Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
COMPARISON
Best Airline Programmes for the Middle East
Emirates Skywards is the loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, and Gulf Air Falconflyer is the loyalty programme of Gulf Air. Skywards members earn Skywards Miles and Tier Miles across four tiers, and Skywards Miles are valid for three years [1]; Falconflyer members earn miles and Loyalty points, and nominated family members can credit up to 70% of their Blue tier mileage award to the member's account [6].
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Both programmes run a spending currency and a separate tier currency: Skywards Miles and Tier Miles at Emirates Skywards [1], and miles and Loyalty points at Gulf Air Falconflyer [6].
- Emirates Skywards Miles are valid for three years [1].
- Gulf Air Falconflyer lets nominated family members earn up to 70% of their Blue tier mileage award on a member's behalf on Gulf Air flights, including when they travel without that member, but not bonus tier miles [6].
- Tier progress is measured by flying: Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai at Skywards [1], and Loyalty points on Gulf Air flights, which vary by travel zone and class of travel, at Falconflyer [6].
How do you earn miles in each programme?
Emirates Skywards. Members earn both Skywards Miles and Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights, and can also earn Skywards Miles with partners worldwide [1]. Those partners are grouped into hotels, airlines, car rental, retail and lifestyle, and banking [1]. A member can also add to a balance by buying, gifting or multiplying miles [1]. The Marriott Bonvoy tie-up works in both directions: members earn Skywards Miles on hotel stays and Marriott Bonvoy points on Emirates flights [1].
Gulf Air Falconflyer. Loyalty points are earned on Gulf Air flights purchased at any fare, except travel industry discounted fares, and the number earned varies by travel zone and class of travel [6]. The programme page also advertises up to 250% on miles for members flying Falcon Gold [6]. Referrals and partner offers from hotels, car rental companies and banks are listed as further ways to earn [6].
How does tier status work in each programme?
Emirates Skywards. The programme has four tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum [1]. A member builds a Tier Miles balance by flying with Emirates and flydubai, and the balance determines the level of privileges held [1]. Tier Miles can also be earned through Emirates Skywards cobranded cards, which currently award Tier Miles for the Skywards Miles earned on the card in the United States [1].
Gulf Air Falconflyer. Loyalty points are the currency that moves a member to a higher tier [6]. Falconflyer lists extra tier bonuses, baggage allowance, lounge access and further dedicated benefits among the privileges that come with a higher tier, and Falcon Gold lounges operate at major destinations on the Gulf Air network [6].
How do you spend miles and what partner reach do the programmes offer?
Emirates Skywards. Skywards Miles can be used for reward flights and upgrades, and with flydubai and worldwide partners, including flights with partner airlines, hotel stays, family days out and tickets to sporting and cultural events [1]. Emirates also offers Cash+Miles among its spending options [1].
Gulf Air Falconflyer. Falconflyer members can convert their Miles to ACCOR points, a partner option listed on the programme page [6]. The programme also sells miles to members, with a purchase limit of up to 50,000 miles [6].
How does family earning work in Gulf Air Falconflyer?
Nominated family members can earn up to 70% of their Blue tier mileage award on a member's behalf every time they fly on Gulf Air, even if they are not travelling with that member [6]. Family members are not eligible to earn bonus tier miles [6]. Family earning is limited to Gulf Air flights: family members cannot earn miles on codeshare flights with partner airlines [6].
Limits and conditions
Each condition below applies to the programme named, and a rule published by one programme does not carry over to the other.
- Buying and transferring at Falconflyer. A member can buy or transfer miles only if the membership is at least one month old and holds a balance of 200 Loyalty points [6].
- Fare exclusions at Falconflyer. Loyalty points are not earned on travel industry discounted fares on Gulf Air flights [6].
- Family limits at Falconflyer. Family members earn on Gulf Air flights only, never on codeshare flights with partner airlines, and they do not earn bonus tier miles [6].
- Card-earned Tier Miles at Emirates Skywards. As of 18 October 2026, the Tier Miles offer on cobranded cards is available for select Emirates Skywards cobranded cards in the USA only [1].
- Miles validity at Emirates Skywards. Skywards Miles are valid for three years [1].
Frequently asked questions
How long are Emirates Skywards Miles valid?
Emirates states that Skywards Miles are valid for three years, which the programme presents as time to save towards a larger reward [1].
Can Gulf Air Falconflyer family members earn miles on partner flights?
No. Falconflyer says family members cannot earn miles on codeshare flights with partner airlines and can earn only on Gulf Air flights [6].
Do all Gulf Air fares earn Loyalty points?
Loyalty points are earned on Gulf Air flights purchased at any fare, with the exception of travel industry discounted fares, and the amount varies by travel zone and class of travel [6].
Can I buy miles in these programmes?
Emirates lists buying miles as one way to add to a Skywards balance [1]. Falconflyer members can buy up to 50,000 miles, provided the membership is at least one month old and holds a balance of 200 Loyalty points [6].
Sources
Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Etihad Guest, ALFURSAN and Oman Air Sindbad are not covered here; their programme pages are linked under Related pages.
- Emirates Skywards programme overview and benefits, checked 18 October 2026
- Gulf Air Falconflyer programme page and frequently asked questions, checked 18 October 2026