Etihad Airways is the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airline was set up by a Royal decree issued by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Services in July 2003, with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as its hub. Etihad started commercial operations in November 2003. The Abu Dhabi based national airline of UAE is a new entrant to the field of civil aviation.

With its main base in Abu Dhabi International Airport the Etihad airways fly to several destinations in Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America. The airlines is a member of the Arab Carriers Organization. 'Etihad' is Arabic for 'united', and so a symbol of the bonding among the seven emirates that constitute the UAE. By 2010, Etihad Airways plans to touch 70 international destinations.

Etihad is governed by a Board of Directors under the chairmanship of HH Dr SH Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan.

As the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways seeks to reflect the best of Arabian hospitality — cultured, considerate, warm and generous — as well as enhance the prestige of Abu Dhabi as a centre of hospitality between East and West.

Etihad Airways hopes to be a truly 21st century global airline changing the traditions of airline hospitality. Etihad Airways strives to make air travel safe and environment-friendly by practicing the highest global standards in both these areas.