Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is flourishing, thanks to the continued success of Etihad’s Stopover Programme. In the first four months of 2025, the programme saw a remarkable 76% rise in visitor numbers, with 44,000 guests participating—up from 25,000 in the same period last year. This surge reflects the city’s growing appeal as a top stopover destination for international travelers.
A Growing Trend: What’s Driving the Growth?
The Stopover Programme has become a major success, allowing travelers to make the most of their layovers by exploring the best of Abu Dhabi. With 76% more visitors in 2025, it’s clear that Abu Dhabi is becoming increasingly popular among global tourists.
- Visitor Numbers Surge
Between January and April 2025, 44,000 visitors participated in the Stopover Programme. This growth speaks volumes about Abu Dhabi’s increasing stature as a must-visit destination. Travelers are discovering the beauty, culture, and history of the emirate during their brief stays, making it an essential part of their travel plans. - Enhanced Experience with the Abu Dhabi Pass
In March 2025, the city introduced the Abu Dhabi Pass, adding even more value to the stopover. The pass offers exclusive perks such as free airport transfers, tourist SIM cards, and unlimited public transport. Visitors can also explore the city on the hop-on-hop-off bus, with discounts to popular attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island’s entertainment destinations. - International Appeal
The programme has successfully attracted travelers from a wide range of countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India, and Japan, to name a few. The global reach of the programme underscores Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a diverse and culturally rich stopover for international tourists.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Abu Dhabi’s Tourism
The success of the Stopover Programme in 2025 is just the beginning. Etihad Airways has set ambitious goals, projecting a significant increase in stopover visitors, aiming to host over 130,000 guests by the end of 2025. With such a strong start, it’s clear that Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is set to continue growing, attracting even more visitors in the coming months and years.
This aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to increase annual visitors to 39.3 million by 2030 and contribute AED 90 billion to the GDP. The Stopover Programme is an integral part of this strategy and will play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitious goals.
BM Events: Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Growth
With the rise in visitors to Abu Dhabi, the demand for high-quality event management and staffing services is on the rise. As a leading manpower agency, BM Events is proud to support the growing tourism sector by providing expert staffing solutions for large events, conferences, and exhibitions in Abu Dhabi.
Our commitment to delivering professional event services aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism industry. Whether it’s for a global business conference or a cultural festival, BM Events is here to ensure seamless event management, providing the right staff and support to create unforgettable experiences for attendees.
