Shukran vs Skywards: which loyalty program wins?

We score Shukran and Skywards on the same five factors — earning rate, redemption value, partner network, ease of use, and point expiry — to help you choose the right program for how you actually spend.

Verdict

Shukran is best for Mall shoppers, while Skywards is best for Frequent flyers.

Skip Shukran if Shoppers outside Landmark brands, and skip Skywards if Domestic flyers.

Overall rating

	Shukran	Skywards
Overall rating	3.5 / 5	3.9 / 5
Earning	2.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Network	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Ease of use	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Expiry	4.0 / 5	3.0 / 5

Earning structure

Shukran	Members earn Shukrans on every purchase at Landmark Group brands and partners across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt. The earn rate is tier-based: Classic members earn 17 Shukrans per 100 SAR, Silver 18, Gold 19, and Platinum 21 - equivalent to roughly 0.85% to 1.05% back.
Skywards	Members earn Skywards Miles by flying with Emirates and flydubai (with Tier Miles for status qualification) and through 30+ partner airlines including Air Canada (full partnership December 2025), JetBlue, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, S7, and others (Skywards Miles only - no Tier Miles from partners). Earning also extends to hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and ALL Accor; car rentals; dining partners; and retail. Saudi residents can transfer points from BSF Jana (500-point minimum, up to 200,000 per conversion) and anb rewards via published conversion rates. Tier bonuses: Silver +30%, Gold +75%, Platinum +100%. Members can also purchase miles. The Emirates Skywards Mastercard from Citi is US/Europe market only.

Redemption structure

Shukran	Shukrans redeem at a fixed rate of 200 Shukrans = 10 SAR (1 Shukran = 0.05 SAR) at any participating Landmark Group brand or partner outlet across the GCC, Jordan, and Egypt - both in-store and online. Minimum redemption threshold is 200 Shukrans.
Skywards	Miles redeem for award flights and upgrades on Emirates and flydubai, plus partner airlines (Air Canada, JetBlue, Korean, Cathay, Qantas, and 25+ more). Classic Rewards have fixed pricing; Flex Rewards have dynamic pricing with broader availability. Cash + Miles option allows partial payment for flights. Upgrade Rewards available on Emirates flights - particularly valuable on premium-cabin redemptions. First Class redemptions are restricted to Silver, Gold, and Platinum members (Blue members cannot book First). Members can also redeem for hotel stays via partners, car rentals, retail, sporting events, and cultural experiences. Fuel surcharges apply on most premium-cabin partner redemptions. Mile purchases available to supplement award costs.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Shukran	Skywards
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	4	4
Top tier	Platinum	Platinum
First-tier qualification	750 SAR spend	25,000 points
Point expiry	12 months	36 months inactivity (reset on earn)

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