The Middle East is home to some of the world's busiest and most influential airports, making it a prime region for airport advertising. From major international hubs to rapidly growing regional airports, the Middle East offers a range of opportunities for brands looking to engage with global and local travellers alike. Here, we explore the key airports in the region, comparing them by size, passenger traffic, and strategic importance.

Major International Hubs

Dubai International Airport (DXB) vs. Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the busiest airport in the Middle East and consistently ranks among the top in global passenger traffic. Handling over 80 million passengers annually, DXB is a prime location for high-impact advertising, with exposure to international business travellers, tourists, and transit passengers.

In comparison, Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, while slightly smaller in passenger numbers, serves as a key hub for Etihad Airways. The airport is undergoing expansion, with the new Terminal A enhancing capacity and providing fresh opportunities for brands to engage with high-value travellers.

Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) vs. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar is known for its luxurious passenger experience and is the primary hub for Qatar Airways. With over 40 million passengers per year, DOH is an ideal location for premium brand campaigns.

Similarly, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Saudi Arabia serves as a major gateway for religious tourism, particularly for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The newly expanded terminals allow brands to connect with millions of travellers passing through Jeddah en route to Mecca.

Regional and Growing Airports

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) vs. Muscat International Airport (MCT)

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is a key hub for low-cost carriers such as Air Arabia. With a strong regional passenger base, it presents cost-effective advertising opportunities for brands targeting budget-conscious travellers and expatriates.

Meanwhile, Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman is expanding its presence as a key regional hub. With modern facilities and growing international connectivity, MCT offers a high-end environment for advertising, particularly for tourism and luxury brands.

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) vs. Kuwait International Airport (KWI)

Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is a vital transit hub for the Gulf region, offering access to both regional business hubs and leisure destinations. With recent terminal expansions, BAH presents fresh advertising possibilities.

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) handles a significant number of regional flights and has a strong focus on business travel. With ongoing infrastructure improvements, it is becoming an attractive location for advertisers looking to target affluent passengers.

Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Market

King Fahd International Airport (DMM) vs. King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its aviation infrastructure, and its airports are seeing rapid growth. King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, the largest airport in the world by area, has a growing passenger base and increasing international connectivity.

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, the capital’s main airport, serves both business and leisure travellers. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative driving tourism and economic diversification, RUH is becoming an essential advertising hub.

Where can airport advertising take you?

With the Middle East’s airports serving as critical global transit points, they provide an unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage with millions of travellers. Whether targeting high-net-worth individuals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, religious travellers in Jeddah, or business passengers in Riyadh and Doha, airport advertising in the region offers both reach and impact.

For more information on how Gulf Airport Advertising can help you access these prime advertising locations, explore our airport advertising services.