to achieve gradual but steady growth in the market. Rowad is also studying a major project to be executed through a consortium comprising Elsewedy Electric and Siemens, for the construction of a high-speed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The project remains in the tendering stage and has not yet been awarded. Africa Focus Mahlab stressed that the company is working to deepen its cooperation with several international funding institutions, particularly in African markets, as part of its strategy to deliver major development projects overseas. Ongoing collaborations include work with UK Aid, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the African Development Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Currently, the company is seeking to form a banking consortium to finance a new sanitation infrastructure project in Côte d'Ivoire, in line with its goal of establishing a strong presence in the African market. In Libya, Rowad is part of a consortium implementing the Ring Road project, with the first section already inaugurated. The company has also signed a new contract to carry out infrastructure works for power stations, following directives from the Libyan Prime Minister to commence projects in this critical sector. Mahlab concluded by emphasising that Rowad Modern Engineering is adopting a strategic approach to expand in private sector projects alongside its governmental and regional contracts. This diversification, he said, is designed to boost growth rates, enhance operational resilience, and ensure alignment with Elsewedy Electric Group's broader strategic vision for regional expansion.

Nirvana Holding & 9Yards Communications announce sponsorship of Emirati racer Alia Abdulsalam Firoz ahead of F4 Powerboat new season
Nirvana Holding & 9Yards Communications announce sponsorship of Emirati racer Alia Abdulsalam Firoz ahead of F4 Powerboat new season

Mid East Info

time7 hours ago

  • Mid East Info

Nirvana Holding & 9Yards Communications announce sponsorship of Emirati racer Alia Abdulsalam Firoz ahead of F4 Powerboat new season

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – August 2025: Nirvana Holding, in collaboration with 9Yards Communications, has announced the signing of an official sponsorship agreement with Emirati powerboat racer Alia Abdulsalam Firoz. Under the agreement, both entities will serve as the official providers of travel, tourism, and media services for her local and international participation in Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both companies to supporting national talent and empowering Emirati women across various fields – particularly in the realm of marine sports – while also enhancing their presence on regional and global platforms. The agreement was signed in the presence of Mr Omar Al Ali, CEO of Nirvana Holding, who affirmed that supporting Alia Abdulsalam reflects the Group's vision of actively contributing to the development of Emirati sports. He stated: 'We are proud to sponsor the first Emirati woman to compete in F4 Powerboat World Championship, and we firmly believe in her exceptional potential to represent the UAE on the global stage. This partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting Emirati champions and shaping inspiring success stories.' For his part, Omar Sarieddine, Deputy CEO of 9Yards Communications, said: 'At 9Yards Communications, we are proud to be part of this inspiring partnership that brings together sport, ambition, and empowerment. Supporting racer Alia is a continuation of our commitment to championing national talent and highlighting Emirati success stories – particularly in fields that demand extraordinary passion and perseverance. We believe that media plays a vital role in showcasing such achievements, and we will leverage our expertise to ensure this Emirati champion's story reaches audiences around the world.' Alia Abdulsalam is the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, marking a significant milestone in her upcoming appearances as she strives to achieve new accomplishments in the name of Emirati women's sport. Alia is set to begin her international appearances for the 2025 racing season with the Norway Grand Prix on 15 August, followed by her participation in the F4 Powerboat World Championship on 16 September, in Italy – one of the season's most prominent and competitive events. Alia Abdulsalam Firoz expressed her pride in the partnership, stating: 'I am truly grateful to Nirvana Holding and 9Yards Communications for their tremendous support, which gives both myself and my team a significant morale boost as we pursue championship titles. Our goal is clear – to compete for top positions in every race and represent the UAE with pride on the international stage.' This partnership provides comprehensive logistical support for the racer and her team, including transportation, accommodation, and administrative and media coordination. These efforts aim to enhance their readiness to compete at the highest level in the upcoming championships. This agreement represents a successful model of collaboration between the private sector and sports institutions in supporting Emirati talent, nurturing a new generation of champions, and reinforcing the UAE's presence on the global marine sports stage. About 9Yards Communications: 9Yards Communications is a leading marketing and communications agency headquartered in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE, and a participant in the United Nations Global Compact – adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business. With a broad portfolio of both government and private sector entities and companies in the UAE and MENA region, 9Yards Communications is made up of a 150-strong team of marcoms professionals, across multiple marketing disciplines. These include integrated strategic consultancy, event management, public relations, advertising, multimedia production, media buying and digital media. 9Yards Communications' strategy also aligns with the vision of the UAE leadership's economic goals for diversifying the economy, encouraging innovation, and adopting long-term growth strategies in the business sphere. About Nirvana Travel & Tourism: Established in 2007, Nirvana Travel & Tourism is a leading UAE-based travel management company renowned for delivering premium travel solutions, corporate services, and lifestyle experiences. Through its Mazaya Membership Programme, Nirvana extends exclusive benefits and discounts across hospitality, retail, and lifestyle sectors, enhancing value for corporations and individuals alike.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store