Etihad Airways Expands Free Stopover Programme to Include Al Ain Region
Etihad Airways, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has expanded its free stopover programme to now offer complimentary hotel stays in the Al Ain Region, complementing the existing Abu
Etihad Airways has announced the expansion of its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme to include the Al Ain Region, offering passengers connecting through Zayed International Airport the choice of a complimentary hotel stay in either Abu Dhabi City or Al Ain. This initiative, a continued partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), allows eligible passengers a free one or two-night hotel stay.
The expansion coincides with Al Ain Region being designated as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, highlighting its growing appeal.
Stopover Options and Benefits
The programme, initially launched in 2024, aims to encourage travellers to break up long journeys and explore the emirate. Passengers can now choose between:
- A coastal, culture, and entertainment experience in Abu Dhabi City.
- An inland option focusing on heritage, nature, and wellness in the Al Ain Region.
Complimentary shuttle transfers between Zayed International Airport and the Al Ain Region are included as part of the stopover booking. The initiative also features a Stopover Pass, which is the Etihad boarding pass, offering discounts on attractions and dining across both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Al Ain Region Highlights
Al Ain offers a distinct experience with its UNESCO-listed cultural sites, historic forts, oases, and natural landscapes. Key attractions include:
- Al Ain Oasis
- Al Ain Museum
- Qasr Al Muwaiji
- Al Jahili Fort
- Jebel Hafit
Hotels available for the complimentary stay in Al Ain include Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana, and Danat Al Ain Resort, among others. These can be booked directly via etihad.com or through selected travel agents.
Medical Travel Insurance
Both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stopover guests also benefit from complimentary medical travel insurance, introduced in June 2026. This coverage, provided by The National Insurance Company — Daman, automatically applies to eligible international visitors on Etihad-operated flights for up to 15 days, requiring no application.
Questions, answered
- What does the Etihad Abu Dhabi Stopover programme offer?
- The programme offers eligible Etihad Airways passengers a free one or two-night hotel stay in either Abu Dhabi City or the Al Ain Region when connecting through Zayed International Airport.
- What are the benefits of choosing an Al Ain stopover?
- An Al Ain stopover provides an experience focused on heritage, nature, and wellness, with access to UNESCO-listed sites like Al Ain Oasis and Jebel Hafit, along with complimentary shuttle transfers from Zayed International Airport.
- Which hotels are available for the free stopover in Al Ain?
- Participating hotels in Al Ain include Four Points by Sheraton Al Ain, Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Al Ain, Al Ain Rotana, and Danat Al Ain Resort.
- Is medical travel insurance included in the stopover programme?
- Yes, eligible international visitors travelling on Etihad-operated flights receive automatic complimentary medical travel insurance coverage for up to 15 days, provided by The National Insurance Company — Daman.
- Why is Al Ain Region being highlighted for tourism?
- Al Ain Region has been designated as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2026 by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, recognising its strong heritage and growing profile among regional and international travellers.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.