Etihad expands free stopover programme to include Al Ain

Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi's tourism ministry are extending their stopover programme to Al Ain, giving passengers on connecting flights the choice of Abu Dhabi or Al Ain for a free hotel stay of one or two nights. Transfers between Zayed International Airport and Al Ain are free too.

Since the programme began in 2024, more than 310,000 international travellers have taken a stopover in the emirate. About 60,000 did so in the first eight months of 2026. Europe is the largest source market, led by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

According to the airline and the tourism authority, stopover guests also receive discounts at attractions and, under certain conditions, free travel medical insurance.