Abu Dhabi International Airport — officially renamed Zayed International Airport in 2024, though most travelers still call it Abu Dhabi Airport — is the main hub for Etihad Airways and one of the most smoker-friendly airports in the Middle East. With the opening of the new Terminal A in November 2023, the airport now serves around 24 million passengers a year and offers indoor smoking lounges across all terminals.
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Smoking Policy at Abu Dhabi Airport
UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control prohibits smoking in enclosed public places but requires airports to provide designated smoking areas. Abu Dhabi Airport complies by offering indoor smoking lounges with proper ventilation and air conditioning in all operational terminals. Smoking outside these designated rooms is strictly prohibited and can result in fines.
Airport Layout
Abu Dhabi Airport has three main terminal buildings:
- Terminal A (Midfield Terminal) — Opened November 2023, this is the flagship terminal with 65 gates, handling most international flights and all Etihad Airways operations. It is one of the largest airport terminals in the world.
- Terminal 1 — Handles select Etihad domestic and regional flights.
- Terminal 3 — Used by some budget and charter carriers.
A people mover system connects Terminal A to the main airport campus. Allow extra time if you need to transfer between terminals.
Smoking Lounges
Terminal A
The new Terminal A features modern, well-ventilated smoking lounges positioned throughout the 65-gate concourse. Rooms are clearly signposted and accessible after security. The lounges include seating, ashtrays, and air filtration systems.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 has designated smoking rooms in the departures area after security. These are smaller than the Terminal A lounges but still air-conditioned and maintained regularly.
Terminal 3
A smoking room is available in the departure area for passengers flying on budget carriers from this terminal.
Lounge Access
Several premium lounges at Abu Dhabi Airport include dedicated smoking sections, including the Etihad Premium Lounges and Al Dhabi Lounge. If you want a more comfortable experience with food and drinks, lounge access is worth considering for longer layovers.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping have been legal in the UAE since April 2019. At Abu Dhabi Airport, you can use vaping devices only inside the designated smoking lounges. Using an e-cigarette in the general terminal area, restaurants, or duty-free shops is not permitted and can result in fines.
Tips for Smokers at Abu Dhabi Airport
- Terminal A is enormous — locate the nearest smoking lounge on the terminal map before heading to your gate
- All smoking lounges are available after security, so there is no need to leave the secure zone
- Smoking rooms in Terminal A are newer and more spacious than those in Terminals 1 and 3
- Duty-free shops sell cigarettes and tobacco products at competitive prices
- Vaping is allowed only inside smoking lounges, not in the general terminal
- Lounges can get busier during Etihad’s peak evening departure banks
- If connecting through Abu Dhabi, the transit smoking rooms are available without clearing immigration
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal A (Midfield) | Yes | Indoor lounges | Multiple locations across 65-gate concourse |
| Terminal 1 | Yes | Indoor room | Departures area after security |
| Terminal 3 | Yes | Indoor room | Departures area |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines apply under UAE Federal Law |
| Premium airline lounges | Some | Indoor sections | Etihad and Al Dhabi Lounges have smoking rooms |