Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover

Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Etihad Airways and the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have announced the launch of Abu Dhabi Stopover which invites guests flying through to turn their stopover into a free hotel stay and holiday.

    The Abu Dhabi Stopover, exclusive to Etihad Airways, will enable passengers to enjoy a convenient free stay in the capital of the UAE, and take full advantage of its world-class hotels, beaches, vibrant dining scene and entertainment.

    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.

    “Our partners are an integral part of our mission to share the very best of Abu Dhabi with global travellers,” Al Geziry said.

    “Our Stopover program 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.”

    Add a stopover and free hotel stay

    The Abu Dhabi Stopover is available when booking flights with the airline, who are now offered the option of adding a stopover and select a complimentary hotel as part of the online booking process.

    Guests can choose a free stay for one or two nights in a range of premier hotels across the city. Stopover packages are only available when booking direct on etihad.com.

    Neves added that the carrier plans to bring more than 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi through the Stopover program over the next year.

    “We’re confident that once they have a taste of what the capital has to offer, they will return for more. We are thrilled to be working hand in hand with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to showcase what the emirate has to offer to the world,” Neves said.

    The Stopover will provide an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes surrounding the UAE capital features sand dunes for desert safari adventures, turtle-nesting beaches of Saadiyat Island, or the surrounding turquoise waters.

    The city’s architectural highlights, meanwhile, 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.

    Family fun at Ferrari World

    For family fun, Yas Island features theme parks such as Ferrari World YAS Island, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld with its rides, slides and wave pools.

    Yas Island is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, host of the 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.

    Etihad’s boarding pass also doubles up as the Abu Dhabi pass which offers discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions as well as dining experiences.

    Ferrari World YAS Island.

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