UAE. The new state-of-the-art terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will accommodate up to 45 million people annually and process 11,000 passengers per hour, is to open in early November. It will feature 163 retail and food & beverage outlets.
Operator Abu Dhabi Airports said the opening of the 742,000 sq m Terminal A – known as the Midfield Terminal Building during the construction phase – will mark a significant milestone for the emirate which will transform the local aviation ecosystem.
The terminal will feature an array of world-class amenities, with the extensive retail and F&B venue choices complemented by luxurious lounges, relaxation zones and spa facilities.
Equipped with the latest technologies, Terminal A – which will be able to process 79 aircraft at any given time – features a range of interconnected biometric systems.
Abu Dhabi Airports said it aims to give passengers a speedy and seamless digitised journey from pre-travel to boarding gates at the terminal, facilitated by self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems.
The imposing architecture of Terminal A has already won international design awards and adds an architectural landmark to Abu Dhabi’s cityscape. Blending, in the words of Abu Dhabi Airports, “modern, lightweight aesthetics with functional brilliance”, the building’s glass exterior maximises natural light for a huge civic space inside the terminal.
In line with the UAE’s sustainability aspirations and targets, the building features energy-efficient lighting, advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and has incorporated sustainable materials in its construction.
As a major step towards realising Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to limiting its operational carbon footprint, a fully integrated solar photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof of Terminal A’s car park. This powers a three-megawatt plant that is saving nearly 5,300t of CO₂ annually.
Abu Dhabi Airports Chairman His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said: “As Abu Dhabi’s new gateway to the world, Terminal A is an embodiment of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to support the emirate’s sustainable economic development.
“The opening of the facility, which is on par with the largest and grandest on our planet, turns over a new page in Abu Dhabi’s 55-year aviation history.
“A beacon of modernity and sophistication, it will be a pivotal driver for our emirate’s growth by spurring tourism and trade.”
Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director & Interim CEO Elena Sorlini said: “Terminal A underscores our dedication to providing our international passengers and partners with a premium airport experience.
“The terminal exemplifies our commitment to excellence and offering exceptional services that meet the evolving priorities of today’s travellers.
“Through leveraging the latest technologies, Abu Dhabi’s reimagined airport experience will offer a seamless passenger journey, fostering connectivity, interactions, business, trade and tourism, all of which are essential elements in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position on the world stage.”
As part of the extensive commercial set up, Lagardère Travel Retail will manage liquor & tobacco, confectionery and fine foods in partnership with Abu Dhabi Capital Group as Lagardère Capital. JCDecaux has an exclusive ten-year advertising contract; while Capi will operate five consumer technology stores and NAS the common user lounge.
In food & beverage HMSHost International, Lagardère Capital and SSP will offer a wide array of concepts. 
