Etihad to offer free Abu Dhabi stopovers to passengers from MEA, Pakistan

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways will offer one night’s free accommodation in Abu Dhabi to all passengers travelling in economy class from the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, and stopping over in the UAE capital.

The offer is valid from now until September 15, 2017, it said in a statement.

The airline’s passengers will receive a one-night free stay at the Radisson Blu hotel on Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi is seeking to increase visitor arrivals during summer, as it looks to expand its tourism offering.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, executive vice president Commercial at Etihad, said: “The capital of the UAE has so much to offer all types of travellers, whether they are after culture, a beach break or sports and adventure.

“Those who transit through Abu Dhabi should be encouraged by us to experience it. This offer is for guests to make time to explore the many attractions Abu Dhabi has to offer during their stopover. The beautiful desert; a visit to the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – among the world’s biggest; a tour of the many attractions on Yas Island, or sampling the emirate’s world class hotels and restaurants are all part of the Abu Dhabi experience.”

Abu Dhabi, which recorded over 4.4 million guest arrivals in 2016, aims to attract 7.5 million visitors per year by 2030.

As part of that strategy, several tourist attractions are being developed at places like Yas Island and Saddiyat Island.

Yas Island features theme parks such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and upcoming 2018 attractions Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and CLYMB. The island will also house SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – the first SeaWorld theme park outside the US – which is set to open by 2022.

It also offers the Yas Marina Circuit, seven hotels, a live performance and concert arena, an 18-hole championship golf course, marina, beach, and Yas Mall.

Overall, Yas Island aims to attract 48 million annual visits by 2022 – up from 25 million in 2015.

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Meanwhile the Saadiyat Island will feature the soon-to-open Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in its Cultural District, the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort & Spa and the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, among others.