Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme Sees Visitor Surge To 44,000 In First Four Months Of 2025

The Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme, a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways, has seen remarkable growth. At the Arabian Travel Market 2025, it was highlighted that visitor numbers are rising rapidly. In the first four months of 2025 alone, there were 25,000 bookings, marking a 47% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2024.

Visitor numbers surged to 44,000 from January to April 2025, a substantial 76% rise over the previous year's figures for the same period. This success extends beyond initial visits; many travellers who first experienced Abu Dhabi during a stopover are returning for longer holidays. The programme's appeal is evident as it continues to attract visitors from Etihad’s global network.

In 2024, Abu Dhabi welcomed 85,000 international stopover visitors compared to just 12,000 in 2023. Etihad Airways expects over 130,000 stopover guests in 2025. This growth is driven by interest from countries like the United States and Canada, where travellers are keen to explore Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions.

European visitors from the UK, Germany, and France are also discovering Abu Dhabi's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Additionally, the programme resonates with travellers from India, Japan, and South Korea. The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass in March has further enhanced its appeal by offering additional benefits.

The digital Abu Dhabi Pass provides free airport transfers and a tourist SIM card with data connectivity. It also offers unlimited access to public buses and hop-on-hop-off tourist buses. Pass holders receive exclusive discounts at attractions like Qasr Al Watan and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Strategic Investments Yielding Results

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry of DCT Abu Dhabi stated that strategic investments in marketing and diverse programming have led to significant tourism growth. "Abu Dhabi's strategic investment in data-led marketing...is yielding significant tourism growth," he said. The emirate recorded 1.4 million overnight guests in Q1 2025.

The teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi opened on April 18th as part of Saadiyat Cultural District. This immersive art space spans 17,000 sqm and features exhibits blending art, science, and technology. It adds to Abu Dhabi's portfolio of world-class experiences.

Enhancing Visitor Experience

Antonoaldo Neves of Etihad Airways noted that their Stopover Programme is exceeding expectations: "Our Stopover Programme continues to exceed expectations...demonstrates the programme's accelerating momentum." Offering up to two complimentary hotel nights enhances visitor experiences alongside practical benefits from the Abu Dhabi Pass.

The average length of stay for stopover visitors has increased since 2024 as they explore more attractions. This aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 goals: attracting 39.3 million visitors annually by creating new jobs and contributing significantly to GDP.

Looking forward, DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways aim to enhance visitor experiences through continued collaboration. They have ambitious targets for international visitor arrivals in upcoming years while ensuring that cultural identity remains central to their long-term tourism vision.

With inputs from WAM