A new agreement between Etihad and the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi means when booking flights with Etihad, guests now have the option to add a stopover and stay in the UAE capital for up to two nights free.
The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DCT Abu Dhabi’s Director General for Tourism, His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, and Etihad’s CEO Antonoaldo Neves.
Etihad’s boarding pass also doubles as the Abu Dhabi pass, which offers discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions, as well as dining experiences.
DCT Abu Dhabi Director General for Tourism, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, says, “Our stopover programme with Etihad offers an exciting introduction to the emirate for curious visitors.
“This innovative initiative provides a snapshot of the diverse experiences available here, from entertainment and culture to leisure and beyond, inspiring travellers to return and immerse themselves in the complete Abu Dhabi experience.”
Etihad Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, says, “We plan to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the stopover programme over the next year, and we’re confident that once they have a taste of what the capital has to offer, they will return for more.”
Exploring Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital boasts diverse landscapes, from the serene dunes offering desert safari adventures to the turtle-nesting beaches of Saadiyat Island.
Cultural attractions include the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi with its unique landmark dome designed by Jean Nouvel, and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace.
Those looking for adventure and family fun can head to Yas Island, where theme parks such as Ferrari World YAS Island Abu Dhabi offer adrenaline-fuelled rides.
Or, visit Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi for rides, slides, wave pools and a lazy river.
Yas Island is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, host of the famous Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the racetrack is open to visitors for walking, running and cycling, as well as go-karting most of the year.
Stopover packages are only available when booking with Etihad direct.
For more information, visit Etihad Airways.
