What can you do at Abu Dhabi International Airport on a layover?
Do you have a long layover at the Abu Dhabi airport and are wondering how to kill time while you wait for your connecting flight? Worry not, there are many things to do at Abu Dhabi International Airport on a layover. We bring you a comprehensive guide of the facilities and services available.
BASIC THINGS TO DO ON A LAYOVER AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
LOAD UP ON SOME CASH
Whether you are running low on cash or willing to withdraw UAE dirhams, ATM services at the Abu Dhabi Airport have got you covered. Head to ATM facilities of Emirates NBD, Al Hilal Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank to get cash 24 hours a day.
Additionally, you can head to Travelex, the “largest global airport currency exchange operator” to reserve foreign currency at Abu Dhabi Airport.
- Location:
- Emirates NBD ATM: Terminals 1 and 2
- Al Hilal Bank ATM, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank ATM and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank ATM: Terminal 3
- Travelex: Terminal 1
BUY A SIM CARD
For those who have a transit visa and want to step out of the airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport has an “Etisalat Phone booth” that offers SIM cards. This will enable you to connect to the internet or make calls on the go.
- Location: Terminal 1, 2 and 3
BUY YOUR MEDICINES FROM THE PHARMACY
Forgot to bring your medicine from home? Don’t worry, there are two reputable pharmacies at Abu Dhabi airport: Bu Sina Pharmacy and Boots Pharmacy which offer over-the-counter and prescription medications. As implied, you must show your doctor’s prescription to purchase medicines that fall into the latter category.
- Location: Boots Pharmacy and Bin Sina Pharmacy: Terminal 1
- Contact:
- Boots Pharmacy: +971-2-575-9814
- Bin Sina Pharmacy: +971-2-575-7316
FUN THINGS TO DO AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON A LAYOVER
TRY YOUR LUCK AT THE RAFFLE COUNTER
Have some extra time to spend? Pop over to the “Raffle Counter” in terminals 1, 2 or 3 and enter the Big Ticket raffle to win lots of lucrative prizes. You can get a cash prize of up to AED 5M or your dream car.
- Location: Terminals 1,2 and 3
LET YOUR KIDS HAVE FUN AT THE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA
If you want to keep your kids happy and engaged during a long layover, drop them off at a kids’ play area on terminal 1. The facility offers many fun activities to keep your little ones engaged and full of energy.
- Location: Terminal 1 and 3
DINING AND SHOPPING ACTIVITIES AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ENJOY A MEAL AT A RESTAURANT
There are plenty of restaurants that you can explore during a layover at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
If you’re an Italian food enthusiast, you can either head to Bricco Cafe located in Terminal 1 or Negroni located in Terminal 3. If you want to try out Asian cuisine, you can hit up Yum Cha in Terminal 3.
In case you are feeling peckish after a long flight in the morning, you can visit the breakfast cafe, Urban Food Market in Terminal 3. There is also a snack shop in Terminal 1 called ‘To Go’ that sells good food and beverages for transit passengers.
Looking for more options? Here is a list of more restaurants at the airport.
- Montreux Jazz Café | Terminal 3
- Flavours | Terminal 1
- Crepe Delicious |Terminal 3
- Burger King |Terminal 3
- Costa Coffee |Terminal 3
- Cinnabon |Terminal 3
- CNN Traveller Café |Terminal 3
- McDonald’s |Terminal 3
SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT THE ABU DHABI AIRPORT
You can browse through an impressive collection of timepieces, explore classic, elegant handbags and take a look at the varied selection of fragrances from top-selling brands at the shops in Abu Dhabi airport.
The well-stocked Abu Dhabi duty-free is a great place to get some good deals. From sweets and confectionary to high-end designer wear, there’s plenty to engage shopaholics at the airport in Abu Dhabi.
You can get books and newspapers from Relay and cigars from World of Cigars located in Terminal 1. Business travellers looking to make a style statement in the upcoming meeting can pick something from Ralph Lauren’s store based in Terminal 3.
Here are some other shops at the airport.
- Liquor & Tobacco |Terminals 1, 2 and 3
- Rolex | Terminal 3
- Swarovski |Terminal 1
- Toys |Terminal 1
- Bvlgari |Terminal 1
- Hermes | Terminal 3
- Souvenirs |Terminals 1 and 3
- Fashion Watches |Terminals 1 and 3
- Burberry | Terminal 3
- Pure Gold |Terminals 1 and 3
RELAXING THINGS TO DO AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
REJUVENATE YOURSELF AT THE LOUNGES OR HOTELS
Long-haul flights take a toll on the body and it becomes necessary to relax for some time. You can reinvigorate yourself by spending some time at any of the premium lounges or hotels at the Abu Dhabi airport.
Options include Etihad Premium Lounge, Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa, Premier Inn Hotel, Al Dhabi Lounge and Abu Dhabi Hotel in Terminal 1.
For smokers, there is a well-ventilated Burgundy Smoking Lounge on Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to enjoy a cigarette in a secluded space.
- Most of the lounges have WiFi. You can even enjoy reading magazines or watching TV.
- Etihad Premium Lounge even offers delicious food and shower facilities.
- Al Dhabi Lounge is exclusive to those flying First or Business class with any airline except Etihad Airways. You can access the lounge by paying an additional fee.
- When it comes to hotels, you must apply for booking beforehand.
- Location:
- Etihad Premium Lounge, Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa and Premier Inn Hotel: Terminal 3
- Al Dhabi lounge and Abu Dhabi Hotel: Terminal 1
- Contact:
- 600-500-503 (Premier Inn Hotel)
- +971-2-505-5737 (Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel)
- +971-2-505-2847 (Al Dhabi Lounge)
DE-STRESS YOURSELF AT THE TOSA SPA
If you’re tired after a long flight, get rid of your jet lag and travel fatigue at the Tosa Spa in Terminal 1 Abu Dhabi International Airport. This offers re-invigorating treats, ranging from manicures/pedicures to full body massages that reactivate the functions of your body and give you a hydrating beauty boost.
- Location: Terminal 1
- Contact: +971-2-505-2067
FAQs
CAN YOU LEAVE ABU DHABI AIRPORT DURING THE LAYOVER?
Yes, you can, given that you have a valid transit visa and more than four hours to spare.
WHAT CAN I DO DURING A 20-HOUR LAYOVER AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
While there are many things to do at the airport, transit visa holders can also go sightseeing in Abu Dhabi, given they have a valid visa.
That brings an end to our list of things to do at Abu Dhabi International Airport. We hope you remember these things the next time you catch a connecting flight at Abu Dhabi Airport.
If you are visiting the capital city for the first time, don’t forget to engage in these activities in Abu Dhabi. Those with a limited budget can go for free things in Abu Dhabi to experience the quintessence of the city.
For more information and updates about things to do on a layover at Abu Dhabi International Airport, stay tuned to MyBayut.