Abu Dhabi's Zayed International crowned ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airport’

Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been crowned the "World’s Most Beautiful Airport" at the prestigious Prix Versailles, The World Architecture and Design Award, recognising its outstanding architectural design in the Airports category.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in Paris at UNESCO’s Headquarters, coinciding with the airport's first anniversary and the 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations.

In just one year of operation, Zayed International Airport claimed the top spot amid strong global competition to set a new standard for airport excellence worldwide.

The accolade celebrates Zayed International Airport's ground-breaking design, which blends cutting-edge technology with the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.

AUH boasts a distinctive X-shaped design, equipped to accommodate up to 11,000 travellers per hour and 79 aircraft simultaneously, which doubles the previous capacity.

AUH is primed to manage up to 45 million passengers annually, pioneering the world’s first nine biometric touchpoints by 2025.

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. This is a very proud moment for Abu Dhabi Airports.”