Abu Dhabi Stopover passes 310,000 visitors and extends to Al Ain

More than 310,000 international visitors have chosen to extend their journey in the emirate since the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme was launched in 2024, and the offer now extends to Al Ain, giving guests connecting through Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport the option to spend their complimentary hotel stay in the UAE's Garden City, alongside the existing option to stay in Abu Dhabi city and its popular islands.

Programme Growth
- Since launch in 2024, over 310,000 international visitors have used the stopover offer.
- In the first eight months of 2026 alone, ~60,000 guests participated.
- Major source markets: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, plus the US, Canada, and India.
- Many short-stay visitors later return for longer holidays, proving the programme’s value as a tourism driver.

What’s Included
- Complimentary 1–2 night hotel stay in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain for Etihad passengers transiting through Zayed International Airport.
- Hotels in Al Ain include Four Points by Sheraton, Radisson Blu, Al Ain Rotana, and Danat Al Ain Resort.
- Free shuttle transfers between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Al Ain Extension (2026)
- Al Ain named Capital of Arab Tourism 2026.
- Offers a heritage and nature-focused alternative to Abu Dhabi’s coastal entertainment.
- Highlights: Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Oasis (UNESCO site), Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji.
- Positioned as a distinct experience, not a substitute for Abu Dhabi.

Stopover Pass
- Digital pass exclusive to stopover guests.
- Unlocks savings up to 15% at attractions like Qasr Al Watan, The National Aquarium, Ferrari World Yas Island.

Medical Insurance
- Complimentary travel insurance (up to 15 days) for international visitors on Etihad flights, introduced June 2026 with Daman.
- Automatic coverage, no application needed, valid through December 2026.

Leadership Statements
- Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry (DCT Abu Dhabi): Stopover is one of the most effective ways to introduce guests to the emirate.
- Antonoaldo Neves (Etihad CEO): “We want every guest to have a reason to stay… Someone who has experienced Abu Dhabi this way wants to come back.”

🔑 Takeaway: The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme is evolving into a strategic tourism funnel—turning transit passengers into repeat visitors. The Al Ain extension adds depth by showcasing heritage and nature, complementing Abu Dhabi’s urban and coastal appeal.