Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesSmoking policy at Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking outside designated areas is prohibited under UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control and can result in fines. Vaping is only permitted inside enclosed smoking rooms, not in general terminal areas.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the more smoker-friendly airports in the Middle East. Designated smoking areas exist both before and after security in every operational terminal, and the facilities are air-conditioned, ventilated, and free to use. Vaping is also permitted inside the enclosed smoking rooms, following the UAE's legalisation of e-cigarettes in April 2019.
Before Security
Landside smoking is restricted to clearly marked outdoor designated zones located outside the terminal buildings. These are accessible to anyone, including those who have not yet checked in. Passengers who have already cleared security can exit to use these areas and re-enter, provided they carry the necessary travel documents and allow enough time before their flight.
After Security
Once you have cleared passport control and security, each terminal has its own dedicated indoor smoking lounge:
Terminal 1: Smoking lounge on the first floor, located within or adjacent to the Al Dhabi Lounge area. Access is after security; no paid lounge membership is required.
Terminal 2: Designated smoking lounge on the ground floor, accessible after passport control.
Terminal 3: Smoking lounge on the second floor, accessible after security in the departure hall.
Terminal A (Midfield Terminal, opened November 2023): Modern smoking lounges spread across the 65-gate concourse. These are the newest and reportedly the most spacious facilities at AUH.
All of these lounges are enclosed, air-conditioned rooms with ventilation systems. They are free to enter and open to all departing and transit passengers holding a valid boarding pass.
Vaping Rules
Vaping and e-cigarettes are permitted only inside the designated enclosed smoking rooms. Using an e-cigarette in the general terminal area is not allowed. This applies in all terminals.
Transit and Layovers
Transit passengers do not need to leave the secure zone to smoke. The airside lounges in each terminal are accessible during layovers, making AUH a relatively comfortable stop for smokers on long connections.
Fines and Compliance
Smoking outside the designated areas is a violation of UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control and can result in a fine. Signage throughout the terminals marks the smoking zones clearly.
Bottom Line
AUH offers solid airside smoking facilities in every terminal, all free to use and accessible after security, so you do not need to exit the secure zone or pay for lounge access to find a legal place to smoke.
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