Qatar Airways Privilege Club and the Qatar Central Bank jointly announced on 2 November 2025 a tie-up that allows all domestic Himyan prepaid and debit cards to earn Avios—Qatar Airways’ loyalty currency—at a rate of 1 Avios per QAR 8 spent. Cardholders will also receive bonus accrual through Card-Linked Offers at participating merchants across Qatar.
Why it matters for Australia: Doha has become a primary one-stop gateway for Australians heading to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Privilege Club membership among Australian residents has tripled since the pandemic. The new partnership effectively turns everyday spending in Qatar—think accommodation bills, dining and retail—into additional Avios that can be redeemed for upgrades or award seats on the carrier’s four Australian routes (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth).
![Qatar Central Bank taps Avios: Himyan cardholders to earn points on everyday spend]()
Corporate mobility programmes with frequent travel to Qatar for LNG, construction and FIFA 2030 infrastructure projects can leverage the scheme to enhance traveller satisfaction without extra cost. Because Avios pools across British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus, the benefit extends to on-carriage within Europe.
The bank confirmed that foreign visitors can obtain a Himyan card instantly at participating branches on presentation of a passport and valid entry stamp, making the product accessible to short-stay business travellers. Analysts called the move a “smart fusion of national payments strategy and travel loyalty” likely to increase Qatar’s retail spend capture ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.
Why it matters for Australia: Doha has become a primary one-stop gateway for Australians heading to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and Privilege Club membership among Australian residents has tripled since the pandemic. The new partnership effectively turns everyday spending in Qatar—think accommodation bills, dining and retail—into additional Avios that can be redeemed for upgrades or award seats on the carrier’s four Australian routes (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth).
Corporate mobility programmes with frequent travel to Qatar for LNG, construction and FIFA 2030 infrastructure projects can leverage the scheme to enhance traveller satisfaction without extra cost. Because Avios pools across British Airways Executive Club and Iberia Plus, the benefit extends to on-carriage within Europe.
The bank confirmed that foreign visitors can obtain a Himyan card instantly at participating branches on presentation of a passport and valid entry stamp, making the product accessible to short-stay business travellers. Analysts called the move a “smart fusion of national payments strategy and travel loyalty” likely to increase Qatar’s retail spend capture ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup.
