Etihad Airways Teams Up With DCT Abu Dhabi For Complimentary Stopover Stays
In a significant move to boost tourism and showcase Abu Dhabi as a premier stopover destination, Etihad Airways, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has unveiled the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme. This initiative was announced following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Director General for Tourism, and Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, at the Arabian Travel Market.
The Abu Dhabi Stopover is an exclusive offer from Etihad Airways that encourages passengers flying through Abu Dhabi to extend their journey with a complimentary hotel stay, transforming a simple stop into an extraordinary holiday experience. Abu Dhabi, known for its luxurious hotels, pristine beaches, dynamic dining scene, and vibrant entertainment options, presents an ideal layover choice for travellers worldwide.

Passengers booking their flights via Etihad can now opt for a stopover and select from a variety of premium hotels for a one or two-night stay at no additional cost. This offer is accessible exclusively through direct bookings on etihad.com, aiming to enhance the travel experience by providing added value to Etihad’s guests.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry highlighted the importance of partnerships in promoting Abu Dhabi’s diverse attractions. He expressed enthusiasm about the Stopover programme with Etihad, viewing it as an exciting opportunity for visitors to discover the emirate’s offerings. The initiative aims to inspire travellers to explore Abu Dhabi further, enticing them to return for a more immersive experience.
Antonoaldo Neves shared ambitious goals for the programme, aiming to attract over 100,000 visitors to Abu Dhabi in the next year through the Stopover initiative. He emphasized the partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi as pivotal in showcasing the emirate's attractions to a global audience. Neves expressed confidence that the programme would encourage visitors to return and explore Abu Dhabi in greater depth.
This strategic collaboration between Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi signifies a concerted effort to promote tourism in the emirate. By offering a seamless and enriching stopover experience, both entities aim to highlight Abu Dhabi’s status as a world-class destination that caters to diverse interests and preferences.
With inputs from WAM