Aura vs Avios: which loyalty program wins?

We score Aura and Avios 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

Aura is best for Mall shoppers, while Avios is best for Frequent travelers.

Skip Aura if Budget shoppers outside malls, and skip Avios if Saudi residents who don't travel internationally.

Overall rating

	Aura	Avios
Overall rating	3.4 / 5	4.4 / 5
Earning	4.0 / 5	3.0 / 5
Redemption	3.0 / 5	5.0 / 5
Network	3.0 / 5	5.0 / 5
Ease of use	5.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Expiry	2.0 / 5	5.0 / 5

Earning structure

Aura	Members earn 1 point for every 1 SAR spent at participating Alshaya brands, in-store and online. That's a 2% effective return on most purchases. Star tier members earn an additional 1% on top, and VIP members earn an additional 2% - bringing the top return to 4%. Bonus points are also offered during promotional events. Starbucks, Boots medicinal products, and Alshaya gift cards are excluded from earning.
Avios	Members earn Avios on Qatar Airways flights - earning rates vary by route, fare class, and booking class. Earnings also accrue on flights with oneworld alliance partners (American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Iberia, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, and others) and on 90+ global partners including hotels (Marriott, IHG), car rentals (Hertz, Avis), retail, dining, and financial services. Avios are credited up to two hours before takeoff after check-in. Members can also purchase Avios to top up their balance, gift them to family and friends, or transfer between accounts. There is no Saudi bank co-branded credit card for Avios as of 2026.

Redemption structure

Aura	Points redeem at a fixed rate of 50 points = 1 SAR (0.02 SAR per point) directly at checkout in any participating Alshaya store or online site. There's no minimum threshold - points can be applied to any eligible purchase. Members can also redeem for exclusive experiences, member-only prices, and special offers via the Aura app. Points cannot be transferred, converted to cash, or redeemed at non-Alshaya partners. Refunds on items paid partly with points are returned in points.
Avios	Avios redeem on Qatar Airways and oneworld alliance flights worldwide - economy, business, and first class. Cabin upgrades to Business class on Qatar Airways are available. Cash + Avios allows part-payment for flights, giving flexibility on Avios-poor or last-minute bookings. At Qatar Duty Free in Hamad International Airport (Doha), Avios redemptions save up to 20% on luxury brands and dining. Members can also redeem at the Privilege Club Collection (lifestyle merchandise) and convert Avios with partner programs. Expired Avios can be revalidated at USD 0.015 per Avios - unique flexibility among airline programs.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Aura	Avios
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	3	4
Top tier	VIP	Platinum
First-tier qualification	6,000 points	150 points
Point expiry	12 months	36 months inactivity (reset on earn)

Open in loyaup