Top 10 Best Airports in the mediate East in 2025

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Travelling to, from, or via the Middle East is an experience in itself, with airports in the region gleaming in grandeur and luxury. Designed to impress and comfort in equal measure, most of them deal with high passenger volumes and have mastered the art of blending efficiency with a touch of opulence.

Skytrax’s airports by regions list for 2025 visits the top 10 best airports in the Middle East, and in comparison to anywhere else in the world, it is fair to say that the award winners in this category are the most competitive bunch. Here is a look at what makes the 10 top hubs in the Middle East stand out and why they are so revered.

Top 10 Best Airports in the Middle East in 2025

1. Hamad International Airport, Doha – DOH/OTHH

Doha’s Hamad Airport is the crown jewel of Middle Eastern travel. Its airy halls, world-class lounges, and art installations, including the globally famous Lamp Bear, make the journey genuinely enjoyable.

Travellers can unwind in luxury lounges, swim in an on-site pool, or browse designer boutiques that come from all over the world. The dining is as varied as the destinations served by Doha, offering global chains to Middle Eastern specialities.

The airport’s operations run with impressive precision, ensuring short queues and fast baggage delivery. It’s also well-connected to Doha, and the city centre, by the Metro’s Red Line takes around 15 minutes to reach, while taxis are also on hand.

2. Dubai International Airport, Dubai – DXB/OMDB

Dubai International Airport is always buzzing with energy and offering almost anything a passenger could want before a flight.

Terminal 3, Emirates’ fortress, is home to sprawling lounges, high-end shops, and gourmet dining. The airport’s efficiency is solid considering its sheer scale, with baggage, immigration, and security often sorted within minutes despite handling tens of millions of passengers each year.

The key attractions are the shopping, from luxury brands to duty-free bargains, and the range of dining options catering to every taste. Emirates’ lounges for business and first class travellers span the entire length of a concourse, while at other terminals, there are high-class offerings too.

The Dubai Metro connects directly to Terminals 1 and 3, taking passengers to the city centre in around 20 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced for shorter distances, and the two most common options to head to the heart of Dubai are available pretty much around the clock.

3. Bahrain International Airport, Bahrain – BAH/OBBI

Bahrain Airport has transformed exponentially in recent years, now offering a calm, contemporary, and passenger-friendly space. The new terminal is sleek yet welcoming and is filled with natural light and clear signage.

Lounges offer comfort without overflowing crowds, and the dining scene blends international chains with authentic Bahraini flavours. The airport prides itself on smooth passenger flow as security and immigration are quick, making for a stress-free start or end to a trip.

The shopping focuses on quality rather than overwhelming quantity, with more luxury products than a local affair. Located just 15 minutes from Manama, it’s linked by taxis, ride-hailing apps, and dedicated buses, making travel easy and stress-free.

4. King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh – RUH/OERK

Riyadh’s main airport is undergoing an ambitious transformation, blending tradition with modernity. The terminals are spacious and airy, with architecture that fits perfectly with Saudi culture, while offering all the facilities that maximise the passenger experience.

The new lounges cater to business and leisure travellers, offering calm spaces away from the bustle. Dining ranges from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, and there’s an in-demand retail scene with both global and local brands.

Transport to the city centre, about 35 km away, is straightforward, with plentiful taxis and ride-hailing services; a metro connection is also in the works. The airport is also increasing the number of destinations it serves and could become another major transit hub in the Middle East.

5. King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah – JED/OEJN

Jeddah’s new terminal has transformed the travel experience for millions of passengers, particularly those arriving for religious purposes. Its design is airy and modern, with huge windows letting in natural light and making it less claustrophobic than the older design.

Facilities are extensive, from spacious lounges to prayer rooms and a wide range of dining options. The airport handles high seasonal traffic with remarkable organisation, ensuring smooth movement even during peak pilgrimage periods.

Shopping includes international duty-free items and local crafts. It’s about 19 kilometres from central Jeddah, reachable in around 25 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing services. A future metro link will make connectivity even better for one of Saudi Arabia’s primary hubs.

6. Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi – AUH/OMAA

Abu Dhabi’s new Midfield Terminal, called Terminal A, has brought the airport into a new era, with cutting-edge design and vast open spaces. Lounges are luxurious, dining options are plentiful, and retail is both varied and high-quality.

The terminal layout is intuitive, helping passengers move smoothly between check-in, security, and boarding, and cultural touches throughout the airport give a sense of Emirati culture without overwhelming the modern feel.

The city centre is around 30 km away, accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or airport shuttles, with a metro system under development. As the rival to Emirates and Dubai, Abu Dhabi is taking strong steps to up its game in the upcoming years.

7. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina – MED/OEMA

Medina’s airport is smaller than many on this list, but it delivers a warm, hospitable experience, especially for pilgrims visiting the holy city. Its design blends modern efficiency with Islamic architectural influences, creating a welcoming first impression.

Facilities include comfortable lounges, prayer areas, and a range of dining outlets suited to both short transits and longer waits. The service feels personal, with staff often going the extra mile to assist passengers.

The airport is located about 15 km from central Medina, with taxis and ride-hailing services providing quick and convenient transport. Its calm, well-managed environment ensures that travellers begin or end their pilgrimage in comfort and dignity.

8. King Fahd International Airport, Dammam – DMM/OEDF

One of the world’s largest airports by land area, Dammam offers a surprisingly calm passenger experience. The terminal is modern, with wide concourses, clear signage, and plenty of seating, and dining options are improving, with a mix of local favourites and global chains.

The lounges provide a comfortable escape for those seeking a calmer environment, and shopping leans towards essentials rather than extravagant luxury. The airport sits around 20 km from Dammam city centre, and taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps provide reliable connections.

While it may lack the flashiness of some Gulf hubs, Dammam’s strength lies in its efficiency, cleanliness, and ease of navigation, all of which qualities make it a pleasant starting point for travel in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

9. Muscat International Airport, Muscat – MCT/OOMS

Muscat’s airport is one of the most beautiful in the region, combining modern infrastructure with Omani design touches. The main terminal is spacious and bright, with large windows offering views of the surrounding mountains.

Passengers can enjoy a range of dining options, duty-free shopping, and well-equipped lounges, while the staff are friendly, reflecting the warm Omani hospitality. Transport to Muscat city centre, located about 15 kilometres away, is straightforward, with taxis the most popular option.

10. Salalah International Airport, Salalah – SLL/OOSA

Salalah’s airport is modest compared to some giants on this list, but it offers a calm, efficient, and friendly environment. It serves as the main gateway to Oman’s southern region, famed for its lush monsoon season.

Facilities include comfortable seating, a small selection of shops and eateries, and well-kept lounges. The design reflects Omani heritage, making it feel unique despite its size. Located just 6 kilometres from Salalah city, it’s a short ride by taxi or hire car.

Bottom line

From the towering glass walls of Doha to the calm, coastal charm of Salalah, the Middle East’s airports are as diverse as the landscapes they serve.

They range from mega-hubs handling millions to smaller gateways with a personal touch, yet all share a commitment to passenger comfort and efficiency.

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