Etihad Airways has been named Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup and Presenting Partner of Race 1, strengthening the Emirate’s push to position elite sport as a global travel draw. The partnership brings […]
Etihad Airways has stepped into the spotlight of international horse racing with a new partnership that further cements Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a destination for elite global sporting events. The UAE’s national airline has been confirmed as the Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, while also serving as the Presenting Partner of Race One, marking a significant alignment between aviation excellence and world-class sport.
Set to take place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the region’s racing calendar. The one-mile contest carries a total prize fund of one million US dollars, a figure that continues to attract elite thoroughbred horses, accomplished jockeys, and respected trainers from major racing nations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With its competitive purse and international field, the race has steadily earned recognition on the global thoroughbred circuit.
The partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to position itself as a hub for premium sporting experiences that combine competition, culture, and hospitality. By joining forces with Abu Dhabi Turf Club, Etihad Airways strengthens a shared vision rooted in excellence, innovation, and global reach. Both organisations are deeply connected to the capital and play a central role in presenting Abu Dhabi to international audiences, whether through air travel or high-profile sporting events.
For Abu Dhabi Turf Club, the Gold Cup represents more than a single race. It is a flagship event within a long-term strategy to elevate the city’s profile in international horse racing while honouring the UAE’s deep equestrian heritage. Horse racing has long been woven into the cultural fabric of the region, and the modern staging of the Gold Cup reflects a balance between tradition and contemporary sporting standards.
Etihad’s involvement brings an added dimension to the event, particularly in welcoming international visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi for race week. With racing fans arriving from across continents, the airline’s global network plays a key role in connecting the capital to major source markets, supporting not only the event itself but also wider tourism, hospitality, and business activity linked to major sporting occasions.
Race day at the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup has evolved into a full championship experience. Alongside top-level racing action, guests are offered refined hospitality, premium dining concepts, and carefully curated entertainment that transforms the Turf Club into a lifestyle destination. This approach reflects a shift in how elite sporting events are delivered, where spectators expect immersive experiences that extend well beyond the competition on the track.
His Excellency Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Turf Club and President of the Organising Committee, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Etihad as an Official Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup and Presenting Partner of Race 1. As the UAE’s national airline, Etihad plays a vital role in connecting Abu Dhabi to the world, and this partnership strengthens the Emirate’s presence on the international racing stage. Together, we are showcasing Abu Dhabi as a global meeting point and destination hub for elite sport, world-class competition and international audiences.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said:
“Etihad is proud to partner with The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, an event that reflects the same standards of excellence and ambition that define our airline. Just as we connect Abu Dhabi to the world through extraordinary travel experiences, this partnership allows us to welcome the global racing community to our home. The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents the Emirate’s vision for world-class sporting events, and as the national airline, it is our privilege to play a role in bringing this prestigious occasion to international audiences and showcasing the very best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.”
The 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is expected to further strengthen the event’s international standing. With a high-value prize fund, a prestigious venue, and the backing of a globally recognised airline, the race continues to attract attention from owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts worldwide. It also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy of hosting events that appeal to high-value travellers and global audiences.
Through this collaboration, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Turf Club are positioning the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup as a symbol of ambition and progress. The partnership highlights how sport, heritage, and modern hospitality can come together to create experiences that resonate on the world stage. As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in elite international events, the Gold Cup stands as a clear example of how the capital is shaping its identity as a leading destination for premium sport and culture.
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In a strategic move to enhance the travel experience for its growing customer base, Etihad Airways has introduced an exciting initiative for its Indian travelers. Starting this year, the airline’s award-winning Etihad Guest loyalty program will offer Indian passengers the opportunity to earn airline miles through everyday activities such as dining, shopping, and even quick commerce services. This new collaboration with several leading Indian brands, including Swiggy, Flipkart, and Shoppers Stop, ensures that Etihad guests are rewarded not just for flying, but also for their daily purchases and indulgences. This expansion aims to deliver exceptional value to the airline’s Indian customers, encouraging more frequent travelers to engage with the brand in novel ways.
As one of Etihad Airways’ most critical markets, India plays a central role in the airline’s operations. With a robust network of 185 weekly flights connecting 11 major cities across the country, Etihad has consistently demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its foothold in the Indian subcontinent. This new loyalty program expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to cater to the increasing number of frequent travelers from India. By partnering with well-known brands, Etihad is blending its world-class travel experience with everyday shopping and dining, providing Indian passengers with a seamless and rewarding experience both on the ground and in the air.
The program’s latest update involves key partnerships with five renowned brands operating across various sectors in India. These partnerships allow Etihad Guest members to earn miles on purchases from top-tier credit cards, e-commerce platforms, hotels, and even food delivery apps. The brands involved include:
By partnering with these household names, Etihad Airways ensures that its Indian members can engage with the program in a variety of convenient ways, making travel even more rewarding.
The introduction of BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Cards is a noteworthy development. This collaboration offers a credit card that provides tailored benefits for Indian travelers. New members who sign up before the end of February will enjoy a special double welcome miles offer, adding further incentive for individuals looking to maximize the value of their spending. The credit card aims to make international travel more accessible by offering financial flexibility alongside exclusive travel perks, including faster accumulation of miles for upgrades, lounge access, and more.
With these new initiatives, Etihad is reinforcing its promise to offer premium travel benefits to its guests, allowing them to reap rewards long before boarding their flights.
For Indian travelers, this expansion brings unparalleled convenience and value. Indian travelers can now benefit from a loyalty program that rewards them not only for frequent flying but also for regular purchases. Whether dining at their favorite restaurant, booking a stay at a luxury hotel, or shopping for the latest fashion, every interaction with these popular brands brings them closer to earning free flights, upgrades, and other exclusive perks. This expansion positions Etihad Airways as an airline that truly understands its customer base and is willing to adapt to meet their evolving needs.
For frequent travelers, the key to maximizing Etihad Guest miles lies in integrating the loyalty program with your daily spending habits. To make the most of this partnership, ensure that you are using your BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Card for all major purchases. You can easily accumulate miles with every meal order through Swiggy, indulge in a little shopping spree at Shoppers Stop, or enjoy a luxurious weekend stay at The Postcard Hotel. It’s a great way to make your routine purchases work in your favor and collect miles for your next trip!
India’s travel market is expanding rapidly, and airlines like Etihad Airways are seizing the opportunity to cater to the growing demand. With the addition of innovative features to their loyalty programs, airlines are transforming the traditional travel experience. Now, passengers can earn miles beyond the airport and flights, enhancing the overall travel experience and rewarding loyalty in every step of their journey.
As Indian passengers become more accustomed to earning miles for everyday purchases, expect other airlines to follow suit with similar loyalty offerings. Etihad Airways’ initiative places the airline in a strong position as the competition in India’s airline sector heats up.
For those who haven’t yet joined the Etihad Guest program, now is a great time to start. The combination of earning miles with everyday purchases, access to exclusive offers, and a range of premium travel benefits makes this loyalty program incredibly attractive. As Etihad Airways continues to expand its presence in India, joining the program now could give you access to a world of rewards, from free flights to upgrades and lounge access, all while making the most of your purchases.
The post Etihad Airways Expands Loyalty Program in India: Now Earn Airline Miles Across Flipkart, Swiggy, and Hotels in Major Cities – Everything You Need to Know About Earning Airline Miles appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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