Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Doha (DOHA) are two of the easiest Gulf airports to connect through. Both are modern, clean, and built for transferring passengers.
If you are choosing a layover between them, you should look at how fast the transit is, what services you get during the wait, and which hub gives better value.
This guide compares AUH and DOH so you can pick the better stopover.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUHA)
AUH is the hub of Etihad Airways and is designed for smooth connections between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The new terminal has improved wayfinding and transfer security.
Pros
- Compact layout, short walking distance
- Good business and first lounges
- Clear signage in English and Arabic
- Decent dining and duty-free options
Cons
- Can get busy during late-night bank of flights
- Fewer global destinations than Doha
- Some older parts of the airport feel basic
Services
- Etihad lounges and partner lounges
- Free and paid Wi-Fi
- Transit hotel and sleep pods (limited)
- Duty-free for perfumes, electronics, and regional gifts
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOHA)
DOH is the main hub of Qatar Airways. It is usually ranked higher in global airport lists. The terminal is large but well organized.
Pros
- Very modern terminal
- Strong lounge network, especially Qatar Airways Al Mourjan
- Wide destination network
- Art displays and quiet areas for long layovers
Cons
- Longer walks between gates in some cases
- Can be crowded during peak Qatar Airways waves
- Some services are premium-only
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Showers, quiet rooms, family rooms
- Airport hotel inside the terminal
- Good food courts and luxury retail
Here you can safely point to the Qatar Airways update when you write about new routes or schedule changes.
Comparison Table
| Features | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Doha (DOH) |
| Hub airline | Etihad Airways | Qatar Airways |
| Transit clarity | Simple, shorter routes | Very clear, sometimes longer walks |
| Lounges | Strong Etihad lounges | Excellent Qatar lounges |
| Shopping and dining | Good variety | Wider and more premium options |
| Ideal for | Quick transfers | Longer or premium layovers |
1. Transit and immigration efficiency
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Transit is straightforward. Signs for “transfers” appear right after arrival. Security is usually quick, but during late-night waves, it can slow down. If you are entering the UAE, immigration is efficient for most passports.
Doha (DOH)
Transit is designed for Qatar Airways connections, so it is smooth. The airport handles large volumes well. Immigration for entering Qatar is also streamlined. For pure airside transfers, DOH is slightly more predictable.
2. Airlines and connectivity
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- Etihad network to Europe, Asia, India, GCC, and Africa
- Good for passengers booked on Etihad through fares
- Growing long-haul options
Doha (DOH)
- Qatar Airways flies to more destinations on more frequencies
- Better for complex or long-haul itineraries
- Strong links to Africa and the Americas
3. Customer reviews
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Passengers like the size, cleanliness, and Etihad service. Some report crowding at specific times.
Doha (DOH)
Passengers praise the terminal’s look, lounge, and shopping. Some mention long walks. Both get good ratings, but DOH often scores higher in global rankings.
4. Layover experience
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Best for short layovers. Easy to move, easy to find food, easy to sit. Good if your stop is under 3 hours.
Doha (DOH)
Better for long layovers. More to see and do. Stronger lounges. Airport hotel inside the terminal for real rest. Pick Abu Dhabi (AUH) if you want a smaller airport feel and a quick, no-stress connection, especially on Etihad. Pick Doha (DOH) if you want more routes, better lounges, and a nicer place to wait on a long layover, especially on Qatar Airways.
FAQs
Which airport is better for connecting flights?
Doha is stronger for connections because Qatar Airways offers more routes and frequent departures. Abu Dhabi works well if your transit is straightforward and on Etihad.
Is Abu Dhabi Airport easy to navigate?
Yes. The terminal layout is compact, and the signage is clear, so moving between gates is simple.
Which has better lounges?
Doha. Hamad International Airport has more premium lounge options, especially if you fly Qatar Airways.
Which airport is closer to the city?
Both are near the city. Actual travel time depends on traffic and the location of our hotel.