The Growing Popularity of the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme

Visitor Numbers Surge as Abu Dhabi Enhances Travel Experience

The collaboration between Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has brought about significant developments in the tourism sector, particularly with the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme. This initiative has witnessed impressive growth in visitor numbers, demonstrating a clear upward trend in international travel to the emirate.

Program Growth and Key Statistics

In just the first four months of 2025, the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme recorded 25,000 bookings, marking a notable 47% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2024. The associated rise in visitor numbers is equally striking, with 44,000 visitors arriving between January and April 2025. This represents a substantial 76% increase from the 25,000 visitors during the corresponding period the previous year.

This trend of returning visitors exemplifies the program’s allure. Tourists who initially explored Abu Dhabi during a brief stopover are returning for extended stays, thus contributing to the region’s appeal as a holiday destination. The performance in 2024 was impressive as well, with 85,000 international stopover visitors logged—up from just 12,000 in 2023. Etihad Airways projects that more than 130,000 stopover guests will be welcomed in 2025 alone, ensuring continuous growth and increasing interest in Abu Dhabi.

Diverse Visitor Demographics

The Stopover Programme caters to a diverse array of travelers, attracting guests from Etihad’s extensive global network. There is a marked interest from North America, particularly the United States and Canada, as travelers seize the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural tapestry. Furthermore, visitors from various European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, embrace the unique juxtaposition of tradition and modernity that the emirate offers. Notably, travelers from regions such as India, Japan, and South Korea also find themselves drawn to Abu Dhabi’s extensive attractions.

The Launch of Abu Dhabi Pass

Enhancing the experience of tourists is the newly introduced Abu Dhabi Pass, launched in March. This digital pass is designed to maximize visitors’ time in the emirate by offering a suite of complementary services and benefits. The pass encompasses:

• Free airport transfers
• A tourist SIM card with data connectivity
• Unlimited access to public buses
• 24-hour unlimited access to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus network
• Discounts of up to 15% at premier attractions, including Qasr Al Watan and Louvre Abu Dhabi

This innovative offering adds substantial value to travelers keen on discovering all that Abu Dhabi has to offer, especially amidst its world-renowned sites, such as Yas Island’s renowned entertainment venues like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.

Statements from Industry Leaders

In an interview, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed that the ongoing investment in strategic marketing and a culture-first approach is fostering notable tourist growth, showcasing over 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of 2025. The success of this stopover program underscores their commitment to enhancing partnerships and expanding their reach globally, all while preserving Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural identity.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, also commented on the programme’s success, noting that the remarkable increase in visitors during the initial months of 2025 underscores the program’s momentum. By offering up to two complimentary hotel nights, the initiative presents an ideal opportunity for visitors to experience the remarkable attractions of Abu Dhabi. The introduction of the Abu Dhabi Pass has further enriched this experience, enabling travelers to maximize their time with exclusive offers.

Visitor Experience and Future Goals

The average duration of stay for visitors has notably increased since 2024, with guests taking the time to explore more of the city’s fascinating offerings. This trend aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aspires to welcome 39.3 million visitors, creating around 178,000 new jobs within the tourism industry and contributing AED 90 billion to the region’s GDP by that year.

As they look to the future, DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways plan to continue enhancing the visitor experience through ongoing collaborations, setting ambitious goals for international arrivals in the years to come.

Conclusion

The remarkable rise of the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme highlights the city’s increasing relevance as a global travel destination. With more travelers eager to explore its cultural offerings, Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a must-visit city on the world tourism map. Leveraging the advantages of a user-friendly platform like GetTransfer.com allows visitors to comfortably navigate their trip, access an array of transport options, and choose the right vehicle for their needs—enhancing every journey. By providing transparency in service and vehicle choices, GetTransfer.com paves the way for informed travel decisions and elevates the overall experience for travelers in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Whether seeking a convenient airport transfer or a private ride to explore the stunning city, GetTransfer.com stands ready to support your travel needs. Book your ride with GetTransfer.com today!