Etihad is a very appropriate name for an airline operating in the UAE. The country is formed from a federation of seven emirates, each of which is separately governed. Each of the major airlines operating in the UAE is based in one of the emirates, but of course, serves all of them. “Uniting” the emirates is a fitting description for an airline there.
Etihad Airways was founded in 2003
Etihad Airways was founded in 2003. It was established by royal decree from the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s royal family. The command to set up the airline came from Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He was the eldest son of the first UAE President, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and became President himself in 2004.
Prior to the establishment of Etihad Airways, Emirates was the primary flag carrier for the UAE. It was formed in 1985, partly as a response to Gulf Air cutting back its service to the UAE. It is, of course, based in Dubai (the capital of the emirate of Dubai) and was formed with the backing of the Dubai royal family.