Discover Why Zayed International Airport Is Named The Most Beautiful In The World

Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been honoured as the World’s Most Beautiful Airport at the esteemed Prix Versailles, The World Architecture and Design Award. This recognition highlights its exceptional architectural design in the Airports category. The announcement took place at a ceremony in Paris, held at UNESCO’s Headquarters, aligning with the airport's first anniversary and the 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

In just one year of operation, Zayed International Airport has set a new benchmark for airport excellence globally. It secured the top position in this highly sought-after category amid fierce international competition. The award celebrates AUH's innovative design that harmoniously combines advanced technology with the UAE's rich cultural heritage.

The airport spans 742,000 square meters and features a unique X-shaped design. It can accommodate up to 11,000 travellers per hour and 79 aircraft simultaneously. This capacity is double the previous limit, positioning AUH to handle up to 45 million passengers annually. By 2025, it aims to pioneer nine biometric touchpoints worldwide.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, stated, "Zayed International Airport embodies the UAE's vision for the future of aviation, blending ambition with innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future of airport experiences. This is a very proud moment for Abu Dhabi Airports."

This accolade adds to AUH's global recognition over the past year. Notably, it has been identified as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East concerning international seat capacity. Additionally, it achieved an excellent ACI ASQ satisfaction score, ranking it among the world's best airports. As of 30 September, passenger traffic numbers have steadily increased quarter-on-quarter, serving over 21 million passengers.

The airport's design integrates elements of Emirati culture with state-of-the-art technology. This creates an impressive and efficient space for travellers. The award acknowledges the dedication of over 25,000 team members who contributed to its development and launch in November 2023.

Winning this Prix Versailles award further strengthens Abu Dhabi's status as a leading global destination. It underscores the emirate's commitment to innovation and excellence within the aviation industry.

With inputs from WAM