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Elon Musk praises Zayed International Airport’s technological prowess, urging U.S. to “catch up”

The airport plans to increase its capacity from 45 million to 65 million passengers over the next 10 years
Elon Musk praises Zayed International Airport’s technological prowess, urging U.S. to “catch up”
Musk's remark was made in response to a video showcasing the ease of checking in at the airport using facial recognition technology. (Photo Credit: Visit Abu Dhabi)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk commented on the technological capabilities of Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Musk stated that the U.S. needs to “catch up” with the advancements seen at the airport.

Musk’s remark was made in response to a video showcasing the ease of checking in at the airport using facial recognition technology. The video was shared by a TikTok user, highlighting the convenience and efficiency of this biometric system.

Terminal A, which opened its doors to the world in November, has been designed to redefine the airport experience. Passengers who check in online can further use self-service desks equipped with facial recognition to complete the necessary checks on visas and data verification. Also, this technology allows some passengers to get from the curb outside the terminal to their gate in as little as 12 minutes.

Zayed International Airport Musk

What innovative technologies power Zayed International Airport?

The airport’s visionary leadership aims to “future-proof” its operations, expanding its capacity from 45 million to a staggering 65 million passengers over the next decade. This bold move is a clear statement of intent – Zayed International is positioning itself as a global aviation hub, a technological oasis in the desert, challenging the status quo.

Rebranding

And just as the terminal came online, the airport itself underwent a rebrand, shedding its former identity as Abu Dhabi International and embracing the name Zayed International.

Terminal A at the Sheikh Zayed International Airport, previously known as the Midfield Terminal during construction, spans an impressive 742,000 square metres. Furthermore, with the capacity to accommodate up to 11,000 passengers per hour, the terminal can facilitate a staggering 45 million passengers annually. Additionally, tts expansive facilities enable the simultaneous operation of 79 aircraft.

Zayed International Airport Musk
Zayed International Airport. (Photo Credit: Abu Dhabi Airports)

Impressive scale

In addition to the terminal’s immense scale, it also houses 163 food and beverage outlets, as well as a diverse array of shopping options for passengers.

Read more: Abu Dhabi Airports achieves 35.6 percent surge, facilitating travel for over 6.9 million passengers in Q1 2024

Diverse amenities

Moreover, the airport’s new identity, named in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, aligns with the country’s broader vision of establishing itself as a center of excellence in various fields, including aviation and technology.

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