NATIONAL, INDIA – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, are marking the growth of the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme at Arabian Travel Market. 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.
Europe is the programme’s primary source market, led by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, followed by the Americas, led by the United States and Canada. India also ranks among the programme’s largest source markets overall.
In the first eight months of 2026, the programme has welcomed approximately 60,000 visitors. Guests receive a complimentary one or two-night hotel stay during their journey through Abu Dhabi, on the way to or from their chosen destination in Etihad’s network, to break up a long journey and offer a second holiday at no extra cost. An increasing number of guests who first came to know the emirate on a short stopover have since returned for a longer stay, and that pattern is one of the reasons both partners have continued to invest in the programme. DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways will continue to develop the programme together, as part of a shared ambition to welcome more of the world to Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain joins the programme
The extension to Al Ain comes as the destination marks a milestone year, having been named Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. The recognition reflects Al Ain’s heritage and its growing profile among regional and international travellers, making 2026 a fitting year to explore the destination.
Al Ain joins Abu Dhabi city as a second stopover destination, giving travellers a choice between a coastal, culture and entertainment experience and an inland alternative built around heritage, nature and wellness. Known as the Garden City, and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain offers a slower-paced counterpoint to Abu Dhabi’s beaches and entertainment districts. The stopover features destination highlights including Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji, and is positioned as a distinct experience within the programme rather than a like-for-like substitute.
Guests booking directly on etihad.com, or via select travel agents, can add a stopover and choose from a range of hotels in Al Ain, including Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana and Danat Al Ain Resort, among others, with no additional cost for the room. The booking includes complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain.
The Stopover Pass
Exclusively available to Etihad stopover guests, the digital Abu Dhabi Stopover Pass enhances the visitor experience by providing access to some of Abu Dhabi’s most renowned attractions and cultural landmarks. The pass unlocks savings of up to 15% at leading destinations, including Qasr Al Watan, The National Aquarium and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, helping travellers make the most of their stay in the UAE capital.
Medical insurance cover for international visitors
Stopover guests in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain also benefit from Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi’s complimentary medical travel insurance, introduced in June 2026 with The National Insurance Company – Daman. Eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights receive automatic cover for up to 15 days, with no application required, giving guests one less thing to consider while they explore. The cover applies to qualifying tickets through December 2026, and terms and conditions apply.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme shows what a close partnership between tourism and aviation can achieve. More than 310,000 visitors have chosen to extend their journey in Abu Dhabi, and the hotel nights that come with them, making the programme one of our most effective ways of introducing international guests to the emirate and encouraging them to experience more of what it has to offer. Adding Al Ain Region, our Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026, invites those visitors to discover even more of the cultural heritage, natural beauty and authentic experiences that make Abu Dhabi distinctive.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We bring guests to Abu Dhabi from over 100 destinations, and we want every one of them to have a reason to stay. That is the thinking behind the stopover, and behind extending it to Al Ain. Someone who has experienced Abu Dhabi this way wants to come back, and that is the return we are looking for.”
The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, including the extension to Al Ain, is available to book now. Full terms and eligibility criteria are available at etihad.com/stopover.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit etihad.com.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries. DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought. For more information, please visit dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.
