Etihad Airways � the national airline of the United Arab Emirates � has opened an exclusive lounge for Diamond and Pearl Zone guests arriving at and departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Situated on the airport's first floor, the lounge offers distinct areas for conducting business, enjoying a range of audio and video entertainment or relaxation.

For on-the-go business travellers, the lounge is amply equipped with laptop connections, high-speed Internet access, and fax and telephone facilities. Guests wishing to really unwind before or after a flight can also access the airport's gym and shower facilities.

Guests can enjoy a superb selection of refreshments and hot and cold buffet dishes. In the near future guests will be able to order from a wide selection of dishes offered in Diamond and Coral Zones.

The design of the lounge, with elegant furnishings and luxurious touches, reflects Etihad's qualities of offering hospitality in a relaxing, fresh and modern environment. A unique feature of the new lounge is the spectacular view from a window running the entire length of the lounge that looks out directly onto the aircraft readying for departure and the airport runway beyond.

Peter Dunkin, Etihad Airways� UK General Manager, comments: �This new lounge is yet another example of Etihad Airways� commitment to enhancing our guests� comfort. With more guests travelling through Abu Dhabi this lounge offers a welcoming environment for work, rest and relaxation in spacious surroundings which afford privacy and personal space.� Ends For further media information please call: Jane Richards Compass PR 01753 654815 / jrichards@compasspr.com

NOTE TO EDITORS Etihad, which is based in Abu Dhabi, was established in July 2003 by decree of the UAE Government. Current routes include London Heathrow and London Gatwick, Geneva, Munich, Frankfurt, Beirut, Damascus, Amman, Colombo, Cairo, Mumbai, Bangkok, Karachi, Bahrain, Dammam, Riyadh and New Delhi.

The airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Farnborough 2004 to purchase 24 Airbus aircraft with an option to purchase 12 additional aircraft. The total value of this agreement is in excess of $7 billion. Additionally an order for five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft was placed in September 2004 for delivery starting 2005. This order is valued at $1.09 billion. The airline has a long-term plan to expand its fleet of aircraft up to a total of 50 by 2009.