UAE. In an innovative scheme, Abu Dhabi Airports is permitting non-travelling UAE nationals and other residents to shop and dine airside at Zayed International Airport for an initial eight-week programme.
The project is likely to provide welcome additional business for commercial operators hard hit by the impact of the Middle East conflict on departing passenger numbers.
VAT applies on all eligible items, as entry does not require a boarding pass. Liquor and tobacco are excluded from the campaign and their sale is not permitted without a boarding pass.
UAE residents simply have to apply for and obtain an AirPass that allows UAE them to access the normally restricted airside area. They must comply with airport security procedures and regulations.
Upon confirmation, visitors receive a digital AirPass in PDF format containing a unique QR code. This must be presented and scanned at designated control points, including airport entry, participating stores and restaurants where applicable, and exit points.
Access to the airport is subject to pre-booked time slots, while all visitors must return their access pass upon exiting the premises at a designated drop-off area.
AirPass holders even benefit from complementary parking, subject to a minimum cumulative spend of AED200 (US$54.50) during the visitors’ authorised access period. Failure to meet the minimum spend requirement results in standard parking charges being applied. ✈
