Etihad Airways has announced a new initiative to attract international tourists to Abu Dhabi: starting July 2025, the airline will offer free medical travel insurance to all passengers flying to or transiting through the UAE capital. This move, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) and insurer Daman, is designed to address growing traveler concerns about safety in the Middle East. By removing the need to purchase separate medical coverage, Etihad hopes to remove a barrier to booking and give travelers "one more reason to choose" Abu Dhabi as their destination. The insurance, provided by The National Insurance Company – Daman (a subsidiary of PureHealth Group), covers eligible visitors for up to 15 days in the UAE, valid from July to December 2026. It is automatically included with every eligible Etihad ticket, with no paperwork required from passengers. Coverage applies to all passengers traveling to Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights, with ticketing and departure points outside the UAE. Travelers using the airline's free stopover program in Abu Dhabi are also covered for the duration of their stay. Etihad presents this as a seamless extension of its premium service and its role as a gateway to Abu Dhabi. "Abu Dhabi is one of the most captivating destinations in the world, and our mission is to make both the journey and the stay as smooth as possible," said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. "Offering comprehensive medical insurance with every eligible Etihad ticket means our guests can focus entirely on experiencing the extraordinary Emirati hospitality that Abu Dhabi has to offer." This is not the first time Etihad has used insurance as a confidence-building tool: during the 2020 health crisis, the airline launched a comprehensive COVID-19 insurance policy with AXA, covering up to €150,000 in medical expenses and quarantine costs for 14 days. For local authorities, this free insurance is a strategic lever to boost tourism demand, especially from travelers hesitant to visit the UAE capital due to regional security concerns. "Global interest in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, reflecting an unmatched cultural, tourism, and entertainment offering year-round," said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. "Our partnership with Etihad will set a new benchmark for destination standards and ensure our guests feel welcomed, valued, and cared for from the moment they book." This initiative underscores how airlines and tourism boards are collaborating to mitigate perceived risks and stimulate travel in a geopolitically sensitive region.