Jarir Bookstore vs Skywards: which loyalty program wins?

We score Jarir Bookstore 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

Jarir Bookstore is best for Office supply, art, and book buyers, while Skywards is best for Frequent flyers.

Skip Jarir Bookstore if Electronics-focused shoppers are excluded from the discount, and skip Skywards if Domestic flyers.

Overall rating

	Jarir Bookstore	Skywards
Overall rating	3.3 / 5	3.9 / 5
Earning	2.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	4.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Network	2.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Ease of use	5.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Expiry	4.0 / 5	3.0 / 5

Earning structure

Jarir Bookstore	Jarir Discount Card is not a points program - there's no earning mechanic in the traditional sense. Instead, cardholders receive an instant 10% discount on eligible categories: most office supplies, art and craft supplies, books, and computer bags. The discount is applied automatically at checkout, both in Jarir stores and on Jarir.com. To qualify for the card, applicants must have accumulated at least 500 SAR in purchase history under their registered mobile number. Jarir verifies this automatically from past transaction records. If the threshold isn't met, customers can add purchases to reach 500 SAR. Application is processed exclusively through the Jarir mobile app.
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

Jarir Bookstore	The 10% discount is applied automatically at the point of sale. In Jarir physical stores, cardholders open the Jarir app, tap "Discount Card" to display the digital card barcode, and present it to the cashier before payment. The eligible items are auto-discounted. On Jarir.com online, the discount applies automatically when logged in with the registered account; alternatively, cardholders can enter their 7-digit discount card number manually at checkout. No minimum spend required, no point thresholds, no redemption forms to complete. Excluded categories include electronics, computers, smartphones, TVs, and gaming.
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

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

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