The United Arab Emirates is introducing a new travel perk for international visitors, including Canadians, by offering free medical insurance to tourists flying into Abu Dhabi. The move is aimed at boosting tourism and making travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi more attractive amid regional safety concerns and shifting travel advisories.
The initiative was announced by Etihad Airways on June 12 and applies to all international passengers flying on Etihad-operated routes to or through Abu Dhabi. Under the programme, eligible travellers will automatically receive complimentary medical travel insurance with their ticket. The insurance is provided through the National Insurance Company, also known as Daman, and covers visitors for up to 15 days.
Officials say there is no application process required. The coverage is added automatically when passengers book a qualifying Etihad ticket. The airline has also linked the insurance benefit with its existing stopover programme, which allows travellers to stay in Abu Dhabi for up to four days while in transit. Visitors using this option will also be covered under the same insurance scheme.
UAE tourism authorities say the new policy is designed to improve the overall visitor experience and strengthen confidence among international tourists. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, global interest in the city continues to grow due to its cultural attractions, entertainment options, and year-round travel appeal. Officials believe the insurance offer will help support this demand by reducing concerns about unexpected medical costs while travelling.
Etihad Airways leadership also described the initiative as part of a broader effort to improve passenger experience. The airline said the goal is to allow visitors to focus on their trip without worrying about medical risks or travel disruptions. The policy reflects a growing trend among airlines and destinations to offer more integrated travel support services.
The announcement comes at a time when some travellers, including Canadians, have expressed caution about visiting parts of the Middle East due to regional tensions. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain major global tourism hubs, safety concerns and government travel advisories have influenced travel decisions for some international visitors.
In addition to Etihad’s programme, Emirates Airline is reportedly exploring a similar insurance solution for its passengers. According to comments from Emirates leadership, the airline is reviewing ways to offer affordable insurance products that would help travellers return home even during travel disruptions or changing advisories. This reflects a wider industry effort to address uncertainty in global travel conditions.
Despite regional challenges, tourism in the UAE continues to show strong overall performance. Dubai recorded nearly 19.6 million overnight visitors in 2025, marking steady annual growth. The country remains one of the busiest international transit and tourism hubs, supported by its airports, luxury hospitality sector, and global airline connections.
However, recent regional instability has affected travel flows in parts of the Middle East. Reports indicate that tourism arrivals across the region declined in early 2026 following security incidents affecting infrastructure in some areas. These developments have increased attention on travel safety and insurance coverage for international visitors.
Government advisories have also played a role in shaping travel decisions. Canada currently advises its citizens to avoid all travel to the UAE due to ongoing security concerns in the region. Officials warn that conditions could change without notice, which has added caution among some Canadian travellers planning trips abroad.
Even with these advisories, airlines continue to maintain strong flight networks between Canada and the UAE. Etihad operates routes between Abu Dhabi and cities such as Toronto and Calgary, while Emirates provides regular flights from Toronto and Montreal to Dubai. These connections highlight the continued demand for travel between the two countries.
The introduction of free medical travel insurance is seen as part of the UAE’s broader strategy to support tourism growth and maintain its position as a leading global destination. By reducing financial risk for visitors, officials hope to encourage more travellers to choose the UAE for holidays, stopovers, and long-distance travel connections.
As global travel conditions continue to evolve, the success of such initiatives will depend on how effectively they address visitor concerns and adapt to changing international advisories. For now, the UAE is positioning itself as a destination that not only offers luxury and cultural experiences, but also added protection for international tourists.
