Abu Dhabi Joins Hanoi, Dubai, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City And More As Emirates, Etihad And Other Airlines Accelerate Vietnam-UAE Tourism Growth With New Direct Flights

Published on November 24, 2025

Abu Dhabi, Hanoi, Dubai, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and more are now key points on the map for UAE and Vietnam travel, as Emirates, Etihad, and other airlines accelerate tourism growth with new direct flights. This surge in connectivity comes in response to the expanding trade and cultural ties between the two nations, particularly after the landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed last year. With increased air access, streamlined visa processes, and growing collaborative efforts, these new flight routes are set to fuel tourism, boost business exchanges, and position Vietnam as a top destination for Gulf travelers.

The strategic partnership between the UAE and Vietnam is witnessing a new phase, as key airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and others expand their reach between the two nations, connecting cities from Abu Dhabi to Hanoi, Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and beyond. The launch of new direct flight routes marks a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the UAE and Vietnam, bolstered by the recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). These developments are set to fuel tourism growth and elevate Vietnam as a top emerging destination for Gulf travelers, driving bilateral ties even further.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Its Impact on Bilateral Relations

In 2024, the UAE and Vietnam signed a groundbreaking Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the first of its kind between Vietnam and a Middle Eastern country. The deal aims to unlock $20 billion in bilateral trade by eliminating tariffs on a vast majority of each country’s exports. Under the agreement, the UAE has agreed to remove tariffs on 99% of Vietnam’s exports, while Vietnam will eliminate tariffs on 98.5% of the UAE’s exports. The CEPA is poised to have a wide-ranging impact, not only in trade but also in boosting tourism, as it improves connectivity between the two nations and opens up new opportunities for travelers.

The tourism sector, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from these strengthened ties, as streamlined visa processes and increased flight connectivity take center stage. The launch of new direct flight routes, especially by major airlines like Etihad and Emirates, will make travel between the UAE and Vietnam more accessible, creating new opportunities for cultural exchange, business, and tourism.

Direct Flights: A Game-Changer for UAE-Vietnam Tourism

One of the most significant developments in this partnership is the launch of new direct flight routes between major cities in the UAE and Vietnam. Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, recently introduced a new direct route between Abu Dhabi and Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital. The flight began operations in November 2025, making Etihad the first airline to connect these two destinations directly. The carrier operates six flights per week, using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in a two-class configuration, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.

This new route between Abu Dhabi and Hanoi marks a major milestone in UAE-Vietnam connectivity, as it offers travelers a direct gateway to Vietnam’s cultural and political center. For Vietnamese travelers, it opens up a new hub for connecting to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and beyond, through Abu Dhabi’s extensive flight network.

Emirates Airlines and Other Airlines Expanding Routes

In addition to Etihad’s direct service, Emirates Airlines, one of the UAE’s most prominent carriers, has also played a key role in enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and the UAE. Emirates already operates flights from Dubai to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, two of Vietnam’s most significant urban centers. These flights serve as crucial links for both business and leisure travelers, facilitating the flow of tourists, entrepreneurs, and professionals between the two nations.

Emirates’ established presence in the Vietnamese market is further strengthened by the expanding network of flights. The airline’s well-developed services are also complemented by the airline’s extensive global network, making it easier for travelers to connect between Vietnam and the UAE, as well as other key global destinations.

Other carriers are expected to follow suit as the tourism and trade growth between Vietnam and the UAE accelerates, providing more options for travelers and contributing to the overall expansion of direct flight services.

Top Flight Routes Connecting the UAE and Vietnam: New Pathways for Travel and Trade

The Role of Stopover Programs in Enhancing Travel Experience

One of the key incentives for travelers taking these new direct flights is the UAE’s generous stopover program. For passengers traveling to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other Vietnamese destinations via Abu Dhabi, they can take advantage of a free two-night stopover in the UAE’s capital. This program offers a unique opportunity for travelers to explore the UAE’s iconic landmarks, from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai to the historical sites in Abu Dhabi, before continuing their journey to Vietnam.

The stopover program serves as a valuable marketing tool for both Etihad and Emirates, allowing them to attract tourists who may not have otherwise considered visiting the UAE. It also plays a crucial role in positioning Abu Dhabi and Dubai as global hubs for travel and tourism, providing travelers with the chance to experience the UAE’s luxurious offerings.

Promoting Vietnam as a Top Emerging Destination for Gulf Travelers

The increase in direct flights between the UAE and Vietnam is also supported by joint marketing efforts between the national carriers, tourism boards, and hoteliers. These efforts are focused on positioning Vietnam as a top emerging destination for Gulf travelers. Vietnam, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse natural beauty, offers a wealth of experiences that appeal to a wide range of tourists from the UAE and the broader Middle East.

Key tourism attractions in Vietnam, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in Hanoi, the stunning beaches of Da Nang, and the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, are gaining increasing attention among Gulf tourists. With the new flight routes and marketing campaigns promoting Vietnam’s tourism potential, the country is set to become an increasingly popular destination for UAE residents seeking an exotic getaway.

The Importance of Halal Certification and Muslim-Friendly Infrastructure

To convert growing interest into bookings, Vietnam must also cater to the specific needs of Muslim travelers. This includes the strengthening of Halal certification for food, as well as providing language training for tour guides who can cater to Arabic-speaking tourists. Additionally, increasing awareness of Muslim-friendly infrastructure, such as prayer facilities and halal restaurants, will be key to attracting Gulf tourists who are seeking destinations that accommodate their religious practices.

Vietnam’s tourism industry is already taking steps in this direction, with several hotels and restaurants in major cities working towards Halal certification to appeal to the growing number of Muslim travelers from the Middle East. This move will make it easier for Gulf visitors to feel at home while traveling in Vietnam, helping to convert interest into actual travel bookings.

Bilateral Trade and Tourism Synergy

The tourism growth between Vietnam and the UAE is not occurring in isolation but is part of a larger trend of increasing bilateral trade. The UAE is already Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with trade between the two countries growing significantly in recent years. Vietnam exports a wide range of products to the UAE, including electronics, textiles, footwear, seafood, and agricultural products. In return, the UAE exports petroleum products, metals, and fertilizers to Vietnam.

The strengthened trade relationship between the two countries is expected to complement the growth of tourism, as both sectors benefit from improved connectivity and greater cooperation. As more tourists travel between the UAE and Vietnam, they will likely stimulate demand for both goods and services, further boosting bilateral trade.

Future Outlook: A Stronger Tourism Corridor Between Vietnam and the UAE

As the UAE and Vietnam continue to strengthen their ties through initiatives like the CEPA, the future looks promising for the tourism industry. The increase in direct flights, along with the stopover programs and collaborative marketing efforts, is expected to drive a surge in travel between the two countries. For travelers in the UAE, Vietnam will become a more accessible and appealing destination, while for Vietnamese travelers, the UAE will be an attractive gateway to the broader Middle East and beyond.

The ongoing partnership between airlines, tourism boards, and hoteliers will ensure that both destinations capitalize on this new wave of tourism growth. With improved infrastructure, greater cultural exchange, and expanded connectivity, the UAE and Vietnam are set to emerge as key players in each other’s tourism industries.