New Look for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Airports

As part of an ongoing branding initiative to promote Abu Dhabi to millions of airport users, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has launched a distinctive new identity for both its international airports in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain that connects it to the brand of Abu Dhabi. The move is part of ADAC’s dedicated efforts to align the identity of its two airports, considered to be major gateways to the Emirate, with that of the city.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) recently unveiled a new look to its Terminal One facility with a range of artwork promoting a “Tavellers’ Welcome” message to millions of airport users, many of whom are transit passengers. Based on the artwork developed by the Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi (OBAD), the installations reflect the core values Abu Dhabi wishes to project to visitors, transit passengers and residents alike – the value of respect. They also reflect the hospitality Abu Dhabi wants to portray. The move is in line with ADAC and OBAD’s efforts to help promote tourism and the city to the seven million plus users of Abu Dhabi airport.

ADAC will replace its Abu Dhabi airports identity with a new graphic, which embodies the spirit of the Abu Dhabi brand in line with the tourism authority, which promotes the Emirate around the world. The airports have been given a distinctive ‘sky blue’ colour to use within the logo.

HE Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADAC, Abu Dhabi Airport owner and operator, said, “Many airports lack a distinctive look and could be anywhere; we want Abu Dhabi’s airports to be distinctive and recognizable to the millions of passengers who are visiting the UAE or transiting through the airport. I am delighted that we have been able to integrate the work of the brand office and interpret it in an interesting way, which enhances the environment of the airport and helps us make our visitors feel more welcome. Branding the airports in this way will help us convert the millions of people who transit through Abu Dhabi into business and tourist visitors to our city.”

OBAD worked with ADAC to conceptualize the way the new brand could be displayed throughout Abu Dhabi airports. Phase I, which focused on creating awareness for the new identity, was implemented by ADAC in March 2008 and consisted of a series of artwork  installations and signage around the Abu Dhabi airport. Phase II will see in the coming months the signage and landscaping renewed around the facility.

According to Al Mazrouei, the objective behind the new identity is to provide a strong and recognizable identity that will signal to all airport users that they have arrived in Abu Dhabi.

The branding initiative is part of a full programme of activities undertaken by ADAC to support and help deliver the Abu Dhabi Government’s plan to develop tourism and diversify the economy. Each year, ADAC appears at major international shows and exhibitions to sell the world the Abu Dhabi success story.

Together with this promotion effort, ADAC also takes each year the “Travellers’ Welcome” message to major aviation conferences and exhibitions around the world. In 2008, it will play host to two conferences in the Emirate designed to boost aviation to Al Ain in October and in Abu Dhabi in November. The effort of promoting ‘Brand Abu Dhabi’ is also exercised within the city with ADAC’s sponsorship programme of UAE national students wishing to attend art seminars.

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