Abu Dhabi Airports celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The group was created in 2006 to operate Abu Dhabi International Airport as well as Al Ain International Airport, and later Al Bateen Executive Airport, Sir Bani Yas Airport and Delma Island Airport. However, it’s Abu Dhabi International Airport that really shines. Serving more than 23 million passengers in 2015 and experiencing a 17.2 percent increase over the year, the airport is one of the fastest-growing in the world. Traffic between the United States and Abu Dhabi International Airport rose last year by an impressive 39.4 percent, possibly attributed to increased offerings to the region from Etihad Airways. U.S. travelers returning to the United States from Abu Dhabi particularly appreciate the airport’s award-winning U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility located on site, one of the few in the world and the only one in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The facility allows passengers flying on Etihad Airways to U.S. destinations to complete all immigration, customs and security clearance procedures ahead of their flight, avoiding lengthy wait times and lines once in the United States. The facility meets all U.S. security standards and served its millionth passenger in March.

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s largest and most impressive project currently underway, however, is the new Midfield Terminal Building — a project under development since 2011 and scheduled for completion in December 2017. The new terminal will address the airport’s ever-growing passenger numbers and become the country’s primary gateway and home to Etihad Airways. When completed, the Midfield Terminal Building will be visible from almost a mile away and will boast a capacity of 30 million passengers each year and up to 8,500 passengers each hour. The building will include 65 aircraft gates, more than 322,000 square feet of airline lounge space and nearly the same amount of retail and dining space. Upgraded technology solutions, including real-time baggage tracking and multi-airline kiosks and check-in areas, will roll out to the rest of the airport at a later date. Planners took particular care to maintain Abu Dhabi International Airport’s reputation as a sustainable airport with the addition of the Midfield Terminal Building. In 2011 the airport became the first in Asia Pacific to earn Airport Carbon Accreditation, and the new terminal building already received the 3 Pearl Design Rating award, recognizing green building development. During the construction phase, the airport uses recycled and regional construction materials to cut down on fossil fuel consumption and regularly diverts 75 percent of construction waste from landfills. Once completed, the terminal building will reduce energy consumption through efficient lighting systems, reduce water consumption by 45 percent and recycle 45 percent of all generated wastes.