Etihad Guest’s Global Challenge Culminates with Huge Prizes – Miles Millionaires Recognized at Formula 1 Abu Dhabi

Published on December 8, 2025

Etihad Airways’ loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, recently held a spectacular ceremony during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend to celebrate the winners of its unique competition, The Extraordinary Challenge. This exclusive event recognised the 10 exceptional guests who were the first to fly and complete the challenge, with the top three contestants earning the coveted title of Miles-millionaires.

Launched in May 2025, The Extraordinary Challenge encouraged Etihad Guest members to visit 15 newly announced year-round destinations from the airline’s rapidly expanding network. Since the competition’s inception, Etihad has continued to expand its global reach, with 31 new route launches, including destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Salalah, and Krakow, set to operate from next year.

A Global Success

The competition has seen overwhelming participation, with nearly 50,000 Etihad Guest members registering for the challenge. Notably, 20% of the participants are new members to the programme, highlighting a strong appeal among travellers seeking adventure and rewards. The challenge has been embraced globally, with 75% of participants coming from outside the UAE. Five of the 10 finalists were also from international locations, underscoring the broad and diverse community of Etihad’s loyal customers. Among the 15 eligible destinations, Warsaw has proven to be the most popular, with many participants choosing it as their destination of choice.

The event in Abu Dhabi was a celebration of the global travel community and the spirit of adventure. It brought together winners from around the world, showcasing how Etihad’s expanding network is connecting travellers from various corners of the globe. The competition’s final ceremony offered a moment of pride for both Etihad and its loyal customers, as the airline continues to reward its members for their travel achievements.

Milestone Moments and Prize Distribution

As the culmination of a year-long race, Etihad announced the top three winners, each receiving substantial rewards for their efforts. The First Place winner was awarded five million Etihad Guest Miles, the Second Place winner received three million miles, and the Third Place winner earned one million miles. These prizes were a testament to Etihad’s commitment to recognising and rewarding the loyalty of its passengers.

In addition to the top prizes, the first 10 members to complete the challenge were granted 100,000 miles each, celebrating their dedication and enthusiasm. Etihad Guest also introduced special recognition awards, including the Most Creative Participant Award and the Extraordinary Accelerator Award. These honours went to members who demonstrated extraordinary innovation and creativity in their pursuit of the challenge. Each of these winners received an additional 50,000 miles, further acknowledging their exceptional accomplishments.

The Challenge Continues

Despite the official ceremony marking the conclusion of this phase, The Extraordinary Challenge remains open until 25 May 2026. With over 11 million Etihad Guest Miles still up for grabs, the competition continues to spark excitement among travellers. Participants can track their progress and see how they measure up against other members using Etihad’s live race dashboard and digital passport. The digital passport stamps each new destination and displays the participant’s current standing in the race.

Both new and existing Etihad Guest members can register for the competition at etihad.com/extraordinary. The race to the finish line is still going strong, and members are encouraged to share their journeys and experiences using the hashtag #EYextraordinarymiles.

Etihad’s Expanding Network and Future Prospects

The Extraordinary Challenge is not just a celebration of individual achievements but also highlights the airline’s rapid network expansion. Etihad’s commitment to offering new destinations ensures that its guests are always exploring new corners of the world. The challenge aligns with Etihad’s long-term strategy to offer unparalleled travel experiences while fostering loyalty within its global community.

This challenge also underscores the growing popularity of gamified loyalty programmes. With the ability to track milestones and compete against fellow travellers, Etihad has created a unique platform that blends adventure with rewards. The competition has not only increased member engagement but has also set a new benchmark for what loyalty programmes can offer in terms of excitement and innovation.

The Future of Etihad Guest

As The Extraordinary Challenge continues into 2026, Etihad Guest members can look forward to even more thrilling opportunities. The loyalty programme is continually evolving, with more exciting challenges and prizes on the horizon. Whether it’s through new routes, innovative competitions, or enhanced travel experiences, Etihad is committed to rewarding its most dedicated travellers in unique and meaningful ways.

With a growing base of international members and an expanding global network, Etihad’s loyalty programme is set to continue leading the industry in customer engagement. As the airline gears up for further growth, Etihad Guest remains at the heart of its customer-first approach, ensuring that every traveller’s journey is as rewarding as it is extraordinary.