Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and center of government in the United Arab Emirates. It is the largest city of theEmirate of Abu Dhabiand one of the most modern cities in the world.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA: AUH, ICAO:OMAA) is the UAE's second busiest airport (after Dubai) and the home base of Abu Dhabi's flag carrier Etihad Launched in 2003, Etihad Airways has been expanding rapidly and now flies everywhere from the United States to Australia, and its services (particularly on long-haul flights) are remarkably good in all classes.
The airport is separated into Terminal 1 (the original terminal) and Terminal 3 (a new terminal dedicated to Etihad Airways).
Terminal 1 provides a slightly dingy appearance and a spectacularly bizarre blue-lime tiled mushroom canopy that awaits you at the gates. The airport itself is quite well-maintained and has duty-free shopping. However, it can get a little overcrowded at peak hours around midnight. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion which in early 2011 is still underway. Picking up luggage is also quite easy, although, be forewarned that airport personnel may remove a flight's bags from the carousel and stack them in a pile next to it, as the airport has few baggage carousels.
Terminal 3 is much newer and has improved shopping and gate access. It is noted that Etihad flights to and from the US utilize the older terminal.