UAE President Sheikh Mohamed orders Abu Dhabi Airport to be renamed

“Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has issued directives to rename Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new official name, Zayed International Airport, will take effect from 9 February, 2024, coinciding with the official opening ceremony of the new Terminal A,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Terminal A ahead of November 1 opening

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport in anticipation of its opening on November 1, 2023.

He was accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor of Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Airports.

During the visit, they explored the terminal’s sustainable infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and services.

Spanning 742,000 square meters, the terminal can accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually and accommodate 79 aircraft simultaneously.

Sheikh Khaled stressed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure to achieve strategic goals.

He highlighted the terminal’s increased capacity as a catalyst for tourism growth, advancing the aviation sector and promoting economic and sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, this development solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tourism destination and a leading aviation hub while ensuring the highest security and safety standards.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan underlined the significance of the new terminal, which will double capacity and spur economic growth in Abu Dhabi.

With expanded passenger capacity, the terminal will bolster Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity and create new commercial opportunities, aligning with the leadership’s vision of advancing the aviation sector to boost the local economy.

In preparation for the terminal’s operational launch, a comprehensive trial exercise involving over 8,000 volunteers took place in September, testing all systems, including check-in, baggage claim, security screening, boarding gates, immigration, customs inspections, and passport procedures.