The Zayed International Airport, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has undergone a huge renovation and boasts cutting edge biometric technology, huge open spaces and tons of amenities.

For a number of years Changi airport, in Singapore, has reigned supreme as the best airport in the world – but a new hub on the block may just surpass it due to incredible new features and attractions.

Changi is well-known for being a great place to have a layover thanks to its waterfall, themed bars, glass canopy walk and swimming pool. But, the Zayed International Airport, in Abu Dhabi, may be just as good thanks to its new Terminal A which took a whopping $3 billion to create.

The new terminal replaced several old blocks and opened in November – now passengers are getting to see the incredible offerings for entertainment, dining and fun that might blow your socks off. In comparison, UK airports with their shops and cafes have nothing on Zayed especially as it’s around double the size of Heathrow’s Terminal 5.

The airport, which is now home to the Etihad airline, is hyper-modern with a shimmering mirror-like facade and undulating, wave-like roof. But, inside is where the futuristic hub comes to life. Inside is the San Al Nour – a glass vase like structure that helps the terminal to stay cool by moving hot and cold air around, plus it looks like something out of a sci-fi film.

Biometric cameras – the ones that capture images of your face and links them to your document – are everywhere in the airport meaning you can get through immigration and boarding without whipping your passport out if you sign up for the biometric experience. You will need to carry them with you, but it will feel like there are far less scans, stops and checks – if you don't sign up to the biometric system you'll need to use your passport as normal.

The airport's website names this the "biometric solution" and noted: "Welcome to Zayed International Airport, where your journey becomes more straightforward, safer, and more enjoyable with our innovative Biometric Solution. We are excited to be the first international airport to introduce biometric technology at nine different passenger touchpoints, making your experience truly exceptional."

The touchpoints include: pre-travel enrolment, check-in desk, self-service bag drop, biometric e-gate at immigration, immigration counters with passport readers, shopping, the lounge, the boarding gate and transit (for connecting flights).

The website states: "Our biometric solution is seamlessly integrated with government entities to collect the necessary data for auto-enrolment. Before your journey, we create a biometric profile 

in the Airport Gallery (STJ), combining your passport details, flight information, and facial image from the ICP system. All the checkpoints listed above are equipped with software and hardware to offer the biometric option."

In a change that will soon come to the UK – and is already in place at London City Airport – your liquids stay in your bag for the security scan. So no more faffing with tiny bottles and those clear bags that refuse to stay shut. However, that’s all before you even enter the airport proper. Once you’ve passed security and need to find your gate there’s a while myriad of shops and restaurants. Plus, free Wi-Fi so you won’t spend money on foreign mobile connections.

According to the Zayed airport there’s everything you could need in the airport from showers and prayer rooms to smoking hubs and money services. Alongside Duty Free there are big names like Hermes, Kenzo, Burberry and Gucci. Plus, more affordable options too like PINK and Le Gourmet.

You can find pharmacies, ATMs and even banks within the terminal and for those who want to dine out there are options from Costa and Starbucks to a pub, urban food market and sit-down restaurants. If you’re able to enter the lounges it’s a whole other story with live cooking stations, cocktail bars and a games room. While it doesn’t yet seem that the high-tech airport has as many entertainment options as Changi it’s incredible appearance and smooth journey from check-in to boarding might just give the world’s best airport a run for its money. According to Skyscanner, Brits can fly to Zayed International Airport from $175 for a return.

Daily Star  UK