Zayed International Airport Terminal A was inaugurated in November 2023, marking a big step forward for Abu Dhabi’s air travel. It’s designed to make every journey smooth, comfortable and memorable with top-class facilities and services for travellers and airlines. And here’s something cool—Terminal A has already made its Hollywood debut! It was featured in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Let’s look at what makes this terminal special and how to get the most out of your visit.
- Overview
- Location and Connectivity
- Design and Sustainability
- Smart Facilities
- The Sana Al Noor Art Installation
- Lounges
- Parking
- How to Reach
- Nearby Attractions
- FAQs
Zayed International Airport Terminal A- Overview
Zayed International Airport Terminal A is a monumental addition to Abu Dhabi’s aviation landscape. It reflects the emirate’s ambitions as a global hub. Covering approximately 742,000 square metres, this terminal can accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually, effectively tripling its previous capacity.
The terminal’s distinctive X-shaped design is inspired by the undulating sand dunes of the desert, symbolising Abu Dhabi’s natural landscape. The 50-metre-high, largely column-free departures hall creates a spacious and welcoming environment for travellers.
Terminal A can process up to 11,000 travellers per hour and handle 79 aircraft simultaneously, ensuring efficient operations. The terminal offers 163 retail and dining outlets spanning 35,000 square metres. It also serves over 120 global destinations through more than 30 airlines.
Additionally, the terminal features luxury lounges, spa facilities and a transit hotel, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.
Location and Connectivity
Zayed International Airport is located about 30 kilometres east of central Abu Dhabi. This makes it easy to reach the city by car or taxi in around 25 to 30 minutes. The airport is on the E20 highway, one of UAE’s major highways, providing smooth access for local and international travellers.
Design and Sustainability
Terminal A has been built with both smart design and sustainability in mind. For instance:
- Its unique X-shape layout helps improve passenger flow and makes operations smoother for airlines.
- The terminal is divided into four themed piers, each reflecting a part of Abu Dhabi’s natural and urban landscapes—desert, sea, city and oasis.
- Thanks to efficient plumbing systems, it uses 45% less water than older designs.
- Solar power also plays a key role—7,500 panels generate energy for a 3MW plant, cutting down around 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Moreover, Terminal A is the first in the Middle East to use an Advanced Surface Movement Control System. This technology helps planes land and move safely during foggy or low-visibility conditions, improving safety while keeping operations running smoothly.
Smart Facilities at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A
Terminal A at Zayed International Airport offers a range of modern facilities designed to enhance the passenger experience. Notably, the terminal has integrated advanced facial recognition technology, enabling a seamless journey through various touchpoints without needing physical documents.
Other smart features of the terminal include:
- Biometric Check-in and Boarding: Passengers can enjoy a streamlined process with facial recognition systems at check-in counters, self-service bag drops, e-gates and boarding gates, reducing waiting times and enhancing security.
- Automated Traveller Registration: The terminal features automated systems that register travellers using biometric data, simplifying the journey from arrival to boarding.
- Smart Security Screening: Advanced facial recognition technology facilitates quicker and more secure passage through security checkpoints, minimising manual checks and expediting the process.
- Biometric Lounge Access: Eligible passengers can access airport lounges through facial recognition, ensuring a convenient and personalised experience.
- Biometric Shopping and Dining: The terminal’s duty-free shops and dining outlets have facial recognition systems, allowing for seamless transactions and personalised services.
Other Facilities at the Terminal
- 163 shops and restaurants – including international brands, cafés and duty-free stores.
- Spacious lounges – with food, showers and quiet areas for rest.
- Transit hotel – perfect for long layovers or overnight stays.
- Smart check-in and security – with self-service kiosks and biometric gates.
- Free Wi-Fi – fast and easy to connect throughout the terminal.
- Family zones – with play areas for children.
- Prayer rooms – separate spaces for men and women.
- Medical centre – for emergency support or health checks.
- Special assistance services – for passengers with reduced mobility.
The Sana Al Noor Art Installation
Sana Al Noor is a stunning art installation inside Zayed International Airport, standing 22 metres tall. One of the largest public environmental artworks in the Middle East, it sits between the Departures and Arrivals areas.
Made with 1,632 curved glass ‘leaves’, it takes inspiration from the traditional burjeel (wind tower) design. This helps bring in natural light and fresh air, improving energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting and cooling. Sana Al Noor is not just beautiful—it’s smart, blending art, culture and sustainability in one striking structure.
Lounges at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A
Like the top Dubai Airport lounges, the lounges at Zayed International Airport Terminal A are no less. For instance:
1. Etihad Business Class Lounge
Located between Gates C27 and D43, the Etihad Business Class Lounge spans three levels and provides a luxurious environment for travellers. Amenities include:
- Shower suites
- Full-service bar
- An extensive buffet
- A la carte dining
- Various seating options
The lounge also features a games room and a children’s play area, catering to families and business travellers alike.
2. Pearl Lounge
Situated near Gate D43, the Pearl Lounge operates 24/7, offering a tranquil escape from the airport’s hustle and bustle. Facilities include:
- Indoor and outdoor bars
- Two dining areas
- Quiet lounge bays
- An oasis-inspired terrace lounge
- Large family areas
- Meeting rooms
- Shower facilities
- Prayer rooms
Access is available to various lounge cardholders, including Priority Pass and Lounge Key members.
3. Diamond Lounge
The Diamond Lounge provides an exclusive experience, focusing on privacy and luxury. It is located away from the main airport area and offers an extensive range of services and amenities, delivering an unforgettable Emirati hospitality experience. Reservations can be made via email or phone.
Parking at Terminal A
At Abu Dhabi Airport, there are multiple parking options. You can choose between the short-stay car park and the pickup area. Payments can be made at car park machines, with convenient contactless options.
Terminal A – Pre-booking Parking Rates
| Duration | Price |
| 2-3 days | AED 225 |
| 4-7 days | AED 325 |
| 8-14 days | AED 400 |
AED 50 per day for each additional day from Day 15 to a maximum of 30 days.
Terminal A – Standard Parking Rates
| Duration | Price |
| 6-15 minutes | AED15 |
| 16-30 minutes | AED 25 |
| 31 minutes-2 hours | AE 35 |
| Up to 4 hours | AED 55 |
| Up to 24 hours | AED 65 |
| Upto 24 hours | AED 125 |
| Each additional day | AED 100 |
How to Reach the Zayed International Airport Terminal A
Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A is situated approximately 30 kilometres east of central Abu Dhabi. Travellers have several options to reach the terminal:
By Car or Taxi
The terminal is accessible via the E10 highway (Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street). Taxis are readily available throughout Abu Dhabi. A typical journey to the airport costs between AED 60 and 70 and takes 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.
By Bus
The Integrated Transport Centre of Abu Dhabi public transport operates several bus routes connecting the city to Terminal A:
- A1: Runs from Al Zahiyah to the airport.
- A2: Connects Khalifa Street to the airport.
- A10: Services MBZ City Bus Station to the airport.
- A40: Links Al Shahama Bus Station to Baniyas via the airport.
- N2: A night service operating between Al Zahiyah and the airport from 11:00 PM to 05:00 AM.
Passengers must purchase a Hafilat Smart Card before boarding, as cash payments are not accepted on buses.
By Airport Shuttle
Etihad Airways provides complimentary shuttle services for its passengers between the airport and locations in Dubai and Al Ain. Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
By Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem operate in Abu Dhabi and can drop passengers directly at Terminal A.
Nearby Attractions to Terminal A
The following are the nearby attractions from the terminal:
- Yas Island – 12 minutes
- Yas Marina Circuit – 13 minutes
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – 15 minutes
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – 20 minutes
- Mangrove National Park – 20 minutes
FAQs
Terminal A boasts a diverse selection of 163 retail and dining outlets, offering passengers a wide range of shopping and culinary experiences. The dining options include:
-Jones the Grocer
-Starbucks
-Camden Food Co.
-McDonald’s
-Taste of India
Here are some shopping outlets available at Terminal A, Zayed International Airport:
-Hermes
-Burberry
-Tiffany & Co.
-Duty-Free Abu Dhabi
-Apple Reseller Store
-Victoria’s Secret
Yes, Terminal A features the AUHotel, offering convenient and affordable rooms for transit passengers seeking rest during their journey.
Yes, you can reach Terminal A by taxi, public bus, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem, or Etihad’s airport shuttle (for Etihad passengers).
Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A combines smart design, advanced technology and top-class facilities to offer a smooth and modern travel experience. From efficient check-ins to luxury lounges and eco-friendly features, it sets a new standard for airports in the region.
Talking about lounges, check out these world-class Emirates Business and First-class Lounges for a luxurious stay and wait for your next flight.
