A British traveller has clinched first place in Etihad Airways' Extraordinary Challenge, securing a remarkable 5 million Etihad Guest Miles. The award ceremony took place at the Etihad Guest Terrace during the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where 10 participants were celebrated for completing the challenge. Launched in May, the challenge encouraged Etihad Guest members to visit 15 new destinations announced by the airline.
Etihad Airways has been rapidly expanding, with 31 new routes announced, including Salalah and Zanzibar, set to begin operations next year. Nearly 50,000 members have joined the challenge, with 20% being new to the programme. Notably, 75% of participants are based outside the UAE, highlighting the global appeal of the challenge. Warsaw emerged as the most popular destination among the 15 new routes.
The event marked the culmination of a year-long race, rewarding travellers who turned their ambitions into reality. Alongside the main awards, the first 10 members to complete the challenge received 100,000 miles each. Special recognition prizes were also awarded for creativity and exceptional achievement, with an additional 50,000 miles given to standout participants.
Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, praised the participants, stating, “The Extraordinary Challenge has truly lived up to its name and the spirit of adventure each of our participating members has shown around the world is a testament to the passionate community we’ve created globally.”
The competition remains open until 25 May 2026, with over 11 million miles still available. Participants can track their progress via Etihad Guest’s live race dashboard and digital passport. New and existing members can register at etihad.com/extraordinary to join the race and share their adventures using #EYextraordinarymiles.
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