Shariah-compliant credit cards are interest-free and in line with permissible Islamic principles.

Many UAE banks offer them, and with multiple options available, choosing the best fit for your specific needs can get confusing quickly. To help, we’ve put together this shortlist of Shariah-compliant credit cards in the UAE.

But first, let’s review what makes a credit card Shariah-compliant and the key factors to consider when choosing one.

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What makes a credit card Shariah-compliant?

A credit card is Shariah-compliant if it adheres to Islamic law (Shariah). This means it doesn’t include Islam-forbidden (haram) elements like interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and gambling or speculation (maysir).

Instead, Shariah-compliant (halal) cards align with permissible principles such as cost-plus sale (murabaha), fee-for-service (Ujrah), and interest-free loan (Qardh).

Shariah-compliant credit cards ensure transparency in their fee structures, so users aren’t unclear about any fees. They focus on ethical spending and may also offer perks like Islamic insurance (Takaful).

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Factors to consider when choosing a Shariah-compliant credit card in the UAE

1. Is the credit card truly interest-free and Murabaha-based?

Shariah-compliant credit cards are based on a Murabaha structure, meaning the bank earns a fixed profit instead of charging interest. You’ll usually see this payment referred to as a “profit rate” instead of an “interest rate.”

To double-check, consider how the card treats unpaid balances—if it charges interest or mentions an annual percentage rate (APR), it’s not fully compliant.

2. Does the card come with annual fees?

Shariah-compliant credit cards don’t come with interest charges, but you still need to compare different card options based on their annual fees. Some are free for life, while others are paid or free for only the first year.

Knowing which applies to the cards you’re considering will help you pick the most convenient for your lifestyle. For example, cards with high annual fees typically come with many premium features, while free alternatives are less robust.

2. Does the card come with annual fees?

Shariah-compliant credit cards don’t come with interest charges, but you still need to compare different card options based on their annual fees. Some are free for life, while others are paid or free for only the first year.

Knowing which applies to the cards you’re considering will help you pick the most convenient for your lifestyle. For example, cards with high annual fees typically come with many premium features, while free alternatives are less robust.

3. What is the card’s reward structure like?

Like conventional credit cards, Shariah-compliant credit card options offer various rewards, from cashback to redeemable points, welcome bonuses, and frequent flyer miles. These perks sometimes come with minimum spend requirements, redemption clauses, and usage caps, so carefully assess them before making a choice.

4. Which spending categories does the card cover?

Before selecting your Shariah-compliant card, review the primary spending categories each card covers. This step is important because you want to make sure your card works for the main items you purchase regularly.

Some popular spending categories include:

• Dining and food delivery
• Telecommunication
• Travel
• School fees
• Fuel and transportation, and more

Note: Some credit cards offer high cashback on specific categories based on the issuing bank’s existing partnerships. For example, a bank can collaborate with an airline on a credit card that lets users earn travel miles and airport lounge access.

5. Is the issuing bank backed by a Shariah board, scholar, or advisory committee?

One of the most important indicators of a card’s Shariah compliance is if an Islamic supervisory committee backs its issuing bank. Confirm this by checking the bank’s website, its about section, or the specific card’s landing page. The Shariah committees it belongs to or certificates it holds will be listed, giving you undisputable proof of its ethical standing.

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What are the best Shariah-compliant credit cards in the UAE?

1. ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Classic
2. Emirates Islamic Cashback Plus Credit Card
3. Sharjah Islamic Bank Smiles Titanium Mastercard
4. Emirates Islamic Emirati Credit Card
5. Dubai Islamic Bank Consumer Cashback Platinum
6. ADIB Emirates Skywards Visa Signature
7. Al Hilal Guest Signature Credit Card
8. Standard Chartered Saadiq Platinum Card
9. Sharjah Islamic Gold Visa
10. Dubai Islamic Bank Prime Gold Card

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1. ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Classic

The ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Classic card is designed for Etihad frequent flyers. It attracts no interest and is entirely Shariah-compliant through the Murabaha structure.

• Rewards: Etihad guest miles on all spends, complimentary airport discounts, and travel perks
• Annual fee: AED 500
• Monthly profit rate: 3.75%
• Documents required: Original and copy of valid passport and Emirates ID, bank account statement for the last 3 months, and salary certificate from current employer (not more than 30 days old)

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2. Emirates Islamic Cashback Plus Credit Card

The Emirates Islamic Cashback Plus Credit Card is ideal for everyday spending and managing a family budget. It offers high cashback on daily essentials, such as groceries, dining, education, and telecom. The card also runs on a transparent, profit-based structure with no interest charges.

• Rewards: Up to 10% cashback on domestic and international spends, complimentary airport access to 1000+ lounges worldwide, valet parking at select locations, and exclusive visa travel offers
• Annual fee: AED 299 for the primary cardholder, supplementary cards do not have a yearly fee.
• Monthly profit rate: 3.69%
• Documents required: Emirates ID, passport, and residence visa (if applicable for expatriates), latest salary certificate (for salaried individuals), trade certificate (for the self-employed), bank statement for the last 3 months, and security cheque (if applicable)

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3. Sharjah Islamic Bank Smiles Titanium Mastercard

The Sharjah Islamic Bank Smiles Titanium Mastercard is a Shariah-compliant credit card that’s great for everyday savings and benefits. It is ideal for spenders who want to limit expenses and access exclusive perks, which the bank’s Smiles program offers. You can earn Smiles, exchange them for reward points, and use them to purchase items online.

• Rewards: Points for local and international spending and complimentary, solid cashback rates on retail and online purchases, lifetime fee with no interest, and VIP lounge access in airports across the Middle East
• Annual fee: AED 0
• Monthly profit rate: 2.49%
• Documents required: Application form, Emirates ID copy & passport, proof of income, valid trade license (or salary slip for employed users), and partnership agreement (if applicable)

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4. Emirates Islamic Emirati Credit Card

The Emirates Islamic Emirati card is best for Emiratis (UAE nationals). It offers travel benefits and discounts on lifestyle expenses, such as dining and cinema. It also includes medical and travel insurance benefits.

• Rewards: Up to 7% cashback on lifestyle spends, lounge access, discounts on food orders on Talabat, and a welcome bonus (EI Smart miles).
• Annual fee: AED 0
• Monthly profit rate: 3.69%
• Documents required: Copy of passport, Emirates ID, salary certificate (minimum salary of AED 12,000 monthly), bank statement for the last 3 months

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5. Dubai Islamic Bank Consumer Cashback Platinum

The DIB Consumer Cashback Platinum card is perfect for family and utility payments because its cashback offers work excellently for recurring monthly expenses. It operates a clear profit model and is certified by a Shariah board.

• Rewards: Up to 4% cashback on utilities, school fees, and fuel
• Annual fee: AED 249
• Monthly profit rate: 3.49%
• Documents required: Valid passport, proof of residency, and proof of income

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6. ADIB Emirates Skywards Visa Signature

The ADIB Emirates Skyward Visa Signature card is designed for Emirates airline flyers who enjoy travel perks but prefer Halal financing.

• Rewards: Emirates skyward silver membership, welcome bonus of up to 25,000 bonus miles on first spend, concierge services, lounge access, and travel insurance
• Annual fee: AED 1,500
• Monthly profit rate: 3.75%
• Documents required: Original and copy of valid passport, original and copy of Emirates ID, bank account statements for the last 3 months (minimum salary of AED 15,000), and salary certificate (not more than 30 days old)

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7. Al Hilal Etihad Guest Signature Credit Card

The Al Hilal Etihad Guest Signature Credit Card favours high-spending and frequent Abu Dhabi-based travelers. It offers them a range of benefits, including travel insurance, airport lounge access, and mile accumulation.

• Rewards: Etihad guest miles, quarterly and anniversary bonus miles, lifestyle discounts, and travel perks
• Annual fee: AED 1050
• Monthly profit rate: 3.25%
• Documents required: Copy of Emirates ID and passport, proof of income, and proof of residence

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8. Standard Chartered Saadiq Platinum Card

The Standard Chartered Saadiq Platinum card is a Shariah-compliant credit card that offers attractive supplementary benefits, including discounts on lifestyle purchases and cashback on everyday essentials. It runs a simple and efficient Murabaha structure.

• Rewards: Up to 5% cashback on everyday spend, international lounge access, purchase protection, and discounts on dining, retail, and lifestyle merchants
• Annual fee: Free for the first year, then AED 315 thereafter
• Monthly profit rate: 3.75%
• Documents required: Proof of income, and CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)

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9. Sharjah Islamic Bank Gold Visa

The Sharjah Islamic Bank Gold Visa card is a stellar mid-tier option for modest spenders looking to get the most value possible. It is especially fitting for frequent flyers who want access to critical travel perks so they can enjoy trips without getting stranded or going against their beliefs.

• Rewards: Global ATM network and emergency assistance for lost cards, discounts on hotel bookings and vacation rentals, cashback on utility payments, reward points on spends, and 1000+ airport lounge access
• Annual fee: AED 367.5
• Monthly profit rate: 3.49%
• Documents required: Copy of Emirates ID and passport, salary slip and certificate (for salaried users), valid trade license (for self-employed users), bank account statement for the last 3 months, memorandum of partnership (if applicable)

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10. Dubai Islamic Bank Prime Gold Card

The Dubai Islamic Bank Prime Gold Card supports everyday halal spending by offering cashback on popular categories: telecom bills, school fees, utilities, and groceries. It is built on a strong Islamic financial foundation, making it ideal for individuals seeking affordable and ethical financing.

• Rewards: Access to DIB’s loyalty program, travel medical insurance, roadside assistance, and Extended Takaful (Islamic insurance cover) in case of loss of employment, permanent total disability, and death
• Annual fee: AED 0
• Monthly profit rate: 3.49%
• Documents required: Emirates ID, passport copy, and proof of income

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When and why to choose a Shariah-compliant card—even for non-Muslim users

If you want to uphold Islamic values while still enjoying amazing perks, Shariah-compliant cards are your best bet. They don’t attract interest rates, so even non-Muslims looking to limit credit card costs and maximize their benefits can opt in.

Note: Many Shariah-compliant credit card providers will still charge you a profit rate or penalty as a halal alternative to interest rates. It’s calculated daily, though, unlike compound interest.

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Spend freely with Shariah-compliant credit cards

Due to their ethical focus, Shariah-compliant cards might seem limiting at first. But choosing a Shariah-compliant credit card doesn’t equal settling for a basic card just to stay true to your values.

Many Islamic credit cards in the UAE (like the ones shared above) offer competitive benefits to match and sometimes even beat their conventional alternatives. So when it comes to financial freedom and managing money on your terms, Shariah-compliant cards are right up there: no interest fees, no hidden surprises, and no compromises.

Ready to choose a Shariah-compliant credit card in the UAE? Use the Daleel app to compare options side by side or get personalized recommendations (based on your income and lifestyle).

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