Abu Dhabi Pass Launched By DCT Abu Dhabi And Etihad Airways To Enhance Visitor Experience

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways have introduced the Abu Dhabi Pass at ITB Berlin, a major tourism trade fair. This pass offers a digital experience for visitors, simplifying access to the emirate's attractions. Etihad passengers will receive an email with a link to access the pass without needing to download an app or pay extra.

Etihad passengers and all visitors can enjoy numerous benefits with the free Abu Dhabi Pass. These include a tourist SIM card with 10GB data, unlimited public bus access, and 24-hour use of the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network. This allows exploration of key city attractions at no additional cost.

Aysha Al Kaabi, Vice President Commercial Enablement & Engagement at Etihad Airways, stated, "Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi makes experiencing the emirate's attractions more appealing than ever. By combining transport, connectivity, and attraction discounts in one digital pass, we're making it simpler for visitors to enjoy Abu Dhabi's diverse experiences, from cultural discoveries to family entertainment."

The Abu Dhabi Pass aligns with the goals of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030. It aims to enhance visitor experiences through improved offerings and connectivity. The strategy targets attracting 39.3 million visitors, creating 178,000 new jobs in tourism, and contributing AED90 billion to GDP by 2030.

Pass holders benefit from exclusive discounts of 15% at top cultural venues like Qasr Al Watan and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Special rates are also available at Yas Island's entertainment spots such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Additionally, there are deals at over 200 restaurants and savings on activities like desert safaris.

Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that this initiative demonstrates their dedication to improving visitor experiences by offering seamless access to world-class attractions. He said they aim to present Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination through this partnership.

Boosting Tourism Through Strategic Initiatives

The agreement builds on Etihad's successful stopover programme which saw an increase from 12,000 international visitors in 2023 to 85,000 in 2024. In 2025, they expect over 130,000 stopover guests—a more than 50% year-on-year rise. Visitors booking through etihad.com can also enjoy up to two nights' complimentary hotel stay when stopping over in Abu Dhabi.

This initiative is supported by recent infrastructure developments like Terminal A at Zayed International Airport and a growing calendar of cultural events. These efforts aim to make Abu Dhabi more accessible and attractive for tourists worldwide.

With inputs from WAM