Do you have a long layover at the Abu Dhabi International airport and are you wondering about how to kill time while you wait for your connecting flight? Don’t worry because there are many things to do at Abu Dhabi International Airport on a layover. If you have some time to explore the airport between your connecting flights, you can grab a bite to eat, rummage through different shops or enjoy the luxurious lounges. Check out our list for all the activities at the Abu Dhabi International Airport on a layover.
Best Things to do at Abu Dhabi Airport on a layover
There are three terminals at the Abu Dhabi airport. Terminal 3 primarily caters to the Etihad Airways’ departures and arrivals while Terminals 1 and 2 are used to accommodate the passengers of other airlines. Each of these terminals has a wide range of activities that you can indulge in. Being one of the easy to navigate airports, you can also get from one terminal to the other without too much trouble. So, no matter how much time you have to kill, these activities will definitely keep you busy.
Eat 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 at Terminal 1 or Negroni located at Terminal 3. However, if you want to try out Asian cuisine, you can hit up Yum Cha.
In case you are feeling peckish after a long flight in the morning, you can also visit the breakfast cafe, Urban Food Market at Terminal 3. There is also a snack shop at Terminal 1 called ‘To Go’ that sells good food and beverages to transit passengers. You can stop by this place to enjoy some light bites before boarding a plane. The snack shops and restaurants at Abu Dhabi International Airport are certainly great spots to kill time, especially if you have a short layover.
Shop 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 great bargain deals. From sweets and confectionary to high-end designer wear, there’s plenty to engage shopaholics at the airport in Abu Dhabi.
There is also an ATM service available at the airport if you are worried about having enough money for your onward journey. It will be convenient for you to withdraw cash in UAE dirhams that way.
Rejuvenate yourself at the lounges
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 at the airport. Options include Al Ghazal, Al Reem, Etihad and Al Dhabi lounge. Each of them offers complimentary snacks and beverages, WiFi and shower facilities. You can even enjoy reading magazines or watching TV.
Some of these require prior booking while others just work on the pay-and-enter model. For instance, travellers can pay and enter the Al Dhabi lounge but need to make a booking at Etihad premium lounge. However, Etihad Business or First class passengers can get access at Etihad lounge too, without any prior booking.
Al Ghazal lounge also provides walk-in facility and free access to kids below two years old. There is also a children’s play area on Terminal 1 and The Burgundy Smoking Lounge on each terminal.
De-stress yourself at the 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 at Abu Dhabi International Airport. It offers re-invigorating treats, ranging from manicures/pedicures to aromatherapy and full-body massages to reactivate the functions of your body and give you a hydrating beauty boost.
Catch up on lost sleep
If you are waiting for many hours in the terminal before your onward flight, you can get tired and feel the need to get some shut-eye. There are many sleeping pods at Abu Dhabi airport where you can snooze off. They also come with handy charging stations where your electronic gear can be recharged.
The pods are nestled between the Etihad transfer desks, arrivals corridor and second floor and also has a baggage storage facility. You can easily catch up on some well-earned rest here without worrying about your luggage.
Explore the city
If your layover is longer than eight hours, you can also go out of the airport and visit Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks. There are plenty of hotels near Abu Dhabi airport where you can recharge yourself and head out to explore the city. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and see the world’s biggest chandeliers and largest carpet there. You can also check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the world-renowned museum featuring famous works by Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci and more. Known as a shopper’s paradise, the best retail centre in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall is also a short drive away.
You can also embrace your inner adventurer by visiting places like Ferrari World and Warner Bros on a layover at Abu Dhabi Airport – they are just 15 minutes away and will give you a sample of the exciting adventures on offer in the UAE.
We hope that you will remember these things the next time you catch a connecting flight at Abu Dhabi International airport. If you are visiting the capital city for the first, it’s not just the airport that’s full of activities; there are many things to do in Abu Dhabi that you should definitely try!
Budget-constraints never become a hurdle for those willing to explore activities at Abu Dhabi. There are many free things to do in Abu Dhabi that are worth checking out.
For more information and updates regarding things to do in and near Abu Dhabi, stay tuned to MyBayut.
