Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways Stopover programme expands to Al Ain Regio

Etihad Airways is expanding its free stopover programme to include Al Ain Region, in continued partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Guests connecting through Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport can now choose to spend their complimentary hotel stay in the Al Ain Region or Abu Dhabi City.

The expansion comes as the Al Ain Region marks its year as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2026, designated by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism. The move builds on the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme launched in 2024, which offers eligible Etihad passengers a free one or two-night hotel stay during their transit through Abu Dhabi on the way to or from their chosen destination in Etihad’s global network.

Encouraging guests to break up a long journey by offering a bonus, hassle-free holiday at no extra cost. Aysha Al Kaabi, VP Commercial Enablement and Engagement at Etihad Airways, said: “We’ve seen strong demand and excellent bookings for the Abu Dhabi Stopover since its launch, showing that our guests want more time to explore when they fly with us, to slow down between flights.

It’s clear travellers want more than a transit stop, they want a reason to stay. Expanding the programme to Al Ain Region gives travellers another reason to choose Etihad, the opportunity to make the most of a stopover by discovering both our beautiful home in Abu Dhabi and the rich Emirati heritage of Al Ain.

” Haitham Ali Khamis, Acting Director of Tourism Products Development, Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, said: “Al Ain Region offers visitors a distinctive perspective on Abu Dhabi through its UNESCO-listed cultural sites, historic forts, oases and natural landscapes.

Expanding the stopover programme to include Al Ain Region allows more visitors to discover another side of the emirate while extending their stay. ”

The two stopover destination options gives travellers the choice between a coastal, culture and entertainment experience in Abu Dhabi City, and an inland alternative built around heritage, nature and wellness in Al Ain Region.

The initiative includes complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain Region as part of the stopover booking. Al Ain Region offers a slower-paced counterpoint to Abu Dhabi’s beaches and entertainment districts.

Home to UNESCO-listed cultural sites, Al Ain Region features destination highlights including Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain Museum, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Jahili Fort and Jebel Hafit, combining cultural heritage, archaeology and natural landscapes within one destination.

Positioned as a distinct experience within the stopover programme rather than a like-for-like substitute. Al Ain Region’s inclusion in the programme comes as the destination marks a milestone year, having been named Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism at its 28th session in Baghdad in December 2025, following its designation as Capital of Gulf Tourism in 2025.

The recognition reflects Al Ain Region’s strong heritage and growing profile among regional and international travellers, making 2026 a fitting year to explore the destination. 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.

Etihad’s boarding pass continues to double as a Stopover Pass, offering discounts on attractions and dining, valid across both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stopover guests benefit from Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi’s complimentary medical travel insurance, introduced in June 2026 with coverage by 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. Full terms and eligibility criteria are available etihad.com/stopover.