Terminal recognised for architectural and design excellence
Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been named by Prix Versailles as one of the world's most beautiful airports.
The Abu Dhabi hub was recognised at a ceremony in Paris at Unesco headquarters, coinciding with the airport's first anniversary.
In one year of operation, Zayed International Airport claimed the top spot amid strong global competition and was said to have “set a new standard for airport excellence”.
This year's winners are:
- Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport Zumpango, Mexico
- Changi Airport Terminal 2 Changi, Singapore
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Midfield Satellite 1 Bangkok, Thailand
- Logan International Airport Terminal E Boston, US
- Kansas City International Airport Kansas City, US
The accolade celebrates Zayed International Airport's groundbreaking design, which “blends cutting-edge technology with the rich cultural heritage of the UAE”.
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Spanning 742,000 square metres, AUH has a distinctive X-shaped design, equipped to accommodate up to 11,000 travellers per hour and 79 aircraft simultaneously. The recent addition of Terminal 1 has doubled the previous capacity, with AUH now able to handle up to 45 million passengers annually.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “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.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports; Kohn Pedersen Fox, the architectural firm behind this masterpiece; our stakeholders and partners, and the entire Abu Dhabi Airports team.”
This award complements the global recognition that AUH has received over the past 12 months, most notable being the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East regarding international seat capacity.
For more information, visit www.zayedinternational.ae