Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has launched a “Shopping Pass” that lets UAE residents enter parts of the terminal even if they do not have a flight ticket. The move is a first‑of‑its‑kind campaign in the UAE capital and aims to turn the airport into a lifestyle and shopping destination, not just a travel hub.
Visitors must register in advance on the airport’s website and receive a digital security pass in PDF format with a unique QR code. This QR code is scanned at entry checkpoints, shops, and exit points, and guests must return the access badge before leaving.
The Shopping Pass is being offered for an eight‑week trial period starting April 18, 2026, and is open only to UAE citizens and residents. Pass‑holders can explore luxury retail stores, duty‑free shops, restaurants, and leisure areas normally reserved for departing passengers.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. Who can use the Abu Dhabi airport shopping pass?
The Shopping Pass is open only to UAE nationals and residents; visitors must register online and show a QR‑coded digital pass at security checkpoints.
2. How long is the shopping‑pass trial at Abu Dhabi airport?
The Shopping Pass campaign runs for eight weeks, during which non‑passengers can access the terminal’s retail, dining, and leisure zones without a boarding pass.
3. Do visitors need a boarding pass to use the shopping pass?
No, visitors do not need a boarding pass; they only need a pre‑registered digital QR‑coded security pass provided by the airport’s official website.
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