Camels, falcons and Ferraris: What Charlotte’s new flight to Abu Dhabi unlocks
Attention, passengers, this is your captain speaking. For the first time ever, we will be flying from Charlotte Douglas International Airport — via Etihad Airways — to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A historic addition to our already busy and bustling airport, Charlotteans and those who use our city as a connector to other destinations will soon be able to take the nonstop 13-hour and 45-minute route beginning in May 2026.
“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said in a news release.
As an avid traveler and someone who has visited Abu Dhabi on multiple trips, I am excited about this new nonstop option. It’s a city steeped in history dating back thousands of years, filled with a melting pot of cultures, unique adventures, and, of course, authentic mouthwatering cuisines.
And that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. This flight will allow us to tap into a range of world-class experiences that may have otherwise been missed due to the multi-city routes that were previously only available from Charlotte Airport.
If you’re looking forward to taking this flight for a little jaunt in the UAE, here are a few things you can look forward to once you land in Abu Dhabi.
Tapping into childhood nostalgia
Those childhood Saturday mornings of watching Looney Tunes come to life at the WB Hotel Abu Dhabi, the only Warner Brothers-themed hotel in the world. Not only are there daily character appearances by favorites like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tom & Jerry, but you can also view (and take photos of) other iconic movie and television memorabilia on the property, too.
Take the nostalgia up a notch with a visit to the adjacent Warner Brothers World indoor theme park. From thrill rides to those more suitable for young children, you can make this adventure a family affair.
Getting up close with the stunning Grand Mosque
A structure almost too beautiful for words, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center is one of those places that truly take your breath away. Completed in late 2007, this is an active religious building, so you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the rules of entry prior to entry.
Women will be asked to cover their hair, arms, legs and décolletage. Men are asked to wear long pants and to cover their shoulders. While photos are permitted, there are some restricted areas.
Rooftop drinks where ‘Fast & Furious 7’ was filmed
One of the most well-known action scenes from the popular car franchise is when Vin Diesel drove a red supercar through and across the Etihad Towers. While you won’t be able to relive that exact moment, you can instead have drinks and light bites at the hotel’s trendy new rooftop bar, Sushisamba.
The menu consists of craft cocktails, mocktails and a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian-inspired dishes — and the decor will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to the Amazon.
Viewing artworks at a world-famous museum
Did you know there is more than one Louvre Museum in the world? If you didn’t, let me be the first to share that a second location is located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.
With architecture just as awe-inspiring as its big brother in Paris, the Louvre Abu Dhabi often features pieces and artworks that can’t be viewed anywhere else in the world. Though many of them come from the Paris location, the museum also has its own permanent exhibitions and experiences — like kayaking or taking a catamaran ride around the iconic structure, which sits over a body of water.
An epic desert safari complete with dune bashing
A can’t-miss excursion while visiting the UAE is the desert safari. There are several tour operators that offer this unique adventure, so it will all boil down to what works best for your schedule and budget.
The safaris typically include a drive through the desert in an off-road vehicle or open air jeep. Some even offer dune bashing, which is an adrenaline pumping experience and not recommended if you are prone to motion sickness. In addition to the drive, there’s typically a meal at a local campsite, a cultural show or even chances for falcon encounters.
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Indulging in authentic Middle Eastern dishes
You may say, “Why do I need to fly that far just to indulge in Middle Eastern cuisine, when I can find a spot here in Charlotte?” Well, there’s nothing like having native dishes on home soil, as there are often local spices and ingredients that can’t be found anywhere else.
The best way to get your fill in one setting is through a food tour. I made the trip into Dubai (about an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi) to check out Frying Pan Adventures, a company that offers several tours based on your preference. Our guide not only gave us behind-the-scenes moments with chefs, but she was also very knowledgeable on the origin stories of many popular dishes like the stuffed falafel sandwiches we had during our experience.
Living out your dreams of being a Formula 1 driver
Yes, we have NASCAR, but Formula 1 is all the rage right now. Located on Yas Island, visitors of the Yas Marina Circuit can not only take in a race at the track, but there are also driving experiences, as well.
Get behind the wheel of real race cars including an Aston Martin, Ferrari or Porsche and watch your inner adrenaline junkie spirit come alive. If you aren’t quite brave enough to put pedal to metal on your own, there are also ride along experiences, too. And for the kids, there’s a go kart track, as well.
This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
