For Canadian tourists on the fence about visiting popular landmarks in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the UAE is offering a unique perk.
If those destinations are on your travel bucket list, but conflict in the Middle East has left you uncertain, the UAE is planning to offer a unique new incentive that could make travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi more appealing. On June 12, national airline Etihad announced plans to provide free medical insurance for international visitors.
“Global interest in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, reflecting the destination’s unparalleled year-round cultural, tourism and entertainment offering,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. “This initiative ensures we meet that demand with an exceptional, end-to-end visitor experience.”
How does it work?
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Any international visitor flying to or through Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights will automatically receive complimentary medical travel insurance. Insurance will be provided through the National Insurance Company — Daman, and will cover eligible visitors for up to 15 days.
There’s no formal application process, so tourists don’t have to apply for insurance. Instead, it’s automatically given with every qualifying Etihad ticket. The airline also offers a complimentary Stopover Program, which allows travellers to stay in the UAE for up to four days. Those who want to make the most of the existing program will also be covered under the free travel health insurance program.
“Giving comprehensive medical insurance with every eligible Etihad ticket means our guests can focus entirely on experiencing the extraordinary Emirati hospitality Abu Dhabi has to offer,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad Airways. “This is what it looks like when an airline and a destination truly invest in their visitors.”
Tourists could have more options
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Government-owned Emirates Airlines could soon follow suit, but with a slight difference.
Tim Clark, president of Emirates, told the Financial Times that official government no-fly travel advisories in several countries mean that tourists can’t get their trips to the UAE insured. As a result, the airline is working with insurance companies to provide its own “reasonably priced” product, which would ensure that travellers will be able to return home whether or not they fly back with Emirates.
“I think one of the big concerns is that if they get caught overseas and can’t get back,” said Clark.
The UAE is a busy travel hub and a major tourist destination. In 2025, Dubai recorded 19.59 million overnight visitors, a five per cent increase compared to the previous year. However, starting in February, the country’s tourism sector took a hit after drones and missiles struck the country’s infrastructure, including a luxury hotel and airport. According to UN Tourism, arrivals in the Middle East dropped 14 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, as a result of the conflict.
The Government of Canada currently advises Canadians to “avoid all travel” to the UAE due to ongoing military activities.
“The security situation could deteriorate further without notice,” reads the statement.
According to its website, Emirates operates seven flights every week from Toronto and Montreal to Dubai, while Etihad operates flights between Abu Dhabi and Calgary and Toronto.