The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, a joint initiative between the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, has expanded to include Al Ain as a second destination, giving travellers connecting through Zayed International Airport the option to spend a complimentary hotel stay in the UAE’s Garden City rather than Abu Dhabi city.
The programme, launched in 2024, has drawn more than 310,000 international visitors who chose to extend their journeys in the emirate. In the first eight months of 2026 alone, it welcomed approximately 60,000 guests. Eligible travellers receive a complimentary one or two-night hotel stay at no additional cost, with the stay framed as a second holiday built into a longer journey.
Europe accounts for the programme’s largest source market, led by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, with the Americas and India also among the top contributors.
The Al Ain addition arrives during a milestone year for the city: the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism named it Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026. The designation reflects the city’s heritage credentials, which include a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its status as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Stopover attractions include Al Ain Zoo, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji. Complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain are included in the booking, and hotel options include the Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana and Danat Al Ain Resort.
Guests also have access to the digital Abu Dhabi Stopover Pass, which provides savings of up to 15% at attractions including Qasr Al Watan, The National Aquarium and Ferrari World Yas Island. A complimentary medical travel insurance arrangement, introduced in June 2026 through The National Insurance Company Daman, provides automatic cover for eligible international visitors for up to 15 days on qualifying Etihad-operated tickets through December 2026.
“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,” Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said in a statement.
“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,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways added.
Both partners said they would continue developing the programme together. Bookings for the Al Ain extension are open now via etihad.com and select travel agents.
