Etihad, DCT Abu Dhabi to offer free stopover stays in emirate

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced a new joint initiative, the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, designed to attract more visitors to the UAE capital.

The programme, unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, allows passengers flying through Abu Dhabi with Etihad to extend their layover and enjoy a complimentary hotel stay.

Travellers can choose from a selection of hotels across the city for one or two nights as part of their online booking on the airline’s website.

“Our partnership with Etihad offers an exciting introduction to Abu Dhabi for curious visitors,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. “This programme provides a taste of the diverse experiences available here, inspiring travellers to return for a longer stay.”

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential. “We plan to attract over 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the Stopover programme in the next year. We’re confident a taste of the city will entice them to return for a full exploration.”

Attractions for stopover visitors

Abu Dhabi offers a variety of attractions for stopover visitors – from desert landscapes and beaches to world-class museums and theme parks. Cultural highlights include the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi with its architectural marvel designed by Jean Nouvel, and the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace.

For families and adventure seekers, Yas Island offers theme parks like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, alongside water parks and the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The racetrack is also open for public activities like walking, running, and cycling.

Added value for Etihad customers

Etihad Airways‘ boarding pass will double as an Abu Dhabi pass, granting discounts at various city attractions and restaurants. The airline’s hub, the newly opened state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport, facilitates convenient connections for onward journeys after the stopover.

Read: Abu Dhabi International Airport is now Zayed International Airport

This collaboration between Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi is expected to boost Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry by attracting new visitors and encouraging them.

In other news, the airline recently launched reciprocal interline partnerships with five new airline partners.

These include Kam Air in Afghanistan, SKY Express in Greece, Rex Airlines in Australia, Jeju Air in Korea and Myanmar Airways International.

They also launched a codeshare agreement with New York’s JetBlue airline.

The interline agreements give customers of the carriers enhanced connectivity to destinations across each other’s networks, allowing travellers to book their entire journey on a single ticket and have their baggage checked through seamlessly to their end destination.