Etihad Guest crowns 10 Extraordinary Challenge winners at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
A380 fly-past thrills spectators at Yas Marina Circuit
ABU DHABI – Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, celebrated a milestone moment at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as it honoured the first 10 members to complete The Extraordinary Challenge.
The winners were recognised during a dedicated ceremony at the Etihad Guest Terrace overlooking the final race weekend, marking a global celebration of travel ambition, rapid route expansion and the airline’s growing community of passionate explorers. The event also revealed the top three travellers who secured five million, three million and one million Etihad Guest Miles, becoming Miles-millionaires during Abu Dhabi’s biggest weekend of the year.
The Extraordinary Challenge
Launched in May, The Extraordinary Challenge invited members to visit 15 new destinations the airline had placed on its expanding map. With Etihad now standing at 31 new route announcements this year, including Palma de Mallorca, Salalah and Krakow beginning next year, the challenge has grown into a global race uniting travellers from every corner of the world.
Nearly 50,000 members have registered since launch, with 20% joining the programme because of the challenge itself. Seventy-five per cent of competitors are based outside the UAE, and half of the 10 finalists also travelled from abroad, highlighting the truly international nature of the competition.
Warsaw, the airline’s third new route of the year, has emerged as the most visited destination among challengers. With more than 11 million Etihad Guest Miles still in the prizepot, new and existing members can continue signing up to complete the Extraordinary Milestones and earn up to 125,000 bonus miles. The competition remains open until 25 May 2026, with participants tracking their journeys through a live race dashboard and digital passport stamping each completed destination.
The Extraordinary Challenge has grown into a year-long global adventure, inspiring thousands to turn their travel goals into reality. Etihad Guest reported that the challenge has been a strong driver of new membership, particularly from international travellers attracted by the gamified format and the opportunity to compete with a worldwide community.
The first 10 members to complete all required destinations were awarded 100,000 miles each, recognising the speed, dedication and strategic planning behind their accomplishment. Additional awards included the Most Creative Participant Award and The Extraordinary Accelerator Award, each carrying 50,000 miles for individuals who crafted unique approaches to completing the challenge.
Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, described the competition as a testament to the adventurous spirit of members. He emphasised that with tens of thousands still racing towards their milestones, the challenge continues to unite a global community through Abu Dhabi while offering significant rewards.
The ceremony at the Etihad Guest Terrace gathered travellers who had crossed continents to complete their itineraries. During the Grand Prix weekend, the top three winners were formally announced, earning five million, three million and one million Etihad Guest Miles respectively. Many of the finalists described the experience as a journey of endurance and discovery, driven by the airline’s expanding network and the interactive tools that allowed participants to track their progress in real time.
Etihad’s digital passport system, which stamps each newly visited destination, and the challenge dashboard, which displays individual rankings, have been central to engagement. Members continue to share their adventures on social media using the hashtag #EYextraordinarymiles.
Etihad confirmed that both seasoned and new members can register at etihad.com/extraordinary, and those joining now retain a full opportunity to earn prizes until May 2026. Millions of miles remain available, keeping the competition active long after the Grand Prix festivities have concluded.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix opened with another signature spectacle: the Etihad Airways A380 fly-past over Yas Marina Circuit.
The superjumbo traced a low-level path above the track, accompanied by the Al Fursan Aerobatic Team, which filled the sky with red, green and black trails representing the UAE flag. The dramatic display set the tone for the season finale, watched by thousands at the circuit and by millions worldwide.
The A380 was operated by four senior Etihad pilots: Captain Adel Al Zubaidi, Captain Azizan Bin Othman, Captain Harris Kynigos and Captain Abdulla Alafeefi. Each underwent extensive preparation to execute the precision manoeuvre, which has become a hallmark of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since Etihad introduced the fly-past in 2009.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said the Grand Prix continues to be one of Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic periods, attracting international visitors and showcasing the airline’s pride in its home city. The fly-past, he added, remains a tradition symbolising the connection between Etihad Airways and the global racing audience.
This year’s race further cemented Yas Island’s status as one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations. With theme parks, major shopping districts, Yas Bay Waterfront, Etihad Arena, Etihad Park and a packed calendar of events, the island continues to draw growing numbers of visitors each year.