• Etihad Airways welcomes the first passengers to check in at Terminal A. The airport is being renamed Zayed International Airport. All photos Etihad Airways
    Etihad Airways welcomes the first passengers to check in at Terminal A. The airport is being renamed Zayed International Airport. All photos Etihad Airways
  • Etihad Airways flight crew at the ribbon cutting for the first flight from Terminal A which can handle up to 45 million passengers a year
    Etihad Airways flight crew at the ribbon cutting for the first flight from Terminal A which can handle up to 45 million passengers a year
  • Live cooking at the Etihad lounge as the airline welcomes its guests to Terminal A. Flagship lounges spread across three floors offer a range of dining options
    Live cooking at the Etihad lounge as the airline welcomes its guests to Terminal A. Flagship lounges spread across three floors offer a range of dining options
  • Etihad Airways flight crew ready for the inaugural flight from Terminal A, where the airline will offer biometric bag drops
    Etihad Airways flight crew ready for the inaugural flight from Terminal A, where the airline will offer biometric bag drops
  • Celebratory amenity kits in business class on Etihad's first flight from Terminal A, which will connect Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations
    Celebratory amenity kits in business class on Etihad's first flight from Terminal A, which will connect Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations
  • Etihad Airways cabin crew celebrate the launch of Terminal A, which covers 742,000 square metres, at check-in
    Etihad Airways cabin crew celebrate the launch of Terminal A, which covers 742,000 square metres, at check-in
  • Flight EY224, an Airbus A350-1000 with 359 people on board, took off for New Delhi
    Flight EY224, an Airbus A350-1000 with 359 people on board, took off for New Delhi

Everything we know about Abu Dhabi's new airport terminal


  • English
  • Arabic

The first passengers have touched down at Abu Dhabi International Airport's Terminal A, which may look familiar after its starring role in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.

On Tuesday, Etihad Airways operated the first commercial flight from the new terminal at the capital's airport, which is to be renamed Zayed International Airport.

Flight EY224, an Airbus A350-1000 with 359 people on board, took off from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi at 2.35pm.

As it opens to the wider public, here's what passengers need to know.

When does Abu Dhabi's new terminal officially open?

The new facilities open to the public on Wednesday, with a phased transition until November 14.

Operations are currently being conducted simultaneously from Terminals A, 1, 2 and 3.

Any passengers and those picking up or dropping off visitors are being urged to double-check information online at www.abudhabiairport.ae to check real-time flight information and make sure they go to the correct terminal.

How do I get to Terminal A?

The terminal has been added to Google Maps and Waze, as well as other popular navigation apps.

Motorway signs have also been added to the E10 and E11 as well as other locations in and around the facility.

It is a five-minute drive from Terminals 1 and 3. There is plenty of parking on site, with an air-conditioned bridge into the terminal.

Anyone taking a taxi or public transport can get dropped off directly at the terminal.

When will Etihad Airways fly from Terminal A?

Etihad Airways operates the first commercial flight opening Terminal A. Photo: Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways operates the first commercial flight opening Terminal A. Photo: Etihad Airways

From November 9, Etihad will operate 16 flights from the terminal. The national airline of the UAE encourages anyone travelling with them from November 9 to 11am on November 14 to check which terminal you're flying to and from at etihad.com/TerminalAinfo.

If you're transiting in Abu Dhabi between these dates, it's important to check which terminal your next flight takes off from since the airline will be operating from Terminal 1, 3 and A, so you might need to move to another building.

For passengers with a connecting flight to the US who are in Terminal A, they must head to Gate F two hours before their next flight to leave enough time to board the shuttle bus and clear US immigration.

What if I'm in the wrong terminal?

Complimentary inter-terminal shuttle buses are available to carry passengers between buildings.

These operate from Door 7 in Terminal A and Door 5 in Terminal 3.

If you're flying with Etihad Airways in first or business class, then you can also take advantage of a free limousine service.

When will all airlines operate from Terminal A?

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines are now scheduled to fly from the new terminal, including IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, PIA, Smartwings, Syrian Air, Aeroflot and Pegasus Airlines.

From November 14, 10 more airlines will join.

As of November 15, all flights will take off from and land in Abu Dhabi exclusively in Terminal A.

In its first seven days of operations, the airport expects 637 flights to depart and arrive.

When will it be renamed?

Abu Dhabi International Airport is being renamed as Zayed International Airport, with the official new name to take effect from February 9.

This will coincide with the official opening ceremony of Terminal A.

How big is Terminal A?

Covering 742,000 square metres, it is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and will significantly increase the airport’s passenger and cargo capacity.

The $3 billion building is set to double capacity and manage up to 45 million passengers per year.

It's capable of handling 79 planes at once and 11,000 passengers per hour.

More than 115 flights will operate from there, significantly increasing the frequency and reach of flights to and from Abu Dhabi.

What's inside the airport?

  • Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited the emirate's new airport terminal on Tuesday. All photos: Abu Dhabi Media Office
    Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, visited the emirate's new airport terminal on Tuesday. All photos: Abu Dhabi Media Office
  • Terminal A will begin operations on Wednesday
    Terminal A will begin operations on Wednesday
  • It will double the current capacity of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will be able to handle up to 45 million passengers a year
    It will double the current capacity of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will be able to handle up to 45 million passengers a year
  • The new terminal will be able to handle at least 79 aircraft at once when it is fully operational
    The new terminal will be able to handle at least 79 aircraft at once when it is fully operational
  • Sheikh Khaled was told how Terminal A will support growth in the aviation sector and boost tourism
    Sheikh Khaled was told how Terminal A will support growth in the aviation sector and boost tourism
  • The vast structure of glass and steel is three times the size of the old terminal
    The vast structure of glass and steel is three times the size of the old terminal
  • Terminal A will have nine main biometric touchpoints including self-service baggage drops, immigration e-gates and boarding gates
    Terminal A will have nine main biometric touchpoints including self-service baggage drops, immigration e-gates and boarding gates
  • It will use facial recognition technology to screen passengers and minimise waiting times
    It will use facial recognition technology to screen passengers and minimise waiting times
  • An advanced baggage handling system will be able to process up to 19,200 bags an hour
    An advanced baggage handling system will be able to process up to 19,200 bags an hour
  • Terminal A, formerly known as the Midfield Terminal, is the airport's most ambitious expansion yet
    Terminal A, formerly known as the Midfield Terminal, is the airport's most ambitious expansion yet
  • Airlines will move to the Terminal A building in three phases over a two-week period, from November 1 to November 14
    Airlines will move to the Terminal A building in three phases over a two-week period, from November 1 to November 14
  • From November 15, all flights will operate solely from the new terminal
    From November 15, all flights will operate solely from the new terminal

The terminal will have nine main biometric touchpoints including self-service kiosks, immigration e-gates and boarding gates, as well as streamlined security checkpoints, Abu Dhabi Airport said.

When fully operational, it will use facial recognition technology to screen passengers and minimise waiting times. An advanced baggage handling system will be able to process up to 19,200 bags an hour.

About 35,000 square metres of space is also dedicated to retail and dining, with 163 outlets for people to shop and eat at.

It will be home to luxury brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Ferragamo, as well as the world’s first Muji airport store.

Jones the Grocer, Camden Food Co and TGI Fridays are among the dining outlets. Todd English will also open his first airport restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

The terminal will also feature two health and beauty spas, along with a 138-room hotel and an open-air lounge.

Its new flagship lounges – spread across three floors – offer dining options, a rooftop cocktail bar, relaxation spaces, a games room and a family room.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

EXPATS
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The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: from Dh155,000

On sale: now

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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Thank You for Banking with Us

Director: Laila Abbas

Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum

Rating: 4/5

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Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
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The biog

First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974  
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work

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COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Happy Tenant

Started: January 2019

Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana

Based: Dubai

Sector: Technology, real-estate

Initial investment: Dh2.5 million

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 4,000

Updated: November 02, 2023, 10:57 AM