Brands Regularly Seen in Gulf Airports and Why They Choose to Stay in the Spotlight

Airport advertising across the Gulf region has become a powerful stage for global and regional brands. From Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Hamad International Airport (DOH), passenger volumes continue to soar, exceeding 200 million annually across key hubs. With affluent travellers, extended dwell times and advanced digital out-of-home (DOOH) infrastructure, these airports deliver unmatched visibility.

Brands such as HSBC, Alokozay, Du, Samsung and regional tourism boards have built lasting presences in Gulf terminals. Their recurring campaigns underline one thing: airport audiences are worth the investment.

Airports as the New Epicentre of Brand Exposure

The Gulf’s airports rank among the busiest globally. According to Airports Council International, Dubai International handled more than 92.3 million passengers in 2024, while Doha’s Hamad International welcomed 45.9 million. These figures confirm the airports’ role as major advertising ecosystems.

Why do brands stay? Because airports offer:

• Captive, affluent audiences: business leaders, decision-makers and luxury consumers.
• Long engagement time: travellers spend up to three hours in terminals.
• Multi-format media: digital billboards, interactive screens, lounges and baggage claim displays.
• Proven recall rates: studies show airport ads enjoy 42% higher recall than roadside OOH.

HSBC Building Trust and Longevity

Few brands have leveraged Gulf airports as effectively as HSBC. The bank’s campaigns at Dubai International Airport and Sharjah International Airport highlight its tagline “Together We Thrive,” reinforcing brand credibility among international travellers. Their consistent presence supports the bank’s positioning as a trusted financial brand for expatriates and high-net-worth individuals.

Learn more about the long-term regional partnerships in HSBC’s UAE airport campaign overview.

Alokozay Brewing Visibility and Familiarity

Alokozay Group, one of the Middle East’s leading FMCG players, has transformed its visibility through airport placements in Dubai, Sharjah and Bahrain. Their campaigns often appear on trolleys or near baggage belts, arrival halls and duty-free zones.

Key factors behind Alokozay’s airport advertising success:

• Daily visibility to returning expatriates and regional families.
• Product placement synergy with travel retail outlets.
• Consistent brand reinforcement in high-traffic terminals.

By keeping their messaging simple and culturally relevant, Alokozay ensures strong brand recall among South Asian and Arab audiences who travel frequently across GCC routes.

Tourism Boards Turning Airports into Destination Teasers

Gulf airports also serve as gateways for tourism promotion. National tourism boards from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar run large-scale campaigns to inspire onward travel and regional exploration.

According to UNWTO, the Middle East saw a 33% increase in international arrivals in 2024, with GCC airports acting as the first touchpoint for many visitors.

Tourism campaigns work effectively in airports because they:

• Capture visitors’ imaginations before they exit the terminal.
• Use high-definition digital banners for visual storytelling.
• Connect emotionally through cultural and scenic imagery.

Explore how tourism boards design these experiences in this article on Gulf airport tourism advertising.

Du Making Connectivity Visible

Du, one of the UAE’s largest telecom providers, uses airport advertising to highlight connectivity and innovation.

Their presence at Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport and Sharjah International Airport aligns with the traveller mindset: mobility, access and connection. Du’s airport campaigns typically include:

• LED gateways that welcome passengers to the UAE.
• Digital countdown screens promoting roaming and data offers.
• Interactive kiosks that allow SIM activation on arrival.

Such placements make Du part of every traveller’s journey before they even reach customs.

Samsung Powering Digital Engagement Across Terminals

As technology leader, Samsung has embraced airports as part of its digital storytelling. From immersive DOOH installations in Doha to LED motion screens in Dubai, the brand uses scale and innovation to drive engagement.

Key strategies Samsung employs:

• Product storytelling using interactive video walls.
• Integration with flight data screens to align ads with real-time travel moments.
• Seasonal launches coinciding with major travel peaks such as Eid and New Year.

These strategies have turned airports into living showrooms where passengers experience Samsung’s innovation before even entering a store.

The Secret to Staying Visible in Gulf Airports

Sustained visibility in airport environments requires strategy and precision. Top-performing brands follow a consistent model:

• Data-driven targeting using audience metrics and dwell-time analysis.
• Creative localisation to appeal to Gulf travellers.
• Multi-format synergy across outdoor, digital and lounge media.
• Seasonal timing during Hajj, Eid and winter tourism peaks.

Brands that adapt to changing traveller behaviours and regional events tend to achieve stronger engagement and recall.

Why Brands Keep Coming Back

For most advertisers, Gulf airports are not a one-off campaign. They are part of an always-on strategy that strengthens long-term visibility.

• High ROI: Airport OOH in the Gulf records engagement rates up to 30% above traditional city-based advertising.
• Premium audience: Frequent flyers represent the top 20% of global consumers by spending power.
• Sustained impact: With dwell times of 120 minutes on average, the message has space to resonate.

From financial services to consumer electronics, brands that dominate airport spaces do so because they understand visibility equals credibility.

Take Your Brand to New Heights

Whether your brand aims to engage business travellers, promote tourism or drive product visibility, Gulf airports offer the exposure and sophistication to achieve measurable results.

At Gulf Airport Advertising, we help plan campaigns across premier GCC airports, including Dubai International, Zayed International and Hamad International. Get in touch with us today to launch your campaign!

FAQs

Which brands advertise most frequently in Gulf airports?

Leading names include HSBC, Alokozay, Du, Samsung and several national tourism boards.

Why do brands choose airports in the Gulf for advertising?

High passenger volumes, affluent demographics and strong ad recall make Gulf airports prime platforms.

What are the benefits of long-term airport advertising?

Consistency builds trust, familiarity and lasting impact among high-value travellers.