---
iata: AUH
name: Zayed International Airport
city: Abu Dhabi
country: United Arab Emirates
lastUpdated: '2026-08-29'
officialWebsite: 'https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/'
sources:
  - 'https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/'
  - >-
    https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/shop-dine-and-experience/hotel-and-lounges/lounges
  - 'https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/abu-dhabi-airport-guide.htm'
  - >-
    https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airports/pearl-lounge-abu-dhabi-auh-review/
quickFacts:
  - Single main Terminal A (new mega facility opened 2023)
  - Etihad Airways hub with US pre-clearance
  - 24/7 operations with strong transfer focus
  - Priority Pass and paid lounge options available airside
  - Taxis and rideshares dominant for city access
  - Growing passenger numbers with good punctuality reputation
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 3 hours early for international
    detail: >-
      Security and immigration are efficient but peak morning/evening rushes add
      15-30 min.
    summary: International departures recommend 3 hours; regional 2 hours.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: All flights in Terminal A
    detail: >-
      Long walks possible—use travellators; minimum connection 45 min (85 min to
      US).
    summary: Use the single new Terminal A; follow signs for gates A-D.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Hit Liwan or Constellation Bar in Etihad lounges
    detail: Pearl Lounge buffet can get crowded; avoid if seeking quiet.
    summary: Made-to-order dining and bars beat airside options for quality.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Check Etihad app for gate changes
    detail: US-bound flights have dedicated pre-clearance flow.
    summary: Real-time updates via app or screens; transfers are streamlined.
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: Etihad First Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Etihad First
      - Etihad Guest Platinum
      - Paid ~AED 590/4h
    bestFor:
      - First class
      - Long layovers
    summary: Top-tier with excellent food and privacy for Residence/First passengers.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Spa
      - À la carte dining
      - Quiet suites
  - name: Etihad Business Lounge
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Etihad Business
      - Etihad Guest Gold
      - Paid ~AED 490/4h
    bestFor:
      - Business class
      - Families
    summary: >-
      Spacious with made-to-order dining and a full bar for eligible Etihad
      passengers.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Constellation Bar
      - Liwan restaurant
      - Showers
      - Games room
  - name: Pearl Lounge
    zone: airside
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Paid AED 210/3h
    bestFor:
      - Priority Pass
      - Layovers
    summary: >-
      Good for PP users with terrace and showers but can feel busy; recent
      reviews praise variety.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Terrace
      - Buffet
      - Rest zones
  - name: Al Dhabi Lounge
    hours: Varies
    access:
      - Paid ~AED 210/2h or 367/5h
    bestFor:
      - Day pass
    summary: Solid paid option near gates; capacity limits noted in peak times.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Buffet
waterOptions:
  - kind: purchase
    name: Airport convenience stores
    zone: landside
    price: AED 5-8 for 500ml
    summary: Standard bottled water widely available at reasonable prices.
    location: Landside and airside near check-in and gates
    terminal: Terminal A
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: refill
    name: Water fountains
    zone: airside
    summary: Free refill stations throughout the terminal for reusable bottles.
    location: Near restrooms and lounges airside
    terminal: Terminal A
  - kind: free
    name: Lounge water stations
    zone: airside
    summary: Complimentary filtered water and dispensers in all major lounges.
    location: Inside Etihad and Pearl lounges
    terminal: Terminal A
    isBestQuality: true
airportistScore: 7.8
slug: auh
region: Middle East
---
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- [HTML page](/airports/auh)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/auh/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · Middle East
AUH delivers modern facilities and efficient transfers with excellent lounges but trades off some walk distances in the large terminal.
## Airportist Score

**7.8 / 10**
- Comfort: 8.2
- Navigation: 7.0
- Food: 7.9
- Transport: 7.5
- Disruption resilience: 8.0

## At a glance

- Passengers: ~25M+
- Terminals: 1 main (Terminal A)
- Typical security: 22 min
- On-time: 80%
- Disruption: normal

## Best for

- Etihad connections
- Premium lounges
- Efficient US pre-clearance
- Modern facilities

## Watch out for

- Long walks in Terminal A
- Peak-hour crowds in lounges
- Limited public transport options
- Re-screening on connections

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/auh/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/auh/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/auh/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/auh/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/auh/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/auh/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/auh/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/auh/reviews.md)