Zayed International Airport Passenger Growth Creates New Advertising Opportunities

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) has reported robust passenger growth in the first half of 2025, further solidifying its position as one of the Gulf’s most important aviation hubs. This momentum underscores not only the airport’s role in connecting East and West but also its value as a high-impact advertising location for brands targeting global audiences.

Strong Performance in H1 2025

Abu Dhabi Airports revealed that Zayed International handled 14.5 million passengers in the first half of 2025, marking a 12 percent year-on-year increase. Much of this growth has been fueled by Etihad Airways’ expanding network and the rising popularity of Abu Dhabi as a tourism and business destination. New route launches to Asia, Europe, and North America have diversified the passenger mix, offering advertisers the chance to reach highly international and affluent travelers.

The airport’s state-of-the-art Terminal A, which opened in late 2023, has been a major driver of this success. With a capacity of 45 million passengers annually, the terminal has quickly become a centerpiece of the UAE’s aviation strategy. Inside Terminal A, visitors encounter a mix of luxury retail, cutting-edge dining, and premium advertising formats that include large-scale LED displays, high-visibility static placements, and immersive experiential zones.

For a full overview of Gulf airports and their advertising opportunities, explore our guide to key airports in the Middle East.

Why Advertisers Should Take Notice

Passenger growth at Zayed International translates directly into increased exposure for brands. The airport environment delivers a unique combination of extended dwell time, premium passenger demographics, and international diversity.

Advertising opportunities at AUH include:

• Digital OOH Screens: Positioned in concourses, baggage claim, and check-in areas, ensuring visibility throughout the passenger journey.
• Luxury Retail Partnerships: Abu Dhabi’s focus on high-end shopping allows brands to merge campaigns with in-terminal retail activations.
• Experiential Campaigns: From interactive displays to branded lounges, the terminal infrastructure supports memorable engagements.

The wider Gulf is seeing an acceleration in programmatic DOOH solutions, allowing brands to adjust campaigns based on flight schedules, destinations, and demographics. Our coverage on programmatic DOOH across Gulf airports highlights how these tools are reshaping airport advertising.

Tourism Growth Boosts Advertising Reach

Abu Dhabi welcomed over 6 million international visitors in 2024, with forecasts pointing to even higher arrivals in 2025. Cultural attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, world-class events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and family-friendly destinations are drawing more travelers each year.

For advertisers, this influx represents a growing pool of high-value audiences. Campaigns at Zayed International reach not just transiting passengers, but also inbound tourists eager to explore the city. Airports serve as the first brand touchpoint for these travelers, making them an ideal space for sectors such as hospitality, luxury retail, automotive, and technology.

Learn more about how airports help brands tap into travel-driven demand in our article on why tourism boards advertise in airports.

Zayed International in the Gulf Advertising Landscape

While Dubai International (DXB) remains the world’s busiest airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International has carved out a unique position. With modern facilities, expanding connectivity, and ambitious tourism strategies, AUH is becoming a strategic complement to Dubai for regional campaigns.

Many global brands already use multi-airport strategies in the Gulf. By combining placements across AUH, DXB, and Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), advertisers can capture millions of affluent passengers across interconnected hubs. This approach creates regional consistency while tailoring campaigns to local passenger demographics.

To see how Dubai’s hub complements Abu Dhabi, read about Dubai’s aviation future as a hub for airport advertising.

Key Takeaway for Brands

The continued growth at Zayed International Airport is a clear signal for advertisers to integrate Abu Dhabi into their Gulf campaigns. Whether through high-impact digital billboards, experiential activations, or integrated luxury retail partnerships, the airport offers a dynamic platform to engage international travelers at a pivotal moment in their journey.

For brands that want to maximize visibility, Zayed International should be part of a broader Gulf strategy that also includes Dubai International, Kuwait International, and Bahrain International. Together, these gateways provide access to millions of global travelers across the Middle East.

FAQs

How many passengers did Zayed International Airport handle in H1 2025?

The airport welcomed 14.5 million passengers, a 12 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Why is Zayed International Airport important for advertisers?

Its premium passenger demographics, long dwell times, and growing international connectivity make it a prime location for high-impact campaigns.

What advertising formats are available at Zayed International?

Brands can access digital OOH screens, static displays, experiential activations, and integrated retail partnerships inside the new Terminal A.

How does Zayed International compare to Dubai International?

While Dubai remains the world’s busiest, Abu Dhabi offers more curated opportunities, particularly for luxury, tourism, and business-focused campaigns.