Etihad Airways today announced that it will feature Masdar City, one of the world’s most sustainable cities, as part of its new ‘Essential Abu Dhabi’ on-line travel guide, which is designed to provide business and leisure travellers with important information regarding the emirate as a destination.

James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are privileged to feature an organisation such as Masdar, which represents Abu Dhabi’s vision for a renewable and sustainable future as an essential, ‘can’t miss’ destination.

“Masdar has made significant progress, reflecting the government’s commitment to clean energy and economic diversification. Business and leisure travellers worldwide will be interested in this important story and we are pleased to help promote this organisation and the values it stands for to visitors in Abu Dhabi.”

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, said: “Masdar City is proud to be featured as part of ‘Essential Abu Dhabi’ in this partnership with Etihad Airways. Masdar City is open to the public to experience. We encourage visitors to see how future cities will be built and managed. We are grateful to Etihad for this collaboration and applaud them for also working with Masdar on a variety of initiatives to be a sustainable airline.”

An Abu Dhabi Government initiative, Masdar City has made rapid progress since 2006. The Masdar City site currently hosts six buildings including research laboratories, classrooms and residential space that are completed and operational. There are also restaurants, banking services, an organic supermarket and other innovations at the site. The exciting Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system is popular as it offers a potential glimpse into the future of transportation.

The residential quarters of the complex use 51 per cent less energy than average buildings in the UAE, and 54 percent less water. Around 30 per cent of the campus’s energy is provided by solar panels on the roof, with 75 percent of hot water also being heated by the sun.

Designed to enhance Abu Dhabi’s place as a top tourism and ‘meetings incentives conferences and exhibitions’ (MICE) destination, the campaign features a dedicated website - essentialabudhabi.com - backed with brochures featuring the exclusive offers on board all Etihad aircraft.

Hotels, tour operators, dining outlets, shops, adventure parks, cultural attractions and sports facilities are providing a range of offers to entice tourists and business travellers, to spend time in Abu Dhabi with a wide range of fantastic discount offers and deals.

All passengers can access these offers with the Etihad Airways Boarding Pass. Visitors flying into Abu Dhabi on Etihad simply present their Etihad boarding card at participating outlets to redeem the offers within seven days of arriving in Abu Dhabi.

The program is supported with an international marketing campaign as well as being promoted through partner outlets and sales channels.