ABU DHABI: Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been named World’s Most Beautiful Airport at the prestigious Prix Versailles awards, recognising its exceptional architectural design in the Airports category. The announcement, made at UNESCO’s Headquarters in Paris, coincided with AUH’s first anniversary and the UAE’s 53rd Eid Al Etihad celebrations.
In just a year of operation, AUH has set a global benchmark for airport excellence, standing out amid stiff competition. The airport’s groundbreaking design blends cutting-edge technology with the UAE’s cultural heritage, offering both beauty and functionality. Spanning 742,000 square metres, its distinctive X-shaped design can accommodate 11,000 travellers per hour and 79 aircraft at once. With a capacity to handle up to 45 million passengers annually, AUH will soon feature nine biometric touchpoints by 2025.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, praised the win, stating, “Zayed International Airport embodies the UAE’s vision for the future of aviation, blending ambition with innovation. This is a very proud moment for Abu Dhabi Airports.”
The recognition builds on AUH’s growing reputation, having been named the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East in terms of international seat capacity. It also achieved a high ACI ASQ satisfaction score, ranking among the world’s best airports. As of September 30, the airport has served over 21 million passengers, reflecting consistent growth in passenger numbers.
This award also celebrates the efforts of over 25,000 team members who contributed to AUH’s development and launch in November 2023.
With its innovative design and cultural integration, Zayed International Airport not only enhances the travel experience but also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in aviation, committed to excellence and innovation.
