Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector is set to receive a major boost as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and Etihad Airways have introduced an enhanced version of the Abu Dhabi Pass. The upgraded pass now includes a complimentary 10GB tourist SIM card, aiming to provide visitors with seamless connectivity and a richer travel experience in the UAE’s capital.
A New Dimension to Travel Convenience
The Abu Dhabi Pass has been a popular offering, providing tourists with exclusive discounts and access to key attractions, dining, and entertainment spots in the emirate. With the addition of the free tourist SIM card, travelers arriving in Abu Dhabi through Etihad Airways can enjoy hassle-free communication from the moment they land. The initiative is expected to further enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a leading global destination.
Key Features of the New Abu Dhabi Pass
- 10GB Tourist SIM Card: Visitors receive 10GB of data, allowing them to stay connected with family, navigate the city, and access digital services without the need for costly roaming charges.
- Discounted Access to Attractions: Tourists can enjoy special rates at some of Abu Dhabi’s top landmarks, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld.
- Exclusive Dining and Retail Offers: Holders of the pass will benefit from discounts at participating restaurants and shopping outlets, making their visit even more rewarding.
- Seamless Activation: The SIM card will be pre-activated and available for immediate use upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Boosting Tourism and Digital Transformation
The inclusion of a tourist SIM card aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to enhance its tourism infrastructure and visitor experience. With increased reliance on digital services for navigation, bookings, and real-time travel updates, ensuring tourists have easy access to mobile data is a crucial step in making their stay more enjoyable.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of digital connectivity in the modern travel experience. He stated, “By integrating a complimentary tourist SIM card into the Abu Dhabi Pass, we are ensuring that visitors can explore our city with ease while staying connected to loved ones.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger experiences. “This initiative not only strengthens our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi but also reinforces our dedication to providing world-class services to our guests,” he said.
A Competitive Edge in Regional Tourism
With major global cities continuously innovating to attract international travelers, Abu Dhabi’s move to offer an integrated pass with a tourist SIM card sets a new benchmark in the industry. The initiative makes the emirate stand out among regional competitors by addressing one of the most common pain points for international tourists—access to affordable mobile data.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has ramped up its efforts to position itself as a premier global tourist hub, leveraging cultural landmarks, luxury hospitality, and world-class infrastructure. The enhanced Abu Dhabi Pass is expected to drive more visitors, providing them with convenience and added value throughout their stay.
How to Avail the Abu Dhabi Pass
The Abu Dhabi Pass, including the 10GB SIM card, will be available for tourists arriving via Etihad Airways. Travelers can register for the pass online before their trip or obtain it at designated airport counters upon arrival. Details on participating attractions, retail partners, and activation instructions for the SIM card will be provided with the pass.
DCT Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways have hinted at further enhancements to the Abu Dhabi Pass in the future, potentially including additional digital services, extended data plans, and partnerships with leading travel technology providers.
Future Developments and Expansion
As Abu Dhabi continues its push toward becoming a smart tourism destination, initiatives like this underscore the emirate’s commitment to providing travelers with a seamless and connected experience from arrival to departure.
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