Zayed International Airport (AUH) has been named the ‘Best Airport for Retail’ at the prestigious Frontier Awards 2025, held in Cannes, France, during the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. This coveted global recognition solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier international travel and luxury shopping destination.
The Frontier Awards, often called the “Oscars of the travel retail industry,” celebrate excellence and innovation in airport and duty-free shopping worldwide. Zayed International Airport stood out to judges for its:
- Ambitious Retail Concepts: The airport’s dedication to innovative and high-quality shopping experiences was a key factor in the win.
- Design-Forward Spaces: The aesthetics and layout of the retail areas, particularly within the new Terminal A, were highly praised.
- Strong Partnerships: The successful collaborations with international and luxury brands were instrumental in creating a world-class offering.
One of the standout features highlighted was “Presentedby,” a concept store developed in partnership with Avolta, which offers a unique blend of luxury fashion, streetwear culture, and experiential retail. This concept also recently secured the Platinum Award for Interior Design – Retail, Shops & Malls at the 2025 London Design Awards, further underscoring AUH’s commitment to design excellence.
Commenting on the achievement, Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “I am immensely proud of our team’s dedication over the past two years in positioning Zayed International Airport among the world’s leading retail destinations. These global recognitions reaffirm our belief that airports can enrich, delight, and embody the spirit and ambition of Abu Dhabi.”
The accolade comes just a year after the launch of Terminal A, an architectural landmark that significantly expanded the airport’s retail and dining footprint to over 37,000 square meters and 163 outlets. This success is a powerful signal of Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to position itself as a global hub for luxury, culture, and tourism, with the airport’s retail offerings being a critical revenue driver and a highlight of the passenger experience.
The Frontier Awards are an annual ceremony recognizing the travel retail and duty-free sector’s most creative, innovative, and commercially successful projects. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, making the ‘Best Airport for Retail’ title one of the highest honors in the global travel retail landscape.
