ABU DHABI STOPOVERS It's more than a stopover. It's a holiday.
8 HOW TO BOOK YOUR STOPOVER
Booking your stopover is easy. Step 1: Book your Etihad Airways ticket through etihad.com or your travel agent. Economy Class bookings are eligible for all stopovers except the Premium stopover. The Residence, First and Business Class bookings are eligible for all stopover options. Step 2: Book your stopover package at etihad.com/stopovers If you are booking the Premium Stopover or The Residence Stopover packages, fill in the hotel booking form at etihad.com/ premiumstopovers. You will be contacted within 48 hours to book your free stay. At hotel check-in, you will need to show your Etihad boarding pass and your booking confirmation. For those booking Abu Dhabi 2-for-1 Stopovers through our participating Etihad Airways Partners, visit the stopover page on their websites after booking your flight ticket. 9
2 STOP OVER IN ABU DHABI WITH ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Wouldn t it be wonderful to have a holiday within your holiday? Or a relaxing break after a tiring business trip? Stop over in Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways and let us show you a great time with our range of stopover options including 2-for-1 deals on stays and activities. From its rich culture and heritage to its unique desert landscapes, stunning beaches and shopping malls - Abu Dhabi is filled with breathtaking experiences. Whatever experiences you prefer, Etihad Airways has stopover options to suit your needs. 3
STOPOVERS AT A GLANCE 5
6 WHY STOP OVER IN ABU DHABI
Home to world-class hotels We ve got over 60 hotels and apartments ranging from 3-stars to 5-stars with none more than 35 minutes away from the airport. Choose to be next to pristine beaches, shopping malls, or world-class golf courses. And with our stopover packages you can enjoy 24-hour check-in and check-out in most hotels. This means you ll have access to your room from the minute you arrive. For example, if you check in at 8pm, you can check-out at 8pm the next day. 2-for-1 deals on stopover activities From a city tour to a seaplane tour, there are lots of activities to fill your stopover. Pick one from our list and we ll give you a second activity for free. Even better, our 2-for-1 deals are available every day, all year round. Thrills on Yas Island Ride the world s fastest rollercoaster, go on a shopping spree, drive yourself round the Yas Marina F1 track or play a great game of golf. There s something on Yas Island to get everyone s adrenaline pumping. Family fun at the beach Abu Dhabi s beaches are full of fun for beach lovers. Enjoy water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, build sandcastles on the sandy beaches or for those who just want to relax simply pick your spot from the hundreds of sun loungers available and enjoy the year-round sunshine. Golfing in the desert If golf is your passion, then you will be spoilt with a number of PGA level golf courses. Be near the airport at Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Club or enjoy breathtaking views while you putt at the beachfront course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Desert adventures Experience the dunes in 4x4 SUVs across the desert and begin the night with a spectacular desert sunset. In between, you can ride a camel, try sand boarding and even get a henna tattoo. Getting around is easy When you're in Abu Dhabi getting around is so easy, with sightseeing and experiences no more than a 30-minute drive from the airport. Book your transfer through Hala Abu Dhabi or simply catch a taxi. Abu Dhabi taxis are reasonably priced and plentiful. They can be flagged down at the roadside, booked by phone through the TransAD hotline 600 535353 or via the Abu Dhabi Taxi app. Stopovers are easier with Etihad With Etihad Airways you don't need to wait to receive your booking confirmation. Just book your Abu Dhabi Stopover online, receive an instant confirmation and manage your booking with just a few clicks. 7
HOW TO GET A VISA 11
Visa requirements: A valid visit visa is needed for a stopover in Abu Dhabi. Visa on arrival: Passport holders of the countries listed below are allowed to enter the UAE without a visa prior to arrival. Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Bulgaria Canada Croatia Cyprus China Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Lichtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Romania San Marino Seychelles Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland The Vatican United Kingdom United States of America GCC Nationals If visa on arrival does not apply to your country you can apply for a tourist visa. Tourist visa: The tourist visa is valid for a 30-day stay and costs USD 96 per visa. You can apply through our UAE visa service at ttsuaevisas.com You will need the following: A passport copy A copy of your confirmed Etihad Airways flight including the reservation number One passport photograph A completed application form 10
13
ABU DHABI 2-FOR-1 STOPOVER Our Abu Dhabi 2-for-1 Stopover package is designed specifically for our Economy Class guests. Book a two-night stay at any of our participating hotels in Abu Dhabi and the second night s accommodation is on us! Important to know: Your stopover booking must be made no later than 72 hours prior to your first flight departure. Etihad Airways Partners participating in the Abu Dhabi 2-for-1 Stopover offer include airberlin, Jet Airways, Air Seychelles, Air Serbia and Etihad Regional. 14
18 ABU DHABI PREMIUM STOPOVER
THE RESIDENCE STOPOVER 21
The Residence Stopover package is designed for our guests flying in The Residence. Once in Abu Dhabi, guests will enjoy two free nights at the Khaleej Suite at the luxurious Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The Khaleej Suite features a private world-class entertainment centre, sea views and contemporary décor. Important to know: You need a confirmed Etihad Airways flight into Abu Dhabi on The Residence with a connecting flight from Abu Dhabi to an onward destination. Your stopover booking must be made prior to your first flight departure. How to book: Fill in the hotel booking form at etihad.com/ premiumstopovers. You will be contacted within 48 hours to book your free stay. At hotel check-in, you will need to show your Etihad boarding pass and your booking confirmation. A municipality room fee of AED 15 per room, per night has to be paid directly by the guest upon check-out. 20
ABU DHABI TRANSIT STOPOVER 22
Our Abu Dhabi Transit Stopover package is designed for travellers with six to 12 hours transit time. The offer includes a round of nine holes at Par 3 and golf club rental at Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course for only USD 40 for the day. Alternatively, guests can choose a full day s pool access with one free soft drink for the same price. Important to know: You need a confirmed Etihad Airways flight into Abu Dhabi with a connecting flight from Abu Dhabi to an onward destination You need a minimum of six hours transit time at Abu Dhabi International Airport Your stopover booking must be made no later than 72 hours prior to your first flight departure 23
26 BUILD YOUR ABU DHABI ITINERARY
27
REST. RELAX. REJUVENATE. More than 200 natural islands surround the nation s capital. Abu Dhabi also boasts beautiful beaches and is blessed with all-year round sunshine. With new beaches complementing established ones in Abu Dhabi, swimmers and sun worshippers are spoilt for choice. 28
Corniche Beach This amazing stretch of beach extends all along the Corniche Road. The Corniche beachfront has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status and sees up to 50,000 beach loving tourists and locals every month. Saadiyat Island Public Beach Set on beautiful Saadiyat Island, this beach offers visitors a host of sport and recreational activities including beach tennis, windsurfing and sailing, along with daily meditative yoga sessions. Beach goers can also enjoy the refreshing drinks and tasty snacks at the Beach Café. Yas Beach Set on Yas Island s tranquil southern shores, and close to the protected Mangrove forests off the shores of Abu Dhabi, Yas Beach is the island s only beach stretch. It provides an organic and laid back oasis, where you can relax away from stress and get back to nature. Saadiyat Beach Club Saadiyat Island This first-class beach club features an expansive outdoor pool surrounded by private cabanas, a kid's pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and The Spa. The club offers mouthwatering dishes and refreshments at its restaurants with food inspired by the French and Italian Rivieras. Spa Haven Unwind in one of the Emirate s luxurious spas. With plenty of tranquil spas to choose from, Abu Dhabi is the place to be if you are looking for a relaxing, rejuvenating escape from the usual hustle and bustle of a city. Enjoy a choice of world-class spas including Anantara Spa at the Eastern Mangroves, Chi Spa at Shangri-La, ESPA at the Yas Viceroy and Zen Spa at Beach Rotana. 29
30 THRILL SEEKERS ONLY
There are many exhilarating adventures in Abu Dhabi. On the water or across the desert of golden sand, here are some of our favourites. Water Sports Surrounded by the beautiful ocean, Abu Dhabi is a haven for water sports including jet skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, aqua biking and sailing. Saadiyat Public Beach is the perfect place for you to start. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Can you imagine blasting off to 240km/h in just 5 seconds? Formula Rossa, the world s fastest rollercoaster will do just that and give you a 4.8G adrenaline rush. The attractions at Ferrari World are all built to get your pulse racing. Desert Safari Experiences Experience the breathtaking dunes around the UAE capital. With high dunes and long sand valleys, you'll never get bored of adrenaline-fuelled desert experiences in powerful 4x4 SUVs. 31
SPORTS FANS 32
Test your finesse on world-class golf courses or face your fears in a Formula 1 car. There s something for every sports fan waiting in Abu Dhabi. Yas Marina Circuit Home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Yas Marina Circuit offers a variety of half and full day driving experiences. Hop into the F3000 style single-seater or the Aston Martin sports cars. For the ultimate thrill ride, strap yourself in the passenger seat of a Formula 1 car and hold on tight. Golf Abu Dhabi is full of world-class golfing options for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the game. Take your pick from six play-and-pay golf courses, among them, three championship-standard courses. Award-winning courses include Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi the Middle East s only true links course or Saadiyat Beach Golf Club the region s first ocean course. 33
SHOPAHOLICS PARADISE Spacious, modern and air-conditioned, Abu Dhabi's malls are the perfect world of choice when it comes to shopping. In Abu Dhabi, malls are tax-free, open seven days a week and if you enjoy late night shopping, you re in luck. Here are some of our favourites: 34
Yas Mall Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi s largest shopping destination offering 400 retail units, comprising an exciting range of leading international and regional retail and F&B brands, and a state-of-the-art cinema with 20 screens. The Galleria on Al Maryah Island The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi s luxury lifestyle destination, featuring a stunning waterfront promenade. With more than 130 offerings under one roof, Galleria houses a mix of high-end retailers and licensed and unlicensed restaurants and cafes. World Trade Centre Souk & Mall With a fusion of classic Arabian architecture and modern design, spanning over three levels, this contemporary interpretation of a traditional Abu Dhabi market is connected to the World Trade Centre Mall by Khalifa Bridge. The World Trade Centre Souk has everything from traditional artifacts, henna and spices to jewellery, Arabic perfumes, clothing and accessories. Abu Dhabi Mall Home to some of the world s biggest brands, Abu Dhabi Mall also has a wide choice of food outlets, a bowling centre and Dune City Entertainment Centre. Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi This mall has an inviting, spacious sun-roofed design and a myriad of side passages to satisfy curious shoppers. It has a wide range of stores, large and small, local and international, as well as a large supermarket and plenty of dining choices. Marina Mall One of Abu Dhabi s largest shopping malls, Marina Mall is located on the Corniche Breakwater near the Emirates Palace and includes high-end designer boutiques and extensive leisure facilities including a cinema and an ice rink. 35
We ve got a few suggestions for fun with the little ones. Yas Waterworld One of Yas Island s most popular attractions, Yas Waterworld will bring on the exhilaration. Raft rides and fast slides will keep you and the family entertained throughout the day. Along the way you can grab snacks and souvenirs and then try diving for pearls in the Hairat Yas Pearl Diving Tank. Falcon Hospital The Falcon hospital is a unique experience to learn about falcons and their importance to UAE culture. Get a tour of the museum and see falcons undergoing treatments such as 'manicures and pedicures'. You'll also get an opportunity to hold and take a photo with a falcon. If you are hungry from all the excitement, you can choose to have a delicious Arabic lunch in a beautiful, traditional majlis. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi If you and your kids are car-crazy, then stop by Ferrari World one of the world s largest indoor and first Ferrari theme parks. Experience the world s highest rollercoaster loop with the Flying Aces rollercoaster ride or catch the RED Show, a theatrical extravaganza complete with dancing, BMX riding, acrobatics and more. Kids can step into the shoes of an F1 driver and learn to race in the Junior Grand Prix. 36
FUN FOR THE KIDS 37
38 CULTURE CURIOUS
Visit a grand mosque that s designed to be a modern architectural marvel or take a tour into the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin. Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to learn of things of old and discover everything new. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most important architectural treasures of the UAE, and one of the most beautiful creations in the world. It is open for travellers of all nationalities to visit and appreciate the artistic splendour. As the third largest in the world, the mosque accommodates more than 40,000 worshippers and houses the world s largest Persian carpet and the world s largest Swarovski chandeliers. Saadiyat Cultural District Saadiyat Cultural District will feature three leading museums designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first museum underway and once completed, visitors will be enchanted by its iconic dome s rain of light effect. The district is also home to Manarat Al Saadiyat, a dedicated arts and culture centre that regularly hosts exhibitions. Heritage Village Located near Marina Mall on the western side of the island, the Heritage Village allows visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Bedouin, including falconry, camel riding and various handicrafts. 39
40 NATURE LOVERS
Go kayaking or explore a wildlife reserve filled with free-roaming animals. Abu Dhabi invites you to be one with nature. Kayaking Mangroves Explore the local ecosystems with a kayaking experience in the mangroves, paddling through beautiful lagoons and narrow channels. You will see a variety of birds and sea life and you can choose to go on a longer tour for a more fulfilling experience. Al Ain Zoo The zoo is home to Arabian antelopes and oryx, eland, gazelle, lechwe and most notably, the almost extinct white lion (less than 200 remain in the world). In the same vicinity is the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre. Through five interactive galleries, you will go on a journey to the past, present and future of the UAE to better appreciate the relationship with the environment and how to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Located in Rub Al Khali - the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world - Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara provides a luxury desert oasis for discerning travellers. Check out of the city and surround yourself with mountain-high orange sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see in your blissful desert retreat. 41
42 PARTY PEOPLE
For those who prefer the nightlife, Abu Dhabi s got you covered. There is a great range of bars, clubs and restaurants across the city to suit all tastes and pockets. High-end eating Abu Dhabi has a great collection of internationally renowned restaurants including Hakkasan, Zuma, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, Frankie s, Butcher & Still and Café Milano. Clubs There are clubs across the city. The music ranges from R n B to Latin and you can expect renowned guests DJs to pop by. If you are after an outdoors experience, then boat and pool parties are what you want to look out for. Hotels will normally add these as a special event during the cooler winter months. Bars and pubs There are plenty of high-end bars and less formal bars across the city. 43