How many Airports in UAE? A Complete Guide for Travellers
The United Arab Emirates is a major international travel destination, welcoming visitors for business, tourism, shopping and family holidays. With airports serving Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates, the country offers convenient air connections to destinations around the world. If you are planning a trip and searching for how many airports in UAE, it is important to understand that the total number depends on whether you count international airports, commercial passenger airports or smaller aviation facilities. According to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the country has eight international airports. Several other airports and aviation facilities also support regional travel, cargo operations and specialised aviation services. How many airports in UAE? Understanding the Airport Count The UAE has eight international airports, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority. The country also has additional civil airports and aviation facilities. For travellers, the most important airports to know include: Dubai International Airport (DXB) Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) Zayed International Airport (AUH) Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) Fujairah International Airport (FJR) Al Ain International Airport (AAN) Other facilities, including regional airports and specialised aviation locations, may also be included depending on the definition used. Major Airports in the UAE 1. Dubai International Airport (DXB) Dubai International Airport is a major international aviation hub connecting the UAE with destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. It is a popular arrival point for tourists visiting Dubai’s shopping destinations, luxury hotels, business districts and attractions. Planning to arrive at DXB? Read Rider Arabia’s complete guide to Dubai International Airport for helpful information about airport terminals, passenger facilities and travel arrangements. After landing, you can also arrange a convenient journey to your hotel or residence through Rider Arabia airport transfer services. 2. Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central, is located in Dubai South. The airport serves selected passenger flights and cargo operations and is part of Dubai’s long-term aviation development plans. Travellers should check their flight tickets carefully because DWC and Dubai International Airport (DXB) are two different airports. Confirming the correct airport before booking a pickup can help prevent travel delays. 3. Zayed International Airport (AUH) Zayed International Airport serves Abu Dhabi and is a major gateway for international visitors arriving in the UAE capital. The airport provides access to Abu Dhabi’s business districts, hotels and tourist attractions, including Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. For a comfortable journey after arrival, travellers can explore Rider Arabia’s airport transfer services to organise transportation to their hotel, residence or business destination. 4. Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) Sharjah International Airport serves Sharjah and the surrounding northern UAE region. It is a convenient arrival point for visitors exploring Sharjah’s museums, cultural attractions, waterfront destinations and business areas. It can also be suitable for travellers staying in neighbouring emirates, depending on their final destination. 5. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) Ras Al Khaimah International Airport serves the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It provides access to the emirate’s hotels, beaches, mountain attractions and resorts. Visitors planning a holiday in Ras Al Khaimah should check flight availability and arrange transportation to their accommodation before arrival. 6. Fujairah International Airport (FJR) Fujairah International Airport serves the eastern emirate of Fujairah. The airport provides access to destinations along the UAE’s eastern coast, including beaches, resorts and mountain landscapes. Travellers should confirm available passenger services and flight schedules before planning their journey. 7. Al Ain International Airport (AAN) Al Ain International Airport is located in Al Ain, within Abu Dhabi emirate. It serves the Al Ain region and provides an alternative airport for travellers visiting the city’s residential, business and tourism destinations. Check current airline schedules to determine whether it is suitable for your travel plans. Which UAE Airport Should You Choose? The best airport depends on your airline, accommodation and final destination. Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a convenient option for visitors staying in central Dubai. Dubai South: Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) may be suitable for selected flights and destinations in southern Dubai. Abu Dhabi: Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the main international gateway for visitors to the capital. Sharjah: Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is a practical option for travellers staying in Sharjah. Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) serves visitors travelling to the northern emirate. Always confirm the airport code on your flight ticket before arranging transportation. Airport Transfers Across the UAE with Rider Arabia After a long flight, arranging transportation to your hotel, residence or business destination can make your arrival more comfortable. Rider Arabia offers airport transfer services for travellers looking for convenient transportation across the UAE. Our airport transfer services are suitable for: Individual travellers and families Business executives and corporate visitors Tourists visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airport-to-hotel transportation Groups requiring spacious vehicle options Whether you are arriving at Dubai International Airport or Zayed International Airport, arranging your transfer in advance can help simplify your onward journey. Explore Rider Arabia’s airport transfer services to plan your transportation. Frequently Asked Questions how many airports in UAE are there? The UAE has eight international airports, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority. Additional regional airports and aviation facilities operate across the country, so the total count varies depending on which types of airports are included. Which is the busiest airport in the UAE? Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the UAE’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic and a major global aviation hub. Is Dubai International Airport the same as Al Maktoum International Airport? No. Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are two different airports in Dubai. Travellers should check their flight ticket carefully to confirm the correct airport. Which airport serves Abu Dhabi? Zayed International Airport (AUH) is the main international airport serving Abu Dhabi. It is the primary arrival airport for many travellers visiting the capital. Can I book an airport transfer from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Yes.