Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is marking the beginning of Ramadan by extending its celebrations to passengers both in-flight and at its facilities. With the aim of immersing travelers in the essence of this sacred month and enhancing their journey experience, Etihad is rolling out special initiatives.
Starting from March 10, passengers across all cabin classes traveling to select destinations with Etihad will be treated to a range of amenities crafted to honor the spirit of Ramadan. These offerings include specially curated Iftar meals and exclusive prayer zones available in Etihad’s premium lounges and onboard their flights.
Turky Al Hammadi, Head of Product and Hospitality at Etihad Airways, expressed, “Ramadan holds a special significance for us, serving as a time for introspection and spreading kindness. We are dedicated to embodying these Ramadan values across every aspect of our guests’ journey, starting from our lounges to their onboard experiences.
“For this year’s Iftar menu, our culinary team has meticulously curated special Ramadan dishes designed to evoke cherished traditions while infusing them with a modern twist. Our commitment to using premium and sustainable ingredients is evident in our selection of locally sourced suppliers, ensuring that our guests enjoy delicious, high-quality meals that also support the local economy and minimize environmental impact.
“Our Iftar menu features delectable dishes such as lamb bukhari with smoked cardamom yoghurt, pulled chicken machbous pinza with chaami cheese and pickled onion, and warm umm ali dessert alongside olive oil and date cake. These menus are thoughtfully crafted to offer our guests the richness of traditional Ramadan cuisine while ensuring nutritional balance is maintained.
“In addition, we extend the opportunity for Etihad Guest members to contribute their miles, enabling them to spread kindness and support communities worldwide. Witnessing the generosity of our guests, we’ve seen over 250 million miles donated to various causes through the Etihad Guest program to date. Initiatives like these truly encapsulate the spirit of generosity and compassion embodied by Ramadan.”
Experience Ramadan Delights at Etihad Lounges
Guests visiting Etihad’s lounges in Abu Dhabi, New York, Washington DC, and London Heathrow can indulge in an array of traditional Ramadan treats. Choices include laban, Vimto, karkade, date milk, a refreshing cucumber drink, and rose milk.
For fasting travelers, Etihad lounges provide an Iftar menu prior to departure. The menu features flavorful options such as harira soup, lobster machbous ravioli, and chicken biryani, highlighting the diverse tastes of Arabic cuisine. Indulgent desserts like Vimto cheesecake, rose and pistachio mahalabia, and rangeena offer a contemporary twist on Ramadan classics.
Ramadan In-Flight Experience
Passengers in premium cabins can savor lentil soup with chaami cheese, lamb and date meatballs served with saffron rice, and umm ali for dessert. For a lighter option, a healthy Iftar salad is also available.
Economy class passengers will delight in Arabic mezze, braised lamb accompanied by vermicelli rice topped with fried onion and almonds, and Vimto mousse with khabeesa as dessert.
For passengers breaking their fast upon landing, Etihad provides Iftar bags containing Laban, water, and dates, adorned with traditional Emirati artwork. Additionally, dedicated prayer areas and electronic Qibla pointers are accessible for guests to observe their faith.
Entertainment and Generosity During Ramadan
Etihad’s E-BOX system offers a selection of Ramadan programming and religious content, including readings from the Holy Quran. Standout features include “Rehlat Haya,” a program dedicated to promoting happiness and stability, “Chef Bil Bait,” a cooking show featuring Al-Halabi and guest artists, and the “El Dunia Ramadan” series, which delves into the cultural richness of Ramadan.
Contributing to Charity with Etihad Guest
In the Ramadan spirit, Etihad Airways urges members to contribute miles to charity through “The Reach Campaign,” assisting families impacted by river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.
Experiencing Ramadan in Abu Dhabi
Visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi can deeply engage with the emirate’s cultural traditions during Ramadan. Opportunities abound, from partaking in Iftar gatherings at local hotels or tents, to exploring the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and enjoying leisurely sunset walks along the Corniche.
