A Digital Revolution in the Visitor Experience in Abu Dhabi – with Exclusive Benefits for Etihad Passengers.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Etihad Airways, launched the Abu Dhabi Pass (Abu Dhabi Pass) – a new digital platform aimed at upgrading and streamlining the visitor experience in the city.
"The pass will transform the visitor experience in the city, offering a digital, convenient, and seamless way to explore the Emirates, as Etihad passengers will receive an email with a direct link to access the pass through a dedicated website – without the need to download an app or make additional payments.
The pass, which will be issued at no cost to Etihad passengers, provides a variety of exclusive benefits for Etihad travelers and all visitors to Abu Dhabi. Among other things, it includes a tourist SIM card with 10GB of data for continuous connectivity, free rides on public buses, and unlimited access for 24 hours to the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus network.
Innovative Service for Tourists
The new initiative, as emphasized by DCT Abu Dhabi, "reflects a shared commitment to provide convenient services for tourists and to showcase the best that Abu Dhabi has to offer."
The Abu Dhabi Pass gives visitors discounts of up to 50% on more than 70 attractions and experiences across the Emirates, including cultural sites, entertainment attractions, restaurants, and transportation services.
Key Benefits of the Pass
Convenient Transportation: Free rides on public buses, unlimited access for 24 hours to the Hop-On Hop-Off tourist bus network.
Unrestricted Connectivity: A SIM card with 10GB of data to stay connected at all times.
Access to Leading Attractions: Discounts at tourist hotspots such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and the amusement parks on Yas Island.
Savings at Restaurants and Special Experiences: Over 200 restaurants offer discounts, including deals on desert tours and guided city tours.
Downtown Abu Dhabi. Photo: Sapir Peretz Customizable Pass Options
Visitors have the option to choose from several types of passes according to their travel style:
Nano Pass – Recommended itineraries based on popular travel stories.
Build Your Own Pass – Personal selection of attractions and payment only for them.
Pay As You Explore – Maximum flexibility without pre-commitment.
How Does It Work?
Select Pass – Tailor the pass according to the needs and preferences of your trip.
Book Attractions – Reserve entries through the website and receive the tickets directly via email.
Redemption and Entry – Show the pass at the entrance to any site to enjoy direct access and skip the lines.
Significant Growth in Tourism to Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Pass is supported by significant expansion in the tourism sector, as part of the success of Etihad's stopover program. In 2024, 85,000 international visitors were recorded, compared to only 12,000 in 2023. In 2025, Etihad anticipates a growth of over 50%, with more than 130,000 guests planning to incorporate a visit to the city during their travels.
Support for Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030
The Abu Dhabi Pass, as noted by the Department of Tourism and Local Economy, is part of the 2030 tourism strategy, which aims to: ✔ Attract 39.3 million visitors per year. ✔ Create 178,000 new jobs in the tourism sector. ✔ Add 90 billion dirhams to Abu Dhabi's GDP.
The pass is supported by significant infrastructure developments, including the new Terminal A at Zayed Airport, as well as a variety of cultural and leisure events designed to enrich the visitor experience.
Abdallah Youssef, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, stated: "The launch of the new Abu Dhabi Pass reflects our commitment to improving the visitor experience in the city while providing convenient access to world-class attractions, leading cultural sites, and unique entertainment venues. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance Abu Dhabi's exposure as a leading global destination and assist industry stakeholders in showcasing the best that Abu Dhabi has to offer."
Aisha Al Kaabi, Vice President for Partnerships and Engagement at Etihad Airways, said: "The collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi makes the experience of visiting the city more appealing and accessible than ever. By integrating transportation, connectivity, and discounts on attractions into a single digital pass, we make it easier for visitors to enjoy all that Abu Dhabi has to offer – from cultural experiences to family entertainment."
More information on the official website