When traveling through some of the world’s busiest and most prominent airports, a stopover can become more than just a necessary pause in your journey. The major international airports in the Middle East have transformed layovers into experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, indulge in world-class shopping, or experience a taste of local culture, these Middle East airports provide a gateway not only to your destination but also to a premium travel experience in their own right. Here’s a quick guide:
Zayed International Airport (AUH) – Abu Dhabi, UAE
Zayed International Airport has a strong focus on making layovers comfortable offering a wide range of lounges catering to premium-class passengers and those willing to pay for access. The Etihad Airways lounge, for example, is available to First and Business Class passengers, and provides a luxurious experience with fine dining private suites and most recently a new 24/7 wellness spa. For those flying economy but still wanting some peace, the Al Dhabi Lounge is accessible for a fee, offering showers, snacks, and a tranquil environment.
Passengers at AUH can also explore high-end shopping with many luxury brands like Airya, Boss, Hermès and Michael Kors, available in the duty-free area. The airport also boasts several fine-dining restaurants, prayer rooms, free unlimited internet, and the AUHotel for affordable rooms during your stop.
With the latest biometric system being implemented, passengers can also look forward to swanning through the airport from check-in to boarding without interacting with staff.
Transport links
The airport is well-connected to Abu Dhabi city, just 30 km away. Taxis are plentiful and offer a fixed fare to downtown Abu Dhabi. A public bus service (A1) operates frequently, offering a cost-effective way to reach the city centre. Additionally, shuttle services run to popular hotels in the city. Note that the buses are cash-free so you’ll have to purchase a ticket or a Hafilat smart card.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Dubai, UAE
DXB is a city within itself, with everything from luxury shops (Hermès, Chanel) to more affordable brands. For relaxation, there are sleeping pods and even a Zen Garden in Terminal 3, offering a peaceful atmosphere with greenery and running water. Spa treatments and massage services are readily available for those looking to unwind during their layover. For families, there are several play areas for children, as well as entertainment lounges with video games and movies.
Dubai International is also renowned for its premium lounge offerings. The Emirates lounges in Terminals 3 and 1 are a favourite, with gourmet food, shower facilities, and nap rooms. Other lounges like Marhaba Lounge are open to all passengers for a fee and offer similar services, including hot food, drinks, and comfortable seating areas.
Transport links
The Dubai Metro has a station at the airport, making it an affordable and convenient way to reach the city. The Metro operates directly from Terminals 1 and 3 and the Red Line runs frequently to downtown Dubai and beyond. Taxis are also readily available, with a trip to the city centre taking around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
DXB’s hidden oasis
One of DXB’s most unique attractions is the airport’s indoor “Zen Garden,” located in Terminal 3. It’s a lush space filled with greenery, fish ponds, and a calm, natural atmosphere in the middle of one of the world’s busiest airports. There’s also a fully equipped gym with a pool at the G-Force Health Club in Terminal 3.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) – Doha, Qatar
DOH is known for its modern art installations, with works from globally renowned artists like Damien Hirst and Urs Fischer displayed throughout the terminal. The airport also offers a range of luxury and duty-free shopping, plus fine-dining restaurants and fast-food options. Wellness facilities include spas, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool located at the Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre.
Hamad International offers a variety of premium lounges, the most notable being the Al Mourjan Business Lounge for Qatar Airways’ premium passengers. This lounge features an elegant design, gourmet food, showers, quiet rooms, and even a business centre. Other lounges such as the Oryx Lounge, are open to all passengers for a fee, offering snacks, comfortable seating, and Wi-Fi.
Transport links
The airport is well connected to Doha city via taxis and limousines, and the journey takes just 20 minutes. Public buses also serve the airport, and a metro station connected to the Red Line provides quick access to central Doha.
DOH’s giant gem
An interesting feature of Hamad International is the world’s largest teddy bear sculpture, located in the departure hall. The 23ft bear is an iconic symbol of the airport and looks as though it has its head stuck in a lamp. Worth millions of dollars, the sculpture is an art piece by Urs Fischer and made from cast bronze.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Khalid International has recently undergone significant renovations to improve passenger comfort. It has multiple lounges catering to different passenger needs. The Alfursan Lounges for Saudia Airlines’ premium passengers offer a variety of dining options, showers, and rest areas. Additionally, third-party lounges like Plaza Premium Lounge and Wellcome Lounge are available to economy passengers for a fee, providing hot meals and quiet zones.
The airport’s high-end shopping options, including local and international brands, are available throughout the terminals. The airport also features a Mosque, which can accommodate thousands of worshippers, located between Terminals 1 and 2.
The Domestic Terminal 5 also features a sensory room, specially designed for families travelling with children with special needs. Equipped with interactive tools and devices stimulating sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, this room aims to facilitate a comfortable travel experience, while offering a safe space for relaxation. The immersive environment helps to better connect children to their surroundings, while promoting learning and calm during airport transits.
Transport links
The airport is around 35 km from Riyadh’s city centre. Taxis are the most common way to reach the city, and Uber is also widely available. Plans are in place to expand public transport services to the airport, but currently taxis remain the main transport option.
RUH’s royal gems
A relatively unknown feature of King Khalid International is the Royal Terminal, which, while not open to the public, offers a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s royal culture. The architecture is also stunning, and for those flying first class, the VIP service adds a touch of luxury to the trip.
Also, the airport has on-site plant nursery, which was established in 1981. Spanning 160,000 sqm, it features eight greenhouses and a 70,000 sqm horticulture space. The nursery produces more than 1 million trees, 700,000 flowers, and 250,000 seedlings annually, playing a crucial role in temperature reduction. With 550,000 plants across airport terminals, the facility utilizes advanced irrigation and agricultural technology. Managed by expert agricultural engineers, the self-sufficient nursery meets the airport’s plant requirements through its breeding program, beautifying and enhancing the airport’s surroundings.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) – Cairo, Egypt
Offering a variety of duty-free shopping and local Egyptian products, such as handcrafted souvenirs and jewellery, Cairo International may not be as glitzy as others, but it offers a functional and comfortable experience.
It has several lounges across its terminals. The First Class Lounges, accessible by premium passengers, offer standard amenities such as snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. However, economy passengers can access the Ahlein Premium Lounge for a fee, which provides comfortable seating, refreshments, and shower facilities.
Transport links
Cairo International is well-connected to the city centre, located about 22 km away. The airport shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes to various parts of Cairo, including major hotels and downtown. Taxis are also available, and the new Cairo Metro Line 3 extension will eventually connect the airport directly to the city centre.
Cairo’s hidden history
An interesting addition at Cairo Airport is the small but fascinating museum in Terminal 3 showcasing ancient Egyptian artefacts. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich history right within the airport.
Istanbul International Airport (IST) – Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul International is designed to feel more like a luxury mall than an airport. The duty-free shopping is extensive, with top global brands and local Turkish crafts available. There are also several restaurants serving Turkish cuisine.
IST also offers some impressive lounge experiences. The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is sprawling, with gourmet food, a cinema, showers, and even a golf simulator. Other lounges, like the IGA Lounge, are accessible to all passengers for a fee, offering similar amenities with less exclusivity. Wellness facilities include spas, sleep pods, and quiet areas throughout the airport.
Transport links
The new Istanbul Airport is connected to the city by taxis, buses, and an upcoming metro line. The Havaist airport buses are a popular choice, offering multiple routes to key destinations in Istanbul. A taxi ride to the city centre takes about 45 minutes.
IST’s best kept secret
One of the best-kept secrets at Istanbul Airport is the airport’s art and culture museum. It offers travellers a chance to immerse themselves in Turkish art and history during their layover. Another lesser-known feature is the sky observation deck, providing stunning views of the runway and surrounding area.
Muscat International Airport (MCT) – Muscat, Oman
Muscat International Airport has had modernisation upgrades in recent years to improve facilities for passenger comfort. Complete with high-end duty-free shops selling local Omani products, jewellery, and perfumes, including luxury Omani brand Amouage. There are several casual dining options, from fast food and coffee shops to gastro bars and authentic Arabic and Turkish cuisine. The airport also has a large ‘Be Relax Spa’ offering a range of massage services, nail care, and aromatherapies just before gate A3.
MCT offers several lounge options for passengers. The flagship is the Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge, which provides a luxurious experience with gourmet dining, showers, and quiet rooms. For non-premium passengers, the Majan Lounge is accessible for a fee, offering comfortable seating, snacks, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Transport links
Muscat International is well-connected to the city centre, around 35 km away. Taxis are readily available and provide a convenient way to reach the city, with metered fares to ensure transparency. The airport is also serviced by public buses, which are a cost-effective option for reaching central Muscat. Make sure to check with your hotel before booking a transfer, as many local hotels offer free shuttle bus services from MCT.
MCT’s VR gem
The airport has an interesting feature that allows you to go on a full virtual tour online. From the journey to the airport and finding your terminal to the duty-free section, you can plan your trip fully in advance and see exactly what is on offer and where everything is.
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) – Manama, Bahrain
As one of the first airports that opened in the Middle East, Bahrain International Airport has a level 4 ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation and a wide range of facilities. Duty-free shopping includes luxury international brands and Bahrani products, as well as nursing rooms, prayer rooms, and an entertainment zone with interactive toys, games consoles and climbing domes for children of all ages. BAH also has an art gallery, proudly displaying local paintings, sculptures and glass art, as well as cultural heritage artifacts from the Bahrain National Museum.
BAH offers several loundes with The Gulf Air: Falcon Gold Lounge being one of the highlights. It’s available to premium passengers, and offers gourmet food, showers, and sleeping pods. The Pearl Lounge, which can be accessed by all passengers for a fee, is also available, providing a comfortable environment with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and rest areas.
Transport links
The airport is located just 7km from Manama’s city center, making transportation quick and convenient. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available at the airport. Additionally, public buses offer an economical option for reaching the city and other parts of Bahrain.
BAH’s secure gem
BAH offers baggage services that go above and beyond. For a small nominal fee you can have a Hala Bahrain Hospitality porter to help with your bags. They also offer repacking services to reorganise your luggage in compliance with airline standards and allowances. Most notably however, is the baggage wrapping service which is designed to wrap, seal, and secure your luggage against damage or tampering. The service costs BHD 2.
BAH’s bonus gem!
On a layover for more than 5 hours? Enjoy a free 3-hour city tour if Bahrain organised by Gulf Air Group, Kanoo Travel Agency, BAH, and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. See sights like the Souq, historical landmarks, and museums
These airports represent some of the most modern and traveller-friendly hubs in the world, each offering a unique blend of luxury, cultural immersion, and practical amenities. Each of these Middle Eastern airports ensure travellers can enjoy a blend of comfort and local flavour during their time in transit.
