Etihad’s Free Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme Now Includes Al Ain
Travellers flying through Abu Dhabi can now turn their connecting journey into a short escape to Al Ain, with Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) expanding the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to the emirate’s Garden City.
Eligible Etihad passengers connecting through Zayed International Airport can choose between a complimentary hotel stay in Abu Dhabi City or Al Ain, adding a heritage and nature-focused alternative to the capital’s beaches, cultural attractions and entertainment districts.
The expansion comes during a milestone year for the destination, with Al Ain named Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.
How the Etihad Stopover Programme Works
Launched in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme is designed to encourage connecting passengers to spend more time exploring the emirate rather than simply passing through the airport.
Eligible travellers can receive a complimentary one or two-night hotel stay when their Etihad journey connects through Abu Dhabi. Etihad’s current eligibility information states that the complimentary stopover is available on qualifying return journeys with a stop in Abu Dhabi of at least 24 hours and up to four days; terms and conditions apply.
The programme has already attracted significant interest. According to Etihad, more than 310,000 international visitorshave extended their journeys in Abu Dhabi through the initiative since 2024, including approximately 60,000 during the first eight months of 2026.
Why Choose Al Ain for Your Stopover?
Adding Al Ain gives travellers a very different way to spend their time in the emirate.
While Abu Dhabi City offers a combination of beaches, museums, entertainment and island attractions, Al Ain provides a quieter itinerary centred around Emirati heritage, oases, archaeology, mountains and nature.
Highlights featured as part of the destination include Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji and Jebel Hafeet, while Etihad also highlights Al Ain Zoo among the attractions visitors can explore.
Importantly for passengers with limited time, the Al Ain stopover also includes complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain, making it easier to experience the inland destination without organising separate transportation.
Which Al Ain Hotels Are Included?
Travellers booking an eligible stopover can select from participating Al Ain hotels, with options currently including Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana and Danat Al Ain Resort, among others. The room is provided at no additional cost under the qualifying complimentary stopover offer.
The booking can be added when arranging an eligible journey directly through Etihad, subject to the airline’s stopover terms and availability.
Your Boarding Pass Comes With Extra Benefits
The benefits don’t necessarily end with the complimentary hotel.
Etihad’s Stopover Pass gives participating travellers savings at selected attractions and experiences. Etihad says the digital pass can unlock discounts of up to 15% at destinations including Qasr Al Watan, The National Aquarium and Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi.
Eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights can also receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days, introduced by Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi in partnership with The National Insurance Company – Daman. The current offer applies to qualifying tickets through December 2026, subject to terms and conditions.
Al Ain Gets a Bigger Place on Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Map
The timing of the expansion puts additional international attention on Al Ain during its year as Capital of Arab Tourism 2026, following its recognition as Capital of Gulf Tourism in 2025.
For travellers, the biggest change is choice. A connecting flight through Abu Dhabi can now become a short city break filled with museums, beaches and entertainment, or a quieter stay exploring Al Ain’s heritage and natural landscapes.
The Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Stopover programme is available to book now, subject to eligibility and availability. Travellers can check the latest terms and participating hotels through Etihad’s official Stopover page.
Original News: Abu Dhabi Media Office
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