Abu Dhabi airport opens terminal to non-passengers

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) has launched a new ‘Shopping Pass’ initiative, allowing non-ticketed visitors to access terminal areas normally restricted to departing passengers. 

 

Running for eight weeks, the programme allows UAE residents to explore the airport’s retail and dining venues without the need to travel.

 

Access is granted via a digital Airpass issued through online registration. Visitors must upload a valid Emirates ID or passport copy and select a date and time slot, with visits capped at a duration of five hours. 

 

Each QR-coded pass must be presented at checkpoints throughout the visit and returned upon exiting. 

 

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As part of security protocols, restrictions apply to certain personal devices, including laptops and tablets, while guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Spanning 37,500 square metres, the airport features 163 retail and dining venues, with many currently running limited-time discounts and promotions. A complimentary parking offer is also available to AirPass holders, subject to a minimum spend of AED200 during the visit. 

 

The airport has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, including the launch of its new Terminal A in 2023 and its rebranding from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Zayed International Airport in 2024, named after the UAE’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

 

AUH has also recorded steady growth in passenger traffic, handling more than 8 million travellers in Q3 2025, marking a 10.4% year-on-year increase.

 

For more information, visit zayedinternationalairport.ae