Travellers with two Covid vaccinations will still be required to show a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure. They will also need to test on arrival and on day four and day eight.

Unvaccinated travellers must still quarantine for 10 days.

The UAE is currently on the UK’s amber list, meaning fully vaccinated travellers must take a test on or before day two after return to the UK.

Etihad group chief executive Tony Douglas said he was “thrilled” at the changes, which bring Abu Dhabi more into line with Dubai.

“This is a huge step forward as the UAE prepares to host the Expo 2020, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and many more global events over the coming months.”

Etihad currently offers three daily flights from Heathrow and one from Manchester.

“By requiring 100% of our passengers to show a negative PCR test before boarding, we’ve protected our inflight environment, which is now recognised to be one of the best in the world,” said Douglas.