Abu Dhabi airport crowned world’s most beautiful at Prix Versailles 2024 (VIDEO)
Zayed International Airport celebrates first anniversary prestigious World Architecture Award
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been awarded the title of World’s Most Beautiful Airport at the prestigious Prix Versailles 2024, The World Architecture and Design Award.
The award, which recognises outstanding architectural design in the Airports category, was announced during a ceremony held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
This announcement comes as the airport marks its first anniversary and coincides with the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad 53 celebrations, making the occasion even more significant.
Zayed International Airport: Design
Zayed International Airport claimed this coveted recognition amid strong global competition, marking a major milestone in just one year of operation. The airport’s innovative design, blending modern technology with traditional Emirati motifs, has set a new global standard for airport architecture. The design incorporates Islamic geometric patterns and is inspired by the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi, seamlessly integrating cultural heritage with sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
One of the highlights of the design is Sana Al Nour, a 30-metre-diameter art installation that directs air and light to enhance energy efficiency, reducing demand by 10%. This is just one of the many features that help Zayed International Airport operate at optimal efficiency while staying connected to the UAE’s cultural roots.
Spanning 742,000 square meters, the airport boasts a distinctive X-shaped design and is equipped to accommodate up to 11,000 travellers per hour and 79 aircraft simultaneously. This represents a significant increase in capacity, enabling the airport to handle up to 45 million passengers annually. It is also pioneering the world’s first nine biometric touchpoints set to be fully operational by 2025, ensuring a seamless and efficient traveller experience.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed her pride in the airport’s achievement: "Zayed International Airport embodies the UAE's vision for the future of aviation, blending ambition with innovation. This recognition reflects our commitment to shaping the future of airport experiences."
Aviation excellence
In addition to this award, Zayed International Airport has garnered global recognition as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East in terms of international seat capacity. It has also achieved an ACI ASQ satisfaction score that places it among the top-rated airports worldwide. As of September 30, 2024, the airport had served over 21 million passengers, a testament to its rising global significance.
The development of the airport, which employed over 25,000 team members, underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to maintaining its position as a leading global destination. This award further reinforces the emirate’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the aviation industry, making Zayed International Airport a benchmark for future developments.