Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is officially the most beautiful airport in the world.
It topped a list of more than 400 airports to take the title at this year's Prix Versailles international architecture awards, held at Unesco's headquarters in Paris on Tuesday.
The airport – named in honour of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – took the top honours ahead of Felipe Angeles International Airport in Zumpango, Mexico, noted for its nods to the country's indigenous cultural heritage
Other airports included in the list were Changi International Airport's Terminal 2, which was recognised for its interiors, and Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, which was lauded for its exteriors. Logan International Airport Terminal E in Boston and Kansas City International Airport, both in the US, also made the final list, as did Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico.
Striking sculptural design
"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," said Elena Sorlini, managing director and chief executive at Abu Dhabi Airports. "This is a very proud moment for Abu Dhabi Airports made even more significant as it coincides with our first anniversary and the Eid Al Etihad 53 celebrations. It is a moment of great pride for Abu Dhabi and the UAE."
Abu Dhabi's Midfield Terminal, also known as Terminal A, at Zayed International Airport was noted for its striking design, not least the building's sculptural roof, which is inspired by the sand dunes of the desert. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox architects, it casts shadows on the surrounding landscape and is visible for miles. But this is not just a striking design element, it is also functional. The roof's unique rolling shape helps shade the building, reducing energy consumption.
The airport dominates the Abu Dhabi skyline long before travellers reach it, its roof at once captivating and intimidating. Stepping through the glass-fronted entrance involves passing under a 50-metre-tall facade that leaves passengers feeling dwarfed. Inside, the sky-high supporting arches are a design feature in their own right.
Laid out in an X shape, the terminal has four piers, each themed around one of the city's natural elements – desert, sea, city and oasis. Cultural features like this are a key part of the airport's fabric, from the Islamic geometric patterns incorporated into design elements to the traditional crafts and artefacts on display in designated areas. Travellers can also enjoy Emirati hospitality and Arabian coffee and dates are freely offered.
A 22-metre-tall installation in the arrivals hall is one of the airport's most striking features. Called Sana Al Nour, the piece is inspired by Islamic architecture used in traditional barjeel wind towers and is one of the largest public artworks in the Middle East. The vase-like structure hovers between the departures and arrivals areas and is both beautiful and functional, helping to filter daylight and playing an integral part in the airport's energy-saving airflow design by directing air and light to reduce the building's energy demand by 10 per cent. The installation has a 30-metre diameter, weighs more than 100 tons and is made up of 1,632 glass panels which create a pearlescent glow. At night, it takes on another dimension thanks to white and coloured LED sources which reflect light up and down the structure.
Before leaving the airport, passengers will see The Shell, a sculptural feature created from glass, polished brass and steel – a striking mix of textures and materials. Inspired by Abu Dhabi's maritime heritage, this structure functions as both a piece of art and an orientation point.
Some of the best views of the airport are reserved for arriving passengers. The striking multistorey Feature Staircase links the arrivals corridor with the arrivals hall and offers panoramic views over the airport's central space.
Function as well as form
Zayed International Airport is not only the world's most beautiful, it also uses state-of-the-art technology to improve passenger journeys.
The X-shape layout reduces the average walking distance between points for arriving and departing passengers, as well as for those transiting. Check-in is designed to be seamless with modern counters and self-service kiosks to enable efficient processing.
Advanced security screening systems are in place, with biometric technology used to process travellers. Part of the airport's Smart Travel project, this system will be fully implemented by 2025 when biometric authentication AI will be incorporated into all security checkpoints throughout Terminal A.
The airport is also the only one in the Middle East that offers preclearance facilities to travellers flying to the US. These allow travellers to enter the US as domestic passengers, having cleared international immigration before leaving the UAE.
Zayed International Airport is the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East in terms of international seat capacity. The latest figures show a quarter-on-quarter rise with the airport handling more than 21 million passengers as of September 30.
And Zayed International Airport was not the only regional destination to feature in this year's Prix Versailles awards. Two hotels – Raffles Al Areen Palace in Bahrain and the Ned Doha in Qatar – were also recognised, as were the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.
The world's most beautiful airports in 2024
• Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi – Prix Versailles
• Changi Airport, Terminal 2, Singapore – Special Prize for an Interior
• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Midfield Satellite 1 Bangkok, Thailand – Special Prize for an Exterior
• Felipe Angeles International Airport, Zumpango, Mexico – World Selection
• Logan International Airport, Terminal E, Boston, US – World Selection
• Kansas City International Airport, Missouri, US – World Selection
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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NBA Finals results
Game 1: Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114
Game 2: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 103
Game 3: Cavaliers 102, Warriors 110
Game 4: In Cleveland, Sunday (Monday morning UAE)
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Company profile
Company name: Dharma
Date started: 2018
Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: TravelTech
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
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Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
