You can now spend and earn Etihad air miles in Abu Dhabi malls

Shoppers can also earn tier miles at Yas Mall, World Trade Centre Mall and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain

Etihad and Aldar have partnered to allow travellers to earn and spend Etihad miles at three malls in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Etiahd 

Etihad and Aldar Malls have partnered to allow shoppers to earn and spend air miles in three malls across Abu Dhabi.

With travel currently on pause, you might be wondering what to do with any Etihad air miles you have that are nearing expiration. Or maybe you're keen to build on your existing air miles, but can't due to your lack of flying this year.

The national airline of the UAE has partnered with Aldar to let travellers do both of these things at Yas Mall and World Trade Centre Mall in Abu Dhabi, and at Al Ain's Al Jimi Mall.

Members of Etihad's loyalty programme can opt to earn and spend Etihad Guest Miles on any purchases above Dh50 made at these three malls, which between them have more than 650 retail brands.

For every Dh3 spent on purchases over Dh50, Etihad members will earn one Etihad Guest Mile.

Upgrades available

Whether spending or earning, your shopping could help you upgrade to the next tier of Etihad's membership programme.

On transactions above Dh50 paid by a linked Visa card, shoppers will earn one Tier Mile per Dh3. This is the first time that Etihad has allowed members to boost their tier status when spending air miles.

“Etihad Guest members can now elevate their Tier Status while shopping across Aldar Malls, even while using their Miles, which is a first of its kind offer, showing our commitment towards our loyal members during these difficult times," said Yasser Al Yousuf, vice president commercial partnerships at Etihad Aviation Group.

How does it work?

To earn and spend miles, shoppers need to connect their Visa card to their Etihad Guest mobile app. The app's new 'Miles on the Go' technology will allow members to earn or spend miles when swiping their card in any of the three Aldar malls.

If members have enough air miles, they will get a notification on purchases over Dh50 asking if they wish to pay using Etihad Miles.

Transactions over Dh50 where the guest opts to continue paying by Visa card will automatically be credited with the relevant air miles.

The move is designed to support Abu Dhabi and its economy and the emirate's quest to become a leading leisure and tourism hub.

Currently, malls in Abu Dhabi are operating with strict hygiene policies in place including compulsory face masks, and gloves in some stores.

The emirate has a travel restriction in place until Tuesday, June 16 that prevents residents from leaving and visitors from entering the capital's borders.