Eastern, I have to say very impressed, you brought us this rumour that looks to be accurate! Belfast Telegraph has it today. Etihad to Abu Dhabi!!
Editor's Viewpoint: New air link is our runway to success - Editors Viewpoint, Opinion - Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
From my reading of the above link the only reason Abu Dhabi is there is because it is the capital of the UAE and then you assumed it was EY to Abu Dhabi.