Proceed from Changi; of united arab emirates Zayed International Airportaka Midfield Terminal has officially won the title of World’s Most Beautiful Airport at the 2024 Prix Versailles international architecture awards. Shortlisted over 400 other contenders at the prestigious event held in Paris, this marvel from Abu Dhabi has not only redefined airport design but has also caught people’s attention with its enduring innovation and cultural appreciation .

All about Zayed International Airport

If Zayed International Airport’s undulating roof looks familiar, you may have seen it in the latest Mission: Impossible movie. Designed by renowned architects Kohn Pedersen Fox, the roof features dune-inspired curves and also helps save energy at the airport by casting natural shade over the terminal.

The terminal itself is an X-shaped architectural wonder, standing 50 meters high and featuring a simple layout that maximizes floor space. The massive structure, spread over 750,000 square metres, accommodates 45 million passengers annually, with plans to expand to 80 million.

If you’ve been here and noticed its four pillars, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re themed around the region’s defining elements – sea, desert, city and oasis. And then there’s the showstopper: Sana’a Al Nour, a 22-metre-long, glass-fronted artwork suspended between arrivals and departures. Weighing more than 100 tons, this piece of art was inspired by Islamic architecture, and has a dual purpose: it filters sunlight to the lower floors while increasing air flow throughout the terminal.

Zayed International Airport was also built with sustainability in mind. From the use of eco-friendly materials to optimizing energy and water use, the terminal is designed to keep its carbon footprint light, just like its airy interiors. Solar power, natural ventilation, and smart use of daylight are just some of the ways this airport is paving the way for green travel hubs.

Winning the overall award of the Prix Versailles – a first for the UAE – cements Zayed Airport’s position as a destination that travelers should visit on their next trip!

• Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Overall Winner
• Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Zampango, Mexico – Special Award for Interior
• Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore – Special Award for Exterior
• Suvarnabhumi Airport, Midfield Satellite 1, Bangkok, Thailand – World Choice
• Logan International Airport, Terminal E, Boston, US – World Choice
• Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City, US – World Choice

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