Date: October 15, 2013
The SleepingInAirports community has voted the following airports as the Best Airports in the Middle East.
When selecting an airport to declare as the “best”, travellers were asked to consider the four C’s: comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.
- Comfort: Armrest-free seating and quiet/rest/relaxation zones.
- Conveniences: Free WiFi, 24-hour food, showers, pay-in lounges, and activities to do on a layover.
- Cleanliness: Clean floors, bathrooms and food courts.
- Customer Service: A smile and friendly attitudes go a long way. We are so thankful for the kind airport workers who help us when we are lost and give us blankets and pillows when we’re stranded.
Airports in the Middle East host a lot of transit sleepers. The better airports will have designated rest zones and pay-in lounges where it is possible for economy class travellers to rest and have a shower.
Here are the Top Five Airports in the Middle East as selected by SleepingInAirports voters.
1. Dubai
There were soft armchairs which you were allowed to lie down on (Awesome!) and regular seats too. I was attempting to get one of these seats, but judging from the massive crowd waiting to enter the departure lounge, I gave up and went to my gate. ” – Aviator
As a major international transit hub, Dubai has services in mind for travellers who want to sleep or just hang out in the airport. In addition to the Free WiFi, the airport offers 24-hour pay-in lounges with showers and a health club.
The zzz Factor: All travellers have access to two rest zones that feature reclining seats with footrests. These rest zones are VERY popular and travellers complain that there are not enough seats. Come prepared to sleep on the floor just in case you don’t get a seat. There is also a transit hotel and snooze cubes if you prefer to sleep in privacy and don’t mind paying.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Transit Hotel ($) • Health club with swimming pool, jacuzzi, and gym available on hourly basis ($) • Prayer Room • Quiet Lounges • Showers ($) • Luggage Storage ($) • City Tours ($) • 24-hour Food. Visit our Dubai Airport Guide for more information.
2. Abu Dhabi
while I was sleeping on the floor, they actually apologized for making noise, and told me I could get a blanket from them at the transfer desk if I wished. ” – olavoamaral
The zzz Factor: Abu Dhabi is ready to host transit travellers with a number of pay-in lounges, a transit hotel, sleep pods and reclining rest chairs at the gates. Showers and food are available 24-hours a day.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounge ($) • Free WiFi • Internet Kiosks • Sleep Pods ($) • Sleep Cubes ($) • Transit Hotel ($) • 24-hour Food ($) • Nearby Golf Course ($) • Free Trolleys • Showers ($) • Prayer rooms • Luggage Storage ($). Visit our Abu Dhabi Airport Guide for more information.
3. Doha
The best place to sleep in Doha international airport – departure terminal, 1st floor, look for the sign “quiet zone”, next to the coffee shop and duty free shop. They even provide a blanket! So thoughtful!! – JennYang on our Facebook page
The zzz Factor: You are most likely to be sleeping here in transit. The best places to rest are the special quiet zones. Showers and buffet meals are available in the 24-hour Oryx Lounge, which economy class travellers can access for a fee. There are 24-hour food options outside of the lounge as well.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounge ($) + Rest Zones • Free WiFi + Internet Kiosks + 24-hour Food ($) + Showers ($). Visit our Doha Airport Guide for more information.
4. Bahrain Airport
The zzz Factor: The airport offers rest chairs near the gates. If you are looking for more privacy and quiet, you can pay to use one of the lounges for a few hours. The lounges have showers and buffet meals.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi. Visit our Bahrain Airport Guide for more information.
5. Tel Aviv
Just in front of the big windows you will find long plain benches where you can catch some sleep. The area is quite noisy, but the glass front covering the benches provides some cover. Some of the chairs behind the benches have power outlets which you can use to charge your laptop or phone.” – avisvolans
The zzz Factor: There are no designated rest zones, but you can seek out a quiet spot for rest.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Luggage Storage ($) • Prayer Rooms. Visit our Tel Aviv Airport Guide for more information.
Have Your Say!
Your votes and feedback are essential to the SleepingInAirports annual Best and Worst Airports survey. Now it is your turn to tell us which airports deserve to be included on the 2014 list. There are a few ways to participate:
Survey: If you have a bit more time, leave some comments on the Airport Survey so that we know why you like this airport.
Polls: The easiest way to participate is to vote in the quick poll at the bottom of each regional page. Even if an airport is not listed, write it in the “Other box” and it will be included in the total count.
Airport Reviews: Your airport reviews are the most important contribution that you can provide to the community. Write an airport review.