Cambodia is set to strengthen its position as an emerging and attractive tourist destination for travellers from the Middle East with the launch of the first direct flight between Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Phnom Penh.
An inauguration ceremony marked the milestone, presided over by Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, with the participation of Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Cambodia, along with senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives from the private sector. Nearly 200 distinguished guests attended the event held at the Rosewood Hotel in Phnom Penh on October 3.
In his address, Minister Huot Hak highlighted that the launch of direct flights operated by Etihad Airways, a world-class airline based in Abu Dhabi, goes beyond a simple air connection. He described it as a “bridge of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity” between Cambodia and the UAE.
The Minister emphasised that this new route would not only bring Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism offerings closer to travellers in the UAE, but also raise the Kingdom’s profile among Middle Eastern tourists and investors.
Etihad Airways, established in 2003, has played a vital role in transforming Abu Dhabi into a global aviation hub. Under the new schedule, the airline will operate four weekly direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
