Etihad adds Al Ain to Abu Dhabi stopover programme with free hotel stays
Travellers can choose between city attractions and inland heritage experiences
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has expanded its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to the Al Ain Region, giving eligible international passengers connecting through Zayed International Airport the option of spending their complimentary hotel stay in either Abu Dhabi City or Al Ain.
The programme is being expanded in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The move comes as Al Ain Region marks its year as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2026, following its designation by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism.
The Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, launched in 2024, allows eligible Etihad passengers to add a free one or two-night hotel stay when transiting through Abu Dhabi on the way to or from destinations across the airline’s global network. With the latest expansion, travellers can use their transit time to experience either Abu Dhabi’s coastal attractions and entertainment or Al Ain’s heritage, nature and wellness offerings.
Two destinations
The addition of Al Ain gives passengers a choice between two distinctly different experiences within the emirate. Abu Dhabi City offers a combination of coastline, culture and entertainment, while Al Ain provides an inland setting centred on heritage, archaeology, natural landscapes and wellness.
The Al Ain option includes complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and the Al Ain Region as part of the stopover booking, making it possible for eligible passengers to include the destination without arranging separate airport transportation.
Al Ain is home to a range of cultural and historical attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain Museum, Qasr Al Muwaiji and Al Jahili Fort. Jebel Hafit also adds a prominent natural landmark to the destination, with the region bringing together oases, historic sites and landscapes in an experience distinct from Abu Dhabi City.
Tourism milestone
The expansion arrives during a significant year for Al Ain Region, which was named Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism at its 28th session in Baghdad in December 2025. The designation followed Al Ain’s recognition as Capital of Gulf Tourism in 2025.
For travellers using the expanded stopover programme, the timing provides an opportunity to explore the inland destination during the year of its Arab Tourism Capital designation. The programme positions Al Ain as an additional stopover experience rather than a replacement for Abu Dhabi City.
Passengers booking directly through Etihad’s website or via select travel agents can add a stopover and select from participating hotels in Al Ain. Available properties include 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 for eligible bookings.
Added benefits
Etihad’s boarding pass also serves as a Stopover Pass, providing discounts on attractions and dining in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This allows passengers staying in either destination to access additional offers during their stopover.
Guests using the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stopover options can also benefit from complimentary medical travel insurance provided through Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi. Introduced in June 2026, the cover is provided by The National Insurance Company – Daman and is automatically available to eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights.
The insurance provides coverage for up to 15 days, with no separate application required.
The Al Ain expansion builds on the existing stopover programme while broadening the range of experiences available to passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi. Eligible travellers can select their preferred destination when adding a stopover to their itinerary, subject to the programme’s terms and eligibility requirements.
Full terms and eligibility criteria are available through Etihad’s stopover programme.