Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi has been named the world’s most beautiful airport at the prestigious 2024 Prix Versailles International Architecture Awards.
The ceremony, held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, celebrated the airport’s stunning architectural design and its contribution to modern travel aesthetics.
According to indianexpress.com, the UAE capital’s Midfield Terminal, also known as Terminal A, was recognised for its innovative design and sustainable approach, standing out among over 400 global contenders.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), Zayed International Airport is an architectural marvel. Its undulating roof, featured in the latest Mission: Impossible film, draws inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape, seamlessly blending form and function. The roof’s design adds aesthetic appeal and provides natural shading, reducing energy consumption.
The terminal’s unique X-shaped structure, soaring 50 metres high, maximises floor space while incorporating sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact. Each terminal’s four piers are themed around Abu Dhabi’s natural elements—sea, desert, city, and oasis—and feature cultural references and intricate design touches that celebrate the region’s heritage.
One of the airport’s standout features is Sana Al Nour, a breathtaking 22-metre-tall glass-fronted installation inspired by Islamic architecture. Suspended between arrivals and departures, this 100-tonne artwork filters natural light to the lower levels and enhances airflow, embodying the fusion of art and engineering.
Spanning over three-quarters of a million square metres, the terminal opened in November 2023 and has an annual capacity of up to 45 million passengers, with potential expansion to accommodate 80 million travellers. This positions Zayed International as a critical hub for global air travel while setting a benchmark for sustainable airport design.
Recognised among the best
The Prix Versailles 2024 celebrated six airports worldwide. While Zayed International Airport took the overall title, other winners included:
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Zumpango, Mexico – Special Prize for Interior
- Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore – Special Prize for Exterior
- Suvarnabhumi Airport, Midfield Satellite 1, Bangkok, Thailand – World Selection
- Logan International Airport, Terminal E, Boston, US – World Selection
- Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, US – World Selection
