Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi received a thumbs up from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk is known for his innovative ventures like SpaceX. Musk took to social media platform X, also owned by him, to urge the US to learn from the UAE’s advancements in airport technology.

The inspiration? A video posted by Emirati businessman and social media influencer Hassan Sajwani. The video showcased Zayed International Airport’s cutting-edge features, specifically highlighting a passenger effortlessly checking in using facial recognition technology. The passenger was seen in the video gushing about the airport’s efficiency and challenged the US to emulate the UAE.

Many X users chimed in, expressing awe and wonder at how the Middle East countries are stealing a march over the US in the use of technology. It is time for the US to play catch up, they seem to say.

Opened in November 2023, Zayed International Airport’s new Terminal A boasts a range of passenger-friendly amenities. These include duty-free shopping, diverse eateries, and free Wi-Fi access. Renamed in February 2024 to honour the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the airport seamlessly blends modern infrastructure with cutting-edge technology.

Biometric security, smart boarding gates, and robot assistants all contribute to a smooth travel experience. Spanning over 742,000 square metres, the airport can handle up to 45 million passengers annually.

Aletihad News