You do not need a flight. Launched on April 18, the Zayed International Airport Shopping Pass gives UAE nationals and residents full access to the airport terminal without a boarding pass. Visitors can shop at luxury retail stores, dine at international restaurants, and explore the entire facility in one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic venues. It is one of the first initiatives of its kind for the capital’s main airport, and it is open right now.
What the Zayed International Airport Shopping Pass Is
The Shopping Pass is an eight-week campaign that opens Terminal A to UAE residents who are not traveling. It is the first time Abu Dhabi has run a programme like this at Zayed International Airport, making the terminal a retail and lifestyle destination in its own right.
Terminal A is not a minor venue. It spans 780,000 square metres and has been awarded Best Airport in the Middle East by the World Airport Awards twice. As the main hub for Etihad Airways, it has direct routes to more than 120 destinations in 56 countries. The shops, restaurants, and entertainment areas that departing passengers have always had access to are now available to any UAE national or resident who registers.
How to Register for the Shopping Pass
Registration is required in advance and must be completed through their website. Once a registration is approved, a digital security pass is sent as a PDF containing a unique QR code. That QR code must be scanned at designated checkpoints on entry and on exit.
The security badge must also be returned to a designated area when leaving the terminal. Not returning it can affect eligibility for future visits under this campaign.
What to Have Ready on the Day
Emirates ID is required. Certain electronics such as laptops and tablets may be restricted for non-travellers, based on security guidelines. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the visit.
For parking, visitors who spend a minimum of AED 200 during their time at the terminal qualify for four hours of complimentary parking. Standard charges apply if the spend threshold is not met. Only card payments are accepted at exits, no cash. Terms may vary depending on parking zone and validation process.
Liquor and tobacco are excluded from the campaign. They cannot be sold to visitors without a boarding pass. VAT applies normally on all other eligible purchases.
Booking Changes and Campaign Duration
All time slots are pre-booked through the registration portal. To modify a booking, contact the airport on the same day at +971 2 805 5555. Any approved change requires a new access pass to be issued, which may take extra processing time.
The campaign runs for eight weeks from April 18, placing its expected end around mid-June 2026. Specific dates and time slots are subject to change at the airport’s sole discretion.
What This Means for UAE Residents
Airports in the region have started repositioning as retail and dining destinations, and Zayed International Airport’s Shopping Pass is Abu Dhabi’s most direct take on that concept. The eight-week window, the formal security process, the pre-registration requirement, and full access to Terminal A give UAE residents a genuine opportunity to experience a space that has historically required a ticket to enter. The airport is officially on the map as a destination, not just a departure point. For residents who have never had reason to step inside, this campaign is an easy first look.
The Zayed International Airport Shopping Pass is open for registrations now. UAE nationals and residents have eight weeks to experience the terminal, visit the shops, and take advantage of the dining and entertainment that Terminal A has to offer. Register at zayedinternationalairport.ae/shoppingpass or call +971 2 805 5555 for same-day booking modifications.
Cover Image: Visit Abu Dhabi/Website
