Abu Dhabi is reshaping the gateway to the emirate with a bold, billion-dollar investment centered on luxury tourism and an exceptional passenger experience at Zayed International Airport (AUH). The new airport terminal, inaugurated recently, blends visionary architecture, expansive capacity, cutting-edge technology, and high-end retail to serve as a global benchmark in luxury travel infrastructure.

Architectural Innovation and World Recognition

Zayed International Airport was crowned the "World’s Most Beautiful Airport" at the 2024 Prix Versailles awards, acclaimed for its elegant design that integrates Emirati cultural influences with futuristic technology. The terminal spans 742,000 square meters and features a unique X-shaped layout. Capable of handling 11,000 travelers per hour, it doubles the capacity of the old airport and supports up to 79 aircraft simultaneously—enabling a capacity of 45 million passengers per year.

A pioneering feature of AUH is its implementation of nine biometric touchpoints, the first of their kind worldwide, providing smooth and secure passenger processing that anticipates industry trends toward contactless travel by 2025.

Transforming Travel Retail and Sustainability

AUH introduces "Presentedby," an innovative 210-square-meter travel retail space that revolutionizes airport shopping. Evoking the serenity of Abu Dhabi’s desert oases, it offers interactive displays with flowing sculptures, digital simulations, cascading water walls, and a curated luxury collection of rare sneakers, streetwear, and high-end accessories. This experience is a significant step forward in blending luxury retail with immersive technology.

Sustainability lies at the heart of this concept, with the retail space employing 3D-printed materials from post-industrial recycled plastics and embracing zero-waste principles throughout design and operations. This approach reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental stewardship alongside luxury consumer experiences.

Exceptional Passenger and Operational Growth

The airport is experiencing remarkable growth. In the first half of 2025 alone, Zayed International Airport handled 15.5 million passengers, a 13.2% increase year-on-year, contributing to Abu Dhabi Airports’ overall passenger traffic crossing 15.8 million—a 13.1% rise over the same period last year. This marks the 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in passenger numbers, cementing AUH’s and Abu Dhabi’s positions as thriving hubs of global connectivity.

Aircraft movements at AUH also surged by 11.4% to 93,858 flights in H1 2025. The growth is propelled by new airline partnerships and expanded routes, including China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai service, Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, Fly Cham’s Damascus connection, and IndiGo’s expanded presence with new routes to Indian cities such as Madurai and Vishakhapatnam. This positions AUH as IndiGo’s most connected hub in the UAE.

World-class Passenger Experience and Accolades

AUH does not just focus on numbers but on delivering a world-class, guest-centric environment. In July 2025, the airport achieved Level 3 accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Accreditation program, recognizing its excellence in embedding passenger-focused service into every operational aspect. Initiatives such as passenger focus groups and guest shadowing programs help refine services to meet evolving traveler expectations.

The terminal’s design—with soaring curved glass walls that flood the space with natural light—creates an atmosphere akin to a luxury resort. This ensures that every step from entry to boarding is seamless, comfortable, and engaging, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to offer travelers a lavish, experiential journey from the moment they arrive.

Strategic Role in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision

The transformation of AUH represents a vital pillar in Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to grow its luxury tourism and business sectors. The airport acts as a gateway to world-famous cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and major events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, attracting affluent tourists and business visitors alike.

Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasizes the airport’s pivotal role in driving economic diversification and global connectivity. Despite regional geopolitical challenges, AUH’s network resilience and continued expansion—marked by the addition of 16 new destinations in early 2025—underscore its growth trajectory and ability to attract international investors and tourism.

Airline Growth and Future Outlook

Etihad Airways, the home carrier based at AUH, carried over 10.2 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a 17% year-on-year increase. The airline is aiming to transport 38 million passengers by 2030, revising upward from earlier targets, and plans to expand its fleet by 20 aircraft annually. Strategic partnerships with airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and China Eastern Airlines are key components of this growth plan.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced it would end operations in the emirate in September 2025, citing geopolitical factors, though overall passenger growth remains robust thanks to new airline partners and route expansions.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Zayed International Airport is a transformative leap in luxury tourism and aviation. The airport is not merely a transit hub but a flagship destination blending iconic design, immersive retail, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to deliver unmatched passenger experiences.

This strategic development solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising luxury tourism capital and a vital node in global air travel.

Discover the warm Arabic hospitality, rich culinary heritage, and proud traditions that make up Dubai's vibrant culture through its traditional clothing, food, customs, arts, music, celebrations, and national holidays.

Typical Emirati Clothing

In Dubai, the diverse population includes around 200 nationalities, but traditional Emirati dress remains distinctive and symbolic of cultural pride and religious adherence. Emirati men wear a long, loose-fitting white cotton garment called a kandoura or dishdasha, designed for comfort in the desert heat and to protect from sand and sun.

This is paired with a ghutrah (head covering) held by an agal, a black cord. Emirati women typically wear an abaya, a long black flowing coat over other clothing such as a jalabeya (a long traditional dress), paired with a black shayla scarf for the head. Modern variations may include subtle embroideries and designs but maintain modesty and elegance.

Typical Emirati Food

Dubai's rich culinary heritage includes many local dishes that give a glimpse of its traditions. Signature foods include camel meat served in various ways, dates often stuffed with nuts, and fouga deyay—a rice dish with grilled chicken marinated in spices. Traditional beverages like gahwa (Arabic coffee) are served from a dallah pot, symbolizing hospitality.

 Other delights include harees (wheat and meat dish), kabsa (spiced basmati rice with meat), karak chai (spiced tea), luqaimat (sweet dumplings with date syrup), shorbat adas (lentil soup), and slow-cooked shuwaa lamb with nuts and raisins. These dishes celebrate the flavors and communal dining style rooted in Emirati culture.

Hospitality and Etiquette

Hospitality (hasan al-diyafa) remains a core Bedouin and religious tradition in Dubai, expressed through respectful greetings like "Marhaba" (welcome) and "Salaam alaykum" (peace be upon you). Guests are usually welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, served with specific customs such as handing back the coffee cup with the right hand.

 Visitors should dress modestly when invited into homes, remove shoes at the door, and understand cultural norms like men greeting with nose-to-nose or cheek pecks (not expected of visitors) and men shaking hands, while some women may prefer not to. Meals are often communal, served on a large platter, with hand-eating customary .

Arabic Arts and Traditional Handicrafts

Dubai preserves rich Arabic arts and crafts including calligraphy (khatt), an elaborate art form of Arabic script symbolizing design and beauty. Henna body art is popular, especially for brides as a symbol of good fortune, yet remains a common beauty practice.

The city also celebrates perfume-making traditions with oud (agarwood) and rose scents, and pottery that dates back millennia used for decorative and practical purposes. Weaving techniques like al sadu utilize camel or sheep wool to craft essential items from baskets to tents, reflecting deep-rooted nomadic heritage.

Dubai Music, Celebrations, and Festivities

Music and poetry have long been intertwined in Dubai’s cultural fabric, with traditional forms like al shila and al wana combining verse with music. Traditional dances such as ayyala—the stick dance performed by men—and razfa incorporating poetry and symbolic objects, remain vibrant at weddings and national celebrations.

 Dubai's contemporary music scene includes both local artists and global stars. Weddings historically lasted several days with gender-segregated celebrations, featuring feasts and cultural art, now often held in banquet halls but still rich in tradition. Poetry, particularly Nabati, holds pride with verses rendered in striking calligraphy.

National Holidays in the UAE

Key holidays reflecting Dubai’s Islamic and national identity include:

• Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha: Major religious holidays marked by family gatherings, prayers, charity, and festive greetings.
• Ramadan: The holy month featuring fasting from dawn to dusk for spiritual reflection and community bonding, ending with iftar meals after sunset.
• Union Day (formerly UAE National Day): Celebrated on December 2, commemorates the 1971 unification of the emirates, featuring festivities that celebrate national pride and heritage .

This overview highlights how Dubai’s culture is lovingly preserved and expressed through traditional dress, signature cuisine, warm hospitality, flourishing arts, vibrant music and dance, and meaningful celebrations that together create the dynamic and welcoming spirit of the city.

 

A symbol of high-end living and modern elegance, The Pearl Island stands as one of Qatar’s most iconic lifestyle destinations. More than just an island, it offers a complete urban experience where architectural brilliance, cultural diversity, and luxurious amenities meet.

Spanning Riviera-inspired waterfronts and Mediterranean-style promenades, The Pearl has become synonymous with sophistication, recreation, and cosmopolitan living in the heart of Doha.

Walking through the island, visitors encounter an ever-changing tapestry of atmospheres. Porto Arabia mirrors the charm of a European Riviera, with its curved marina and upscale esplanades buzzing day and night. Medina Centrale embraces a more contemporary, urban mood, offering plazas, gardens, and buzzing entertainment spots that create a lively community vibe.

Meanwhile, Qanat Quartier, with its pastel-colored facades, pedestrian-friendly bridges, and serene canals, evokes an almost Venetian romance—where visitors can stroll, dine canal-side, or take a gentle gondola ride.

The culinary scene on the island is as varied as it is world-class. Upscale dining venues serve everything from freshly prepared seafood platters to artisanal desserts, while global cuisines—from French and Italian classics to pan-Asian dishes and traditional Arabic fare—reflect the island’s international spirit. Coffee houses, rooftop lounges, and marina-side terraces add to the wealth of experiences for both casual and fine diners.

The Pearl doesn’t limit itself to dining and shopping; it is also a hub of entertainment and community. Visitors can enjoy modern cinemas, virtual reality arcades, open-air concerts, children’s play zones, and live cultural shows, ensuring that families, young travelers, and couples all find tailored experiences. The island also hosts exclusive seasonal events such as open-air art exhibitions, Eid celebrations, international food festivals, and music performances, keeping its calendar vibrant all year round.

Notably, the island integrates lifestyle with innovation. Recognized as one of Qatar’s first smart urban destinations, visitors can navigate their stay with app-based tools for reservations, parking information, live event schedules, and delivery services, turning convenience into a lifestyle standard. This careful blend of beauty and smart design highlights The Pearl’s dual role—both as a leisure sanctuary and a forward-thinking urban district.

Gewan Island: Redefining Qatar’s Vision of the Future

Just off the shores of The Pearl, Gewan Island emerges as Qatar’s bold leap into futuristic tourism and city design. While The Pearl celebrates elegance and tradition, Gewan symbolizes innovation and next-generation hospitality.

The centerpiece of Gewan is the Crystal Walkway, already drawing international acclaim as the longest air-conditioned commercial promenade in the world. Covering 11,000 square meters, this groundbreaking attraction transforms shopping and leisure into an immersive art form. Divided into five imaginative themed worlds—Desert, Ice, Forest, Sea, and Machines—the walkway comes alive with interactive crystals that light up dynamically in response to motion and sound. This spectacle, awarded a Guinness World Record, redefines the concept of retail and public entertainment spaces.

Supporting this futuristic environment are smart technologies integrated into the island’s fabric. Artificial intelligence, intelligent energy systems, and IoT-based services automate everything from climate control to dynamic lighting, ensuring both sustainability and guest comfort are prioritized.

Adding to Gewan’s prestige is the soon-to-open Corinthia Gewan Hotel, destined to become a jewel of regional hospitality. Modeled after the grandeur of European palaces, the hotel will feature 110 luxury rooms and suites, a lavish spa, multiple fine-dining outlets, a private beach club, and a golf course overlooking the sea. Its ballroom, capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests, positions it as one of Qatar’s premier venues for international events, weddings, and corporate gatherings.

Together, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island offer two sides of Qatar’s evolving tourism and lifestyle vision. While one delights with culture, elegance, and cosmopolitan flair, the other pushes the boundaries of imagination, technology, and architectural daring—making them essential destinations for anyone looking to experience the country’s fusion of tradition and innovation.

As the Asia Cup 2025 enthuses cricket fans worldwide, Abu Dhabi emerges as not only a premier sporting venue but also an exceptional travel destination. Visitors attending matches at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium can make the most of their stay by exploring a blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation that Abu Dhabi offers. Below are five enriching experiences to add to the itinerary while in the UAE capital for the Asia Cup.

1. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is Abu Dhabi’s most revered landmark and one of the world’s largest mosques. Featuring 82 magnificent white marble domes, vast reflective pools, and intricate floral motifs, the mosque presents a breathtaking sight both by day and night. Inside, behold the world’s largest hand-knotted Persian carpet and a gigantic Swarovski crystal chandelier.

Visitors can join guided tours to appreciate the mosque’s architectural grandeur and cultural significance. The mosque’s welcoming atmosphere invites visitors from all faiths, making it a must-visit spiritual and visual sanctuary—and admission is free.

2. Thrill and Relax on Yas Island

Yas Island is the UAE’s leisure capital and perfect for a day of fun away from the stadium. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, situated here, boasts the Formula Rossa—the fastest roller coaster worldwide—offering heart-pounding excitement. Beyond Ferrari World, visitors can enjoy Yas Waterworld’s aquatic adventures, Warner Bros. 

World’s immersive entertainment, and upscale shopping at Yas Mall. The island is also home to Yas Marina Circuit, famous for Formula 1 racing events, where visitors can tour or even try karting. Yas Beach presents serene spots to relax by the sea, balancing adrenaline with downtime.

3. Relax at Corniche Beach

Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches for 8 kilometers along the city’s northwest coast and is popular for its pristine beaches, dedicated cycling and jogging tracks, playgrounds, and landscaped gardens. With its safe swimming waters and walking paths lined by palm trees and cafes, it’s an ideal retreat for families and solo travelers alike. 

Sunset strolls along the Corniche provide stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline, making it a rejuvenating stop between cricket matches.

4. Experience Emirati Royalty at Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, is a cultural masterpiece that transcends the typical palace visit. Visitors can explore grand halls adorned with intricate wooden ceilings and exquisite artworks, lush gardens with reflective pools, and exhibitions detailing the UAE’s history, governance, and craftsmanship. 

The palace invites global visitors to learn about Emirati heritage, leadership philosophy, and the spirit of Arab hospitality. It offers a deeper cultural context to the visit, complementing the sporting excitement of the Asia Cup

5. Go on a Desert Safari

A desert safari near Abu Dhabi delivers a quintessential Arabian experience. Visitors can opt for morning, evening, or overnight packages that include thrilling dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles across sandy hills, camel riding, sandboarding, and falconry shows. Evening safaris often culminate in traditional Bedouin-style camps, where guests enjoy cultural performances, henna painting, and authentic Arabic cuisine under the stars. This adventure offers a striking contrast to the modern cityscape and an unforgettable highlight during the Asia Cup break.

Additional Must-Do Experiences

• Mangrove National Park Kayaking: Paddle through tranquil mangrove forests observing diverse birdlife and coastal ecosystems, a serene retreat for nature lovers right within the city limits.
• Heritage Village: Step back to the UAE’s traditional desert life by visiting this living museum featuring artisans, historic buildings, and desert crafts.
• Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: Even if not staying in the iconic luxury hotel, visitors can admire the palace’s gleaming facade, expansive gardens, and exquisite Arabian architecture from the Corniche.
• Fine Dining Experiences: Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene boasts top restaurants such as NIRI Restaurant serving refined Japanese cuisine with sea views, ideal for a special night out.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Stay Hydrated and Dress Comfortably: Abu Dhabi’s weather in September can be hot and humid. Lightweight, breathable clothing and carrying water are essential while exploring the city and attending matches.
• Plan Transport Ahead: While taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available, using Abu Dhabi’s well-connected bus system or renting a car can save time. Yas Island and the airport are about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
• Book Attractions Early: Popular spots like Ferrari World and desert safaris can fill up quickly during the Asia Cup. Advance bookings are recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.
• Respect Local Customs: Abu Dhabi is culturally conservative. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites and adhere to local customs, especially during Ramadan if it coincides with the event.
• Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, malls, and many public areas. Purchasing a local SIM card at the airport can provide reliable connectivity for navigation and updates during the tournament.
• Timing Visits: Visit outdoor attractions early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and crowds. Evening cricket matches offer a good chance to explore attractions earlier in the day.

Attending the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi is not only a treat for cricket fans but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in a city that perfectly fuses rich tradition with modern luxury and adventure. Whether marveling at stunning mosques, speeding on roller coasters, or exploring Emirati heritage, visitors will find themselves captivated beyond the stadium.

The UAE’s tourism sector demonstrated robust growth in the first half of 2025, with hotel establishment revenues surpassing AED 26 billion ($7.1 billion), marking a 6.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is a strong indicator of the sector’s resilience and competitiveness, with hotel occupancy rates reaching 80.5 percent, reflecting high demand and sustained visitor interest.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted that these positive results support the ambitious UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. The strategy aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion ($122.5 billion) by the next decade.

 The Emirates Tourism Council is driving these goals through effective partnerships between the public and private sectors, launching innovative initiatives that not only boost tourism growth but also create exceptional travel experiences, enhance opportunities for Emirati talent, and solidify the UAE’s distinct national tourism identity on the global stage.

During the Council’s recent meeting, local tourism authorities across the UAE reviewed new initiatives focused on enhancing competitiveness, fostering private sector collaboration, and accelerating the implementation of prior recommendations. Notably, preparations are underway for the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit, scheduled for October 27 as part of the Future Hospitality Summit.

This summit will bring together ministers and senior officials from 53 African countries to explore joint opportunities in tourism infrastructure, sustainable hospitality, and specialized tourism products. The event emphasizes the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for tourism investment and its strategic position in connecting African and international markets.

Looking ahead, UAE tourism authorities have outlined development plans for 2026 that aim to reinforce the country’s status as a leading regional and global destination. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic diversification, playing a crucial role as a strategic driver of non-oil GDP growth under the leadership of the nation.

These achievements underline the dynamic growth and evolving strength of the UAE's tourism sector, driven by sustained visitor arrivals, expanding hotel capacity, and a comprehensive strategic vision for the future.

Passengers transiting through Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) with layovers exceeding seven hours can now enjoy free guided city tours, thanks to a new initiative jointly launched by the Hong Kong Airport Authority and travel agency Trip.com. The program aims to transform long waits into enriching experiences by showcasing Hong Kong’s rich culture, iconic landmarks, and scenic harbor views.

The initiative offers three curated tour routes, with two currently available:

• The Heritage and Local Lifestyle Citywalk departs midday and takes passengers to Wong Tai Sin Temple followed by the bustling streets and markets of Sham Shui Po’s Pei Ho Street, offering a deep dive into local culture and lifestyle.
• The Victoria & West Kowloon Waterfront Journey is an evening tour visiting the West Kowloon Cultural District and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars, culminating in spectacular nighttime views of Victoria Harbour’s skyline.
• A third route, launching in December 2025, will explore Lantau Island and Sunny Bay, revealing Hong Kong’s scenic natural landscapes, subject to favorable weather conditions.

Each tour runs once daily, accommodating up to 20 passengers, led by professional English-speaking guides with full transportation provided. Should demand increase, the Airport Authority plans to add more tours.

The tours include exclusive fast-track immigration clearance, allowing transit passengers smooth entry and return to the airport’s secure area to catch their onward flights effortlessly.

Vivian Cheung, CEO of the Hong Kong Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the program: “This initiative aims to turn transit time into cultural exploration opportunities, strengthening HKIA’s standing as a premier international aviation hub and introducing travelers to the unique charms of Hong Kong.”

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, added, “By reimagining every moment of travel as an opportunity, we open new ways to inspire travelers, empower destinations, and elevate the global travel experience.”

To participate, travelers must meet Hong Kong SAR visa requirements and can register for tours online before departure or on arrival at the airport on a first-come, first-served basis. The free layover tours are part of HKIA’s broader Transfer Programme, which will soon include interactive mobile games, cultural workshops, and more services to enhance passenger experiences during layovers.

This innovative program not only enriches traveler journeys but also promotes Hong Kong as a vibrant destination, inviting millions of transit passengers to engage with the city beyond the airport.