The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
One of the luxurious airport experiences in the Middle East is gained from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Terminal A is a spectacular combination of world class architecture, the best shopping, the best dining, the best Wellness, the best family friendly and the best award winning lounges. During a short transit or longer layover, you can have a taste of Emirati hospitality, have a rest, eat and shop at the airport before your next flight in a variety of ways.
Terminal A has a significant number of shops that occupy a considerable space of the terminal, after security and passport control, with other shops throughout the departure and arrival areas of the terminal. The majority of the stores are day-night and adhere to the international flights schedule that is why travellers are able to go shopping regardless of the flight time.
Luxury perfumes, cosmetics, high end skin care, designer clothing, handbags, watches, jewellery, electronic, sunglasses, tobacco, high-end spirits, chocolates, gourmet confectionery, travel accessories, kids gifts and exclusive airport editions are just a few to be considered. The locally inspired and traditional souvenirs, saffron, oud perfumes, incense, handcrafts, camel milk chocolates and Arabic coffee are also available in the airport.
Internationally renowned luxury outlets are provided at Abu Dhabi Airport, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Burberry, Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Swarovski, Montblanc, Sunglass Hut, Victoria's Secret, Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty and many high-end beauty and lifestyle brands. It is also possible to visit shops that offer Arabian perfumes, luxury dates, gourmet chocolates and traditional Emirati gifts.
Abu Dhabi Duty Free always has exclusive offers on the airport, first-rate product releases, and seasonal travel packages. Tourists can also purchase exquisitely packaged Arabic dates, quality chocolates, oud perfumes and gift boxes as souvenirs or corporate presents. Even the shops have several stores that offer preorder and click and collect services to make it easy.
Before you exit the UAE, be sure to visit the specialty stores in the airport to get the best quality Medjool dates, camel milk chocolates, Arabic coffee, saffron and even the traditional oud fragrances. They are all in-house produced products and some of the best products to buy at the airport and are beautifully packed to travel to other countries.
Terminal A is host to a fantastic array of global foods, high-class cafes, bakeries and fast food restaurants. Travellers will be able to explore the most suitable variety of choices between the traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and fine dining restaurants and international restaurant brands whether they are leaving in the morning or evening.
Jones the Grocer is a favorite location among several restaurants available at the airport; offering gourmet burgers, artisan sandwiches, handcrafted desserts, wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads and quality coffee. It's a laid back place, perfect for business travellers and families.
The fine dining restaurant of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck offers modern international dishes with fresh seasonal foods. Some of the finest foods at the airport include Signature pizzas, grilled meats, seafood and pasta and show-stopping desserts.
Terminal A has a number of Starbucks cafes, which serve freshly brewed coffee, espressos, teas, pastries, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. Comfortable seating and charging points have made Starbucks a great place to take a seat and grab an opportunity to recharge before one can continue travelling.
Throughout the day, there are delicious espressos, iced drinks, sandwiches, pastries, cakes and light snacks at Costa Coffee. It's a convenient choice for travellers seeking a quick refreshment between flights.
So, in case you need a renewed feeling of home to your world cuisine, there is a McDonalds, and some other international restaurant chains that offer burgers, fried chicken, Asian cuisine, mediterranean, healthy, vegetarian and grab-and-go food to all travellers!
Before returning home, the UAE travellers should also endeavor to sample the traditional Arabic mezze, kebabs, shawarma, hummus, fresh flatbreads, lamb dishes, saffron rice, baklava, kunafa and the original Arabic coffee. Terminal A has a couple of restaurants that serve local food in a contemporary manner and using quality foodstuff.
To cater to the international operations at Abu Dhabi Airport, many restaurants are open 24 hours. Premium restaurants can be very busy in the evening departure peaks and therefore, when you want to have a sit-down dinner before travelling, allow yourself a little more time to arrive!
Terminal A is envisioned as a premium shopping centre, where the best fashion stores, designer accessories, fine jewellery, electronics, beauty stores and exclusive shopping at the airport are rivalling most of the high-end shopping malls.
The large terminal has luxurious waiting lounges, abundant natural light, serene resting space, charging stations, play areas, prayer rooms and well-designed public areas, which makes waiting very comfortable.
The very impressive contemporary design of the Terminal A and the huge glass fronts, the high ceilings and the innovative facilities of the passengers make the Terminal A one of the most impressive terminals in the Middle East. Both aviation enthusiasts and architecture lovers will be delighted as they walk along the concourses.
Abu Dhabi International Airport features some of the best airport lounges in the Middle East with top-notch accommodation, high quality food and beverage, shower rooms, business centres, lounges and high quality service. The airport provides a superior pre-flight experience, starting with Business Class and going up to frequent flyer status and lounges.
The Etihad First Lounge is an ultra-premium experience to anyone who flies first class at Etihad or is an eligible Etihad Guest Platinum member. With an exquisite Emirati and the background of the elegant design, one can enjoy the restaurant which is a la carte fine dining, the finest beverages, personal relaxation suites, shower rooms, concierge services, high-end seating, business facilities and individualised hospitality.
The Etihad Business Lounge is one of the flagship amenities of the airport, where Business Class passengers and the Etihad Guest members that have the necessary level are welcome. The lounge has international and Middle Eastern gourmet food, live cooking stations, best quality coffee, shower rooms, wellness rooms, family areas, business workstations, high speed Wi-Fi and views over the apron.
Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey and paid lounge passengers. The facility provides buffet meals, fresh foodstuff, showers, business areas, kids, and free drinks and a soothing environment.
Qualified travellers who are flying in on an Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi can use a special arrival lounge equipped with a refreshment room, shower boxes and a breakfast section where they can refresh themselves after their long distance flights, then go to their meetings.
Airport Assist can book lounge access wherever possible, so that passengers can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal and experience the luxury of airport lounges with their complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, charging stations, showers and best airport services before they leave.
There are licensed cabs on 24/7 basis immediately outside Terminal A to get taxis into Abu Dhabi city centre, to and from Yas Island and Saadiyat Island and to Corniche, Al Reem Island, Dubai and across the UAE. All cabs are metered, and are equipped with government approved Taximeters.
Abu Dhabi Airport can be reached by public buses which go to the major places in Abu Dhabi city. The airport also maintains shuttle services to some hotels and Etihad Airways maintains coach services to some routes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to qualified passengers.
Uber and Careem are the ideal app-based transportation that can take you to any part of Abu Dhabi, starting at the airport. Pick up zones that are out of Terminal A, make the identification of the driver fast and simple.
In the case of business travellers, families, VIP guests and groups, Airport Assist will be able to offer executive chauffeurs, luxury sedans, Mercedes-Benz, SUVs and high quality minibuses. The direct transfers to hotels, business districts, Abu Dhabi and Dubai cruise terminals and attractions within the regions are served by private transfers.
To explore Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, and the entire UAE, renting a car is a great idea, and such international car rental companies as Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Enterprise, Hertz, SIXT, and Thrifty have counters in Terminal A
The terminal has several handy currency exchange offices, ATMs and banking facilities. Although credit cards are accepted all over the UAE, it is always good to have some dirhams to make small purchases and use them to use local transportation.
Upon arrival, you can get a tourist SIM card from Etisalat by e&, du and Virgin Mobile UAE. The packages normally include a healthy portion of mobile data and local and international communication to visiting travellers.
Terminal A provides complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, so that passengers can access the internet, stream entertainment, join online meetings or stay connected while waiting for their flights.
There are on-site medical clinics, pharmacies, emergency response teams, first-aid stations and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the airport. Professional assistance of the healthcare sector can be obtained in time.
Services offered by the airport include baggage wrapping, porter services, oversized baggage handling, lost and found services, luggage trolleys and secure luggage services.
Airport Assist also provides personalised baggage handling services to those who are travelling with their sporting equipment, business supplies or more than one bag pack.
Abu Dhabi International Airport has full accessibility with disabled aid, lifts, available public restrooms, hearing aid, tactile guiding tracks, family rooms and exclusive support of passengers. Airport Assist partners with airport staff to assist those passengers with limited mobility locate an effortless and smooth personalised assistance.
Business travellers and guests who require early check-in or prolonged layovers and need not leave the airport complex are accommodated in the AUHotel which is located in the building of the Terminal A. Business facilities, direct access to the terminal, modern rooms and shower facilities are provided to allow travellers to have some rest.
You could use the excellent facilities in the Terminal A with three hours to spare between flights to go shopping luxury fashion, best perfumes, Arabic perfumes, gourmet dates, camel milk chocolates and exclusive souvenirs and gifts and then have a rest in one of the cafes in the airport with the Arabic coffee. As you wait to board, have a good time in the Etihad business Lounge or Pearl Lounge, and with lounge access, enjoy a free meal, shower and a seat, and relax.
Between flights (5-6 hours) and providing that you have the qualifications to enter the UAE, get a taxi to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is approximately 20-25 minutes away. Take a tour through one of the loveliest mosques in the world and see its wonderful courtyards, have a meal at a cafe and be able to get to the airport at least three hours before the international flight.
To those who have 8 hours and above they can take some time to see some of the world famous attractions in Abu Dhabi. Go to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, walk along the Corniche waterfront, have a chill-out in Saadiyat Island or walk around the entertainment area in Yas Island or do some shopping in Yas Mall. To those who want to indulge in culture, one can mix the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace) and then travel via the airport to the onward destination.
Airport Code: AUH
IATA Code: AUH
ICAO Code: OMAA
Initiator: Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai, UAE
Abu Dhabi City Centre: ~30 kilometres away
Passenger Terminal: Terminal A (Main Passenger Terminal)
Operating Hours: 24 Hours
Annual Passenger Capacity: As many as 45 million passengers a year.
Primary Hub For: Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates (select flights), Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Egyptair, Gulf air, Saudia, Oman air, IndiGo, Air India, SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and most of the international airlines.
Airport Hotel: AUHotel Terminal A
Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless broadband internet connectivity in the terminal.
Accessible by wheelchair including wheelchair services, accessible washrooms, family facilities, sensory-friendly services and special passenger assistance.
Airport Assist is a new experience to the Abu Dhabi international airport that offers a different experience to every arriving, departing and connecting passenger. We have a qualified staff that provides Meet and Greet, Fast Track Assistance, VIP Concierge, Lounge Access, Baggage Assistance, Family Support and Personal Transit services to business, luxury, religious, corporate and international travelers. Airport Assist makes the experience of travelling a pre-stress, efficient and smooth experience as soon as your plane lands, or when you leave your terminal to your boarding gate.
When flying with Etihad Airways, remember to check out free stopover deals, transit hotel packages or even city experiences to enjoy in Abu Dhabi in case you are on a long international flight. The Airport Assist will supplement these services with the Meet and Greet, Fast Track and Lounge Access services which will allow passengers to enjoy their layover period in one of the most modern airport terminals in the Middle East with the shortest waiting time.