Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi Named World’s Most Beautiful Airport at 2024 Prix Versailles Awards

Abu Dhabi Airport Receives Global Design Recognition

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi has received global recognition after being named the world’s most beautiful airport at the 2024 Prix Versailles international architecture awards. The announcement was made during the annual ceremony held in Paris in December 2024, where the airport’s new passenger terminal stood out among hundreds of airport designs worldwide.

The award celebrates architectural innovation, sustainability, and cultural design, placing Abu Dhabi’s newest aviation landmark among the most impressive infrastructure projects globally.

Terminal A: The Architectural Centrepiece

The award-winning structure is Terminal A, previously known as the Midfield Terminal. Designed by the global architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the terminal introduces a distinctive architectural concept inspired by the desert landscape of Abu Dhabi.

Its sweeping roof structure resembles the natural curves of desert dunes while also serving a functional purpose. The extended roof canopy creates shade across large sections of the terminal building, reducing solar heat exposure and improving energy efficiency inside the facility.

The design combines aesthetics with environmental performance, making the airport both visually striking and energy conscious.

Innovative X-Shaped Terminal Design

One of the most distinctive elements of the airport is its X-shaped architectural structure, rising approximately 50 metres high. The design allows the terminal to expand floor space efficiently while supporting smooth passenger movement throughout the building.

The structure connects multiple passenger piers extending from a central terminal hub, enabling airlines to operate numerous gates while maintaining efficient passenger flows for arrivals, departures, and transit passengers.

This layout also allows the airport to accommodate large passenger volumes while maintaining open and spacious interiors.

Cultural Themes Reflecting Abu Dhabi

The interior of Terminal A has been designed to reflect the identity and heritage of Abu Dhabi. Different sections of the terminal represent four natural themes associated with the emirate:

• The Sea

• The Desert

• The City

• The Oasis

Each zone incorporates architectural textures, colours, and design details that reflect these landscapes, creating a sense of place for travellers arriving in or departing from the UAE capital.

This design approach blends modern architecture with cultural storytelling, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Large-Scale Public Art Installation

Terminal A also features a major art installation known as Sana Al Nour, which is among the largest public artworks inside an airport in the Middle East.

The structure rises approximately 22 metres in height and weighs over 100 tonnes, consisting of glass panels inspired by traditional Islamic geometric patterns. Positioned between the arrivals and departures levels, the installation allows filtered natural light to flow through the building.

In addition to its artistic value, the installation helps improve interior lighting and supports natural airflow within the terminal.

Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability played an important role in the development of the airport. The terminal incorporates environmentally responsible materials and architectural features designed to reduce energy and water consumption.

The large roof canopy improves shading across the building, while natural lighting and airflow systems help reduce reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning.

These features contribute to the airport’s long-term sustainability goals and reflect Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure.

A Major Expansion of Abu Dhabi’s Aviation Capacity

Terminal A officially opened in November 2023, representing one of the largest aviation infrastructure expansions in the region.

The terminal covers approximately 742,000 square metres, making it one of the largest airport terminals globally. It has an annual passenger capacity of around 45 million travellers, with future expansion plans allowing the airport to handle up to 80 million passengers annually.

This increased capacity strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a major international aviation hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Global Aviation Hub

The recognition at the Prix Versailles 2024 awards highlights the airport’s role as a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s ambition to combine modern architecture, efficient infrastructure, and cultural identity in its aviation developments.

Zayed International Airport now serves as a key gateway to the UAE capital while also setting new benchmarks for airport design and passenger experience.

As global travel demand continues to grow, the airport is expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting tourism, business travel, and international connectivity in the region.