What happened
Dubai is giving travelers one frequent-flier mile for each minute spent in the city, with a maximum of 7,200 points for a five-day visit, as Emirates tries to draw more connecting long-haul passengers.
Why it matters
The offer is a bonus for travelers already planning to visit, but the maximum award is not enough to make extending a stay worthwhile, even by a minute.
WHO IT HITSTravelers booking long-haul connections through Dubai are the target, though the capped award may not persuade them to extend a layover into a longer stay.
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Dubai's new perk comes as Emirates is trying to entice more connecting travelers on long-haul flights to make a stop in the city, and the airline has nearly returned to its prewar capacity. Earlier incentives included discounts at amusement parks, hotels, and restaurants, making the per-minute mile offer the latest in a series of marketing gimmicks aimed at extending layovers.
The fine print limits the appeal: the maximum award of 7,200 points for a five-day visit converts to a 216 dirham ($59) voucher at Dubai Duty Free, far short of a cabin upgrade. For anyone already planning to come, the miles are a bonus, but the cap makes it hard to justify extending a stay even by a minute.
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