The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways are expanding the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to Al Ain as international visitor numbers continue to grow.

More than 310,000 international visitors have chosen to extend their journeys in the emirate since the programme launched in 2024.

The latest expansion gives Etihad passengers connecting through Zayed International Airport the option of using their complimentary hotel stay in Al Ain, alongside Abu Dhabi city and its islands.

Europe is the programme’s largest source market, led by the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, followed by the Americas, particularly the US and Canada. India is also among the programme’s leading markets. Around 60,000 visitors used the programme during the first eight months of 2026.

The programme offers passengers a complimentary one- or two-night hotel stay when travelling through Abu Dhabi to or from destinations on Etihad’s network.

The initiative aims to encourage travellers to break up longer journeys and experience Abu Dhabi at no additional hotel cost. DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad said some visitors who initially discovered the emirate through a stopover have subsequently returned for longer stays.

Al Ain joins the programme

Al Ain’s addition comes as the destination celebrates being named Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.

The Garden City provides an alternative stopover experience to Abu Dhabi’s coastal attractions, offering heritage, nature and wellness experiences.

The destination is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Stopover highlights include Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji.

Passengers booking directly through Etihad’s website or selected travel agents can add a stopover and choose from hotels including Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana and Danat Al Ain Resort. Complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain are also included.

The programme’s digital Abu Dhabi Stopover Pass offers additional savings of up to 15% at attractions including Qasr Al Watan, The National Aquarium and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Stopover guests in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain also benefit from complimentary medical travel insurance introduced in June 2026 in partnership with The National Insurance Company – Daman. Eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights receive automatic coverage for up to 15 days, with qualifying tickets covered through December 2026.

 Saleh 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 expanded Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, including Al Ain, is now available to book through Etihad. -TradeArabia News Service