Plane spotters in the Middle East will have something new to feast their eyes on thanks to Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).
The airline is launching a series of special liveries paying tribute to Adnoc's key international trading markets, industry partners and destinations served by Etihad.
And the first special livery is a Saudi Arabian-inspired Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to mark Saudi's 89th National Day which takes place on Monday.
The aircraft will fly between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on codes EY317 and EY318.
"The bespoke livery celebrates the UAE's close historical ties with Saudi Arabia, through an Islamic calligraphic and Mashrabiya latticework design in the kingdom's national colours," Etihad said.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is hosting themed check-in counters and giveaways, while Etihad's First and Business Class lounges will be provided with a selection of Saudi Arabian-themed cuisine.
Special fares from Saudi Arabia will also be on offer during the National Day period.
Etihad Airways currently operates 77 flights per week to Saudi Arabia – three return daily flights to Riyadh, three return daily flights to Jeddah, and four return flights a day to Dammam, plus daily seasonal flights to Medina.
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Airbus A380 special livery history
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Emirates is ramping up operations via its A380 jets to meet travel demands. Photo: AP -
The A380 is the world's largest passenger jet. Photo: Getty Images -
Emirates is the world's biggest A380 customer and offers shower spas and an upper-deck lounge for premium passengers. Photo: Emirates -
Emirates A380 economy class. Photo: Emirates -
Inside Emirates new A380 Premium Economy cabin. Courtesy Emirates -
The Emirates super jumbo is known for its luxury. Photo: Emirates -
The grand staircase on an Emirates airline Airbus A380. Photo: AP -
A custom A380 livery dedicated to Dubai’s Museum of the Future. Photo: Emirates -
The United for Wildlife Emirates A380 before its first flight to London. Photo: Emirates -
The Emirates Year of Zayed A380 makes a scenic landing in Hong Kong. Photo: Emirates -
The Emirates FA Cup branded A380. Photo: Emirates
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Special liveries have been a frequent sight for UAE travellers in recent years as both Etihad and Emirates have created numerous works of art to mark worthy occasions and causes.
Another to watch out for at the moment is Emirates' Rugby World Cup 2019 livery on one of its Airbus A380s. The World Cup started in Japan on Friday and runs until November 20.
Etihad meanwhile celebrated the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi earlier this year with a bespoke livery on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
