The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Airways have expanded their Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to include Al Ain, providing international transit passengers with complimentary stays in the UAE’s Garden City.
The expansion was highlighted at Arabian Travel Market, reflecting the programme’s growth since its launch in 2024. To date, more than 310,000 international travellers have utilised the scheme to extend their stays in the emirate, with approximately 60,000 visitors welcomed in the first eight months of 2026 alone.
The initiative allows passengers connecting through Zayed International Airport (AUH) to book a complimentary one- or two-night hotel stay when travelling across Etihad Airways' global network.
The inclusion of Al Ain coincides with the destination’s designation as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.
Positioned as an inland, heritage- and nature-focused counterpoint to Abu Dhabi city's coastal resorts and entertainment hubs, Al Ain offers visitors access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji, and Al Ain Zoo.
Under the expanded programme, transit passengers can select complimentary accommodations at properties including Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana, and Danat Al Ain Resort. Complimentary shuttle transfers are provided between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain.
Europe remains the programme's primary source market - led by the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain - followed by the Americas (the US and Canada) and India. According to DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad, an increasing number of stopover guests subsequently return for longer independent holidays.
Guests booking the stopover package receive The Abu Dhabi Stopover Pass - a digital pass offering up to 15 per cent savings on key attractions, such as Qasr Al Watan, The National Aquarium, and Ferrari World Yas Island. Through a partnership launched with National Health Insurance Company – Daman, eligible international passengers flying on Etihad-operated flights receive automatic medical travel cover for up to 15 days, valid on qualifying tickets through December 2026.
The expanded stopover programme is available to book directly through etihad.com and via select trade partners.