Best Things to Do at Abu Dhabi’s New Airport on Your Layover
Got a a long layover in Abu Dhabi?
No worries, this blog has you covered and will let you know what to expect from the brand new airport.
In case you didn’t know, Abu Dhabi got a brand new airport recently. And for me it was love at first sight.
As a Canadian expat currently living in Abu Dhabi, I use the airport quite regularly.
Also being a resident here, I’m in a unique position to notice all the improvements that were made.
This is why I wanted to write this extensive blog. So let’s get started
Zayed International Airport- Terminal A
Abu Dhabi’s international airport was renamed “Zayed International Airport- Terminal A”.
The name change was in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.
If you are a model architecture lover, your eyes will be pleasantly surprised.
The building is a masterpiece and has won so many awards.
The architect team totally outdid themselves.
It might be time to include a disclaimer about how much I absolutely love this new airport.
I really liked the old airport as it had a certain old world charm.
But this new airport is a home run for different reasons. It is extremely comfortable.
Moreover I also noticed an improvement in customer service right away.
Things to do
Lounges
Located right in the middle of pier C & D, you will find Etihad’s business lounge.
It is quite popular and I’ve heard lots of great feedback from my frequent flyer friends.
Shopping
If you are looking to shop till you drop, I am happy to report that you will be spoilt for choice.
There are over 160 retail, food and beverage outlets.
So no need to worry when it comes to that.
You will find the usual airport suspects along with many luxury stores
Restaurants
The restaurants do get busy. But if you are like me and don’t mind walking around, you can find a more quiet alternative.
I personally stayed far away from the food court as it is always so packed with people, especially family and crying children.
How busy does it get?
Abu Dhabi airport is a very busy one.
The official website estimates around 45 Million passengers a year.
That said, if you’ve ever flow out of the old airport, you probably know how busy it got.
I am so happy that flying at this new airport one doesn’t feel anywhere near as chaotic as the previous one did.
There is plenty of space to move around.
The only place that feels crowded is the food court and this is usually the case at most airports as people naturally tend to navigate towards familiar brands.
Is it worth checking out the city?
This actually depends on how much time you have.
I would say if you happen to have a layover lasting at least 8 hours, then yes, you could squeeze in a quick city escapade.
For anything less than that, it would be a bit stressful.
That’s because it wouldn’t leave too much space for unforeseen delays and if things don’t go according to plan.
What to do on a layover?
I say if you have 6 hours, just stay at the airport and relax.
8 hours layover
If you have an 8 hour layover, you actually have a bit of time to check out the city.
If it is daytime and the opening hours coincide, I recommend visiting the beautiful Sheikh Zayed mosque.
Especially that it’s only 20 km away . Which will take you 17 minutes from door to door, assuming it isn’t rush hour.
If you know that you are coming for sure, I also recommend making online reservation for your mosque visit through their website.
It is free.
The reservation just guarantees that you are visiting during regular operating times and also keeps disappointment at bay.
Lastly, do keep in mind that a modest dress code is required for mosque visits.
You will find more info on their website and I do believe that they have abayas at the visitors office.
16 hours Layover
Now we’re talking!
16 hours allow for a much more relax pace.
You can visit the Sheikh Zayed grand mosque.
Then depending on your interest, I recommend you make your way over to Yas Island.
It’s only 8KM away from the airport. So within 12 minutes, you can find yourself in the entertainment hub of Abu Dhabi.
Yes island has been dubbed as the fun island and there is so much to do over there.
You will be spoilt for choice. We also have the world class ” Yas mall” which is the gateway of Ferrari world theme park.
Yas Island also hosts the world famous Yas WaterWorld Abu Dhabi and Warner Brothers theme park.
I also have to recommend a personal favourite of mine, the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall ClYmb Abu Dhabi.
So yes there’s lots to do.
If your timing works and you feel incline to go over the Clymb Abu Dhabi, please make sure to reserve before hand on the website. 🙂
But wait, that’s not all!
The massive centre nested inside of the Yas Mall also includes the world’s biggest flight chamber.
Another favourite of mine is going kayaking in the beautiful Abu Dhabi Mangroves.
You can easily take a taxi and head to the nearby Eastern Mangroves Anantara Hotel.
Once you arrive there, you can make your way to the promenade and rent a kayak for however long you want to stay.
Not in the mood for fitness activities and would prefer to relax?
There is also the Pier71 in Yas Island which is the grown up entertainment district.
Dining & Drinking
You can find lots of restaurants, cocktail bars, The warehouse gym Abu Dhabi, and a beautiful waterfront promenade.
If you fancy and the timings align, why not partake in one of Abu Dhabi’s residents favourite past time?
Yes this might be your chance to go Brunch in Abu Dhabi.
The brunch at the W hotel is one of my favourite.
Cafe Del Mar Beach Club
Pool goers will also be happy to find out about the beach club Cafe del mar.
There’s no beach access but that place has a spectacular pool.
You can enjoy your time sipping margaritas and Pina coladas with a day pass waiting for your next flight.
All of this while staying at a very close proximity from the airport.
A win win if you ask me.
Yas Island is also where you will find a wide range of hotels like W hotel, Centro, …
Now if this isn’t the coolest way to spend a layover, I don’t know what else is 🙂
Are there any sleeping pods at the airport?
Ok no judgement here.
All this stuff I just mentioned is really cool but what if you just want to sleep ? 🙂
There used to be sleeping pods at the previous airport terminal.
This current midfield terminal doesn’t seem to have them yet.
There is however the official AuHotel which offers flexible timings.
Looking to spend more time in the UAE?
I wrote this very extensive guide to some of the best things to do in Dubai.
As a long time resident here, there’s so much to do.
My fellow foodies can explore Dubai’s outstanding culinary scene with some of my favourite fine dining options in the city and Michelin Star.
And this one is for my fellow beach goers and pool lovers.
Now if you are looking for the ultimate place to spend a day lounging around the pool with the most spectacular views, you will be hard press to find anything better than Aura sky pool Dubai.
I love the place so much that I wrote a 4000 words blog post reviewing my experience.
Ladies Traveling Solo?
I also want to take that opportunity to encourage my fellow girlies traveling solo.
I often hear a lot of people scared to travel alone in this region.
When it comes to Abu Dhabi, know that it is a very safe place.
You might also find the following podcast helpful 🙂
Wrap up
Overall, I really like the new airport.
The first thing I noticed was how much space there was and the dedicated check-in areas.
Whether you’re traveling business or economy, the flying experience has definitely been upgraded at this new airport.
For all my travel girlies looking for their next adventure with like minded ladies, join me in my upcoming women only group travel to Serbia.
I am also doing a dance retreat in the Spanish paradise island of Menorca.
Most importantly, stay awesome ladies and keep shining bright like the diamond that you are
🙂