Etihad Airways is making efforts to ease the travel experience for passengers observing the holy month of Ramadan. Starting from 10th March, passengers across all Etihad cabin classes to select destinations will be offered special amenities, Iftar meals, and dedicated prayer facilities.
As Turky Al Hammadi, Etihad Airways’ head of product and hospitality said: “Ramadan holds a special place in our hearts, it’s a time to reflect and to spread kindness. We are committed to sharing these Ramadan values across all touchpoints of our guests’ journey, starting from our lounges to onboard experiences.”
Ramadan offerings in the Etihad lounges
At Etihad’s lounges in Abu Dhabi, New York, Washington DC and London Heathrow, guests can indulge in traditional Ramadan refreshments such as laban, Vimto, karkade, date milk, a ‘hydrating cucumber refresher’, and rose milk.
Travellers who will break their fast before their flight departs can enjoy an iftar meal in the lounges. From warm harira soup, lobster machbous ravioli, to chicken biryani, guests can savour the rich flavours of Arabic cuisine. The dessert menu will feature authentic Ramadan treats with a modern twist, such as Vimto cheesecake, rose and pistachio mahalabia, and rangeena.
Ramadan meals on board flights
In the business and first-class cabins cabins, guests can enjoy savoury delicacies with ingredients sourced from suppliers local to Abu Dhabi, such as lentil soup with fried chaami cheese; lamb and date meatballs with saffron rice; lamb bukhari with smoked cardamom yoghurt; or pulled chicken machbous pinza with chaami cheese and pickled onion. For dessert they might enjoy the classic warm umm ali, or olive oil and date cake. For those seeking a lighter option, the Iftar salad provides a mix of fresh and tasty ingredients.
Guests in economy class will be offered Arabic mezze, and braised lamb with vermicelli rice, fried onion, and almond. For dessert, they will be served Vimto mousse with khabeesa.
For guests breaking their fast just before or after landing, Etihad will provide Iftar bags decorated with a traditional Emirati artwork, containing Laban, water, and dates.
Etihad provides dedicated prayer areas and real-time electronic Qibla pointers on board aircraft, to allow guests to observe their religious practices while travelling.
Ramadan entertainment
The airline has also added a selection of Ramadan programming and religious content to its E-BOX inflight entertainment (IFE) system, as well as an audio of the Holy Quran.
The new Ramadan programmes will include Rehlat Haya, which explores and promotes behaviours that lead to happiness and stability from a different perspectives.
Guests can also tune in to ‘Chef Bil Bait’ a cookery show hosted by Al-Halabi, which features artists preparing a diverse range of popular dishes within a light-hearted and entertaining format. They can also watch the El Dunia Ramadan series that showcases how various cultures celebrate Ramadan and illustrates the diversity of the Muslim community around the world.
Etihad Guest donations
In alignment with the spirit of the holy month of giving back, Etihad Airways offers its members the opportunity to donate their air miles to charity and contribute to The Reach Campaign, which supports families affected by river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. Members can donate to this great initiative, through the Etihad Guest website.
Ramadan in Abu Dhabi
Travellers who are arriving in Abu Dhabi can experience the cultural heritage of the emirate during Ramadan, with opportunities to share Iftar at hotels or Iftar tents across the city, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, or take a sunset stroll along the Corniche.
