Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport named 'World’s Most Beautiful' at Prix Versailles

Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi has been crowned the World’s Most Beautiful Airport at the prestigious Prix Versailles, an award that recognizes excellence in architecture and design.

The announcement was made at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, coinciding with the airport’s first anniversary and the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad 53 celebrations, according to statement by the Abu Dhabi media office.

In just one year of operation, Zayed International Airport has set a new benchmark for global airport design. Its innovative architecture blends cutting-edge technology with the cultural heritage of the UAE.

Featuring Islamic geometric motifs and a design that mirrors Abu Dhabi's natural landscape, the airport is more than just a transportation hub — it’s a celebration of art and culture.

At the heart of its design is Sana Al Nour, one of the largest art installations in the Middle East, which directs air and light to enhance the building’s energy efficiency, reducing demand by 10%.

The airport’s X-shaped layout spans 742,000 square meters, making it capable of handling up to 11,000 passengers per hour and 79 aircraft at once. AUH is also on track to manage up to 45 million passengers annually and introduce the world’s first nine biometric touchpoints by 2025.

The airport’s recognition at the Prix Versailles is part of a growing list of accolades, including being named the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East for international seat capacity and earning top marks in passenger satisfaction. As of September 2024, AUH has served over 21 million passengers, and its impact continues to shape the future of global aviation.

Other prized included special prize for an Interior: Changi Airport Terminal 2 in Changi, Singapore and special prize for an Exterior: Suvarnabhumi Airport Midfield Satellite 1 in Bangkok, Thailand.