Abu Dhabi is adding a new incentive to its tourism strategy.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced the launch of complimentary medical travel insurance for international visitors flying to Abu Dhabi, or transiting through the Emirati capital, on Etihad-operated flights.
The initiative, launched in partnership with The National Insurance Company – Daman, will run from July through December 2026. Eligible travelers will be covered for up to 15 days in the United Arab Emirates.
For passengers, the main appeal is simplicity: no separate application is required. The coverage is automatically attached to every eligible Etihad ticket.
Medical insurance included with eligible Etihad tickets
According to Etihad, the insurance applies to passengers traveling to Abu Dhabi on an Etihad-operated flight, provided both the point of origin and the point of sale are outside the United Arab Emirates.
Travelers using Etihad’s free stopover program to spend a few days in Abu Dhabi are also covered for the duration of their stay. Terms and conditions apply, particularly regarding exact eligibility, potential coverage limits and the scope of benefits.
The measure does not necessarily replace a full travel insurance policy, especially for longer stays, trip cancellation coverage, baggage protection or non-medical situations. It does, however, add a basic layer of protection directly into the booking journey, without requiring an additional form.
Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen its image as an accessible destination
DCT Abu Dhabi is presenting the initiative as an extension of the emirate’s broader tourism strategy, as it works to attract more international visitors year-round.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said that “global interest in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, reflecting the destination’s unparalleled year-round cultural, tourism and entertainment offering.”
According to him, the partnership with Etihad is designed to provide visitors with a more complete experience from the moment they book. He also said the cooperation between the airline and the destination should help set a new standard in hospitality, ensuring travelers feel “welcomed, valued, and cared for from the moment they book.”
A response to tourism demand and transit travel
The announcement also targets connecting passengers, a key issue for both Etihad and Abu Dhabi.
The airline is promoting its stopover program, which allows transit passengers to spend time in the emirate before continuing their journey. Complimentary medical insurance adds another layer to that offer by removing one more concern for travelers considering a short stay.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, described Abu Dhabi as “one of the most captivating destinations in the world” and said the airline’s role is to “make both getting here and being here as seamless as possible.”
In Dubai, Emirates also wants to reassure passengers
Abu Dhabi’s announcement comes as traveler confidence is becoming a major commercial issue for Gulf carriers.
According to the Financial Times, Emirates is also working with insurers on coverage designed to reassure passengers traveling to or through Dubai. The goal would reportedly be to guarantee travelers’ return in the event of major disruption, including by rerouting them on other airlines if needed.
The airline says it now operates to 138 destinations in 73 countries and that it works to rebook affected customers on the next available Emirates flight when travel plans are disrupted.
Across the United Arab Emirates, competition between major hubs is no longer only about frequencies, connections or stopover programs. It is also about giving travelers confidence before they depart. In that context, insurance is becoming both a trust-building tool and a tourism promotion asset.
Etihad enters its biggest summer schedule yet
The complimentary medical insurance also comes as Etihad prepares for its largest summer schedule to date.
In a statement published on June 15, 2026, the airline said it would operate more than 300 flights per day during the peak summer season, with capacity up 10% compared with the previous summer. That growth is supported by 23 additional aircraft and strong demand across European, Asian, North American, African and Middle Eastern markets.
Etihad launched four new destinations in four days between June 11 and June 14: Krakow, Palma de Mallorca, Damascus and Zanzibar. The airline is also bringing back several seasonal routes to popular leisure destinations, including Mykonos, Malaga, Santorini, Nice and Al Alamein.
This expansion gives added significance to the medical insurance announcement. By increasing its flight offering and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a connecting hub, Etihad is also looking to encourage more transit passengers to discover, or rediscover, the destination.
Complimentary insurance therefore becomes another tool to boost Abu Dhabi’s appeal, alongside stopover programs, new routes and the promotion of the emirate’s landmark attractions, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.
Coverage provided by Daman
The insurance will be underwritten and managed by The National Insurance Company – Daman, a PureHealth subsidiary and a major health insurance provider in the United Arab Emirates.
Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Daman, said the initiative brings “meaningful value to the visitor experience” by integrating medical insurance directly into the travel journey.
Daman highlights its more than 20 years of experience within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare ecosystem, as well as access to a broad network of medical providers across the United Arab Emirates.
