Abu Dhabi ‘a second home’, says Nicole Kidman

In an exclusive interview, the Oscar-winning Hollywood star explains why she found Etihad Airlines’ approach to be their global ambassador so exciting. ‘The idea to do something with such a luxurious airline was really appealing,’ she says.

As a Brand Ambassador, Nicole Kidman said she hoped the new partnership would mean she would come and visit Abu Dhabi more often — a place, she says, that is attracting more filmmakers. Silvia Razgova / The NationalShow less

ABU DHABI // Oscar winner Nicole Kidman has described Abu Dhabi as a “second home” and vows to spend more time in the capital as she is launched as the new face of the UAE’s national airline.

As the Hollywood star visited the capital for the announcement by the airline, Kidman spoke of her fondness for the emirate and its national airline.

“This is my second home here,” she said. “I have done movies all over the Middle East but I have also flown Etihad many times prior to coming Etihad ambassador. I spend so much time flying just because of my job and also because I am a traveller and I am curious about the world.”

Kidman told The National that when she was approached by the Abu Dhabi carrier to become its global Brand Ambassador it came as perfect timing due to a break in her filming schedule and a passion for flying that once made her consider applying for her own pilot's licence.

“Obviously I knew Etihad as I had flown with them before and I love flying and I get excited to fly so the idea of getting to do something with such a luxurious airline was really appealing,” she said.

“Particularly The Residences because I heard of it and I was like “oh my god I have got to see this”. When they said we would be shooting on it I just thought this would be really magnificent.”

Kidman said she was not disappointed.

“It was actually better than I thought and much bigger than I thought,” said the actress who donned a purple dress and burgundy heels for the interview in Emirates Palace. “When I first saw the First Class cabins on the A380 I thought they were actually The Residences.

“It is one-of-a-kind. An apartment in the sky. It is so big. And you can have a shower.”

Filming the commercial was an experience, said Kidman. “It was the actual plane so I feel like I have lived in it now. I was there for some many hours. But the bed is incredibly comfortable.”

Although she has not actually flown in The Residences, she has a London to Abu Dhabi trip planned onboard the “hotel in the sky”.

The Residences — and Etihad — brings back a certain amount of glamour to flying, she said.

“I always liken The Residences to the Orient Express,” she said. “When we have shown people the commercial they said: ‘“Oh it looks like a train” and I said “yes, it has that glamour”. “I think that is a huge complement because I think we all still think of the train travel of yesteryear as the most glamorous way of travelling and somehow flying has not had that same glamour attached to it.

“It used to when it first began but I think it has been downgraded over time and I think people don’t dress now when they go on planes.

“ They don’t approach it with the same respect. I am always shocked when I see people get on a plane on shorts. Because I really think you should dress to go on a plane no matter what class you are in.

“Even to show your children that we are going somewhere and this is still extraordinary that we can get on a plane and go somewhere and be there very, very quickly. I am still in that place of gratefulness that we can do that.”

Kidman said she had wrapped up a film on Friday and had managed to get to Abu Dhabi by Saturday.

“And that is a miracle,” she said.

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While she is only here for a one-night visit this time, Kidman said she had visited the emirate on many occasions and during her last four-day trip to the capital to film part of the commercial she took in some of Abu Dhabi’s landmarks.

“I went to the mosque and I was amazed by that,” she said. “I had a fantastic guide who took us through and we saw the sunset and so we saw it at the most perfect time.”

Abu Dhabi’s sandy beaches were another highlight, she said, while her next visit will see her take in Ferrari World and a trip to the Liwa desert.

“There are many things I want to do here. My children had a fantastic time. They still say it is their favourite place in the world.”

As a Brand Ambassador, Kidman said she hoped the new partnership would mean she would come and visit the capital more often — a place, she says, that is attracting more filmmakers.

With Abu Dhabi as a location attracting films such as Star Wars and Fast and Furious 7, Kidman said she could see more movies being made in the UAE.

“There is a lot to do here and I have done a lot here. I think the Liwa desert, for example would be a great place to shoot. Particularly now, with the easy access here, it will attract people to make films.”

Although her busy schedule means she has to be selective of the projects she chooses and brands she associates with, Kidman believes she and the airline are a perfect fit and that made her want to become associated with the carrier.

“It is a fantastic union because of my enthusiasm and they (Etihad) are such a fantastic bunch of people who are trying to turn an airline into such a luxurious and still affordable airline.”

Etihad like her, also believes in innovation and heading into the uncharted, she said.

“My husband always says I think out of the box so I don’t know if it is because I am left handed or because of the way I was raised but my mum calls it lateral thinking,” she said. “It is just inherent in my thinking — I am not afraid of trying something new. I have never been one of those people who chooses not to do something because of fear.

“And I think that is what they (Etihad) did when they did The Residences — they actually used space that was actually unused and actually created something new. My allegiance with team is very much because of the A380.

“I was just really impressed with hat they have done with it and that they are innovative and they are constantly looking at ways to make it better and to change it and do things that other people do not do.”

As an extensive traveller, Kidman said it is the small things that make all the difference when boarding a plane.

“I think you want it to be quiet, great service and you want it to be clean. That is really important.”