06 January 2009 06:35 GMT

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Inside the airport

Abu Dhabi’s airport has a number of lounges in Terminal 1, all of which are located just after passport control. First and Business Class passengers have specific lounges, while the good news for economy passengers is that it’s possible to pay a small fee to use a business-class lounge during your stopover.

Etihad passengers flying Diamond and Pearl Zone (First and Business class) have access to an exclusive Etihad lounge, located upstairs just after passport control. This was being renovated and expanded at the time of writing, with two separate lounges for each ticket class set to open in January 2008.

First and Business class passengers travelling on other airlines are served by the Ghazal Lounge (+971 2 505 2745, ghazal_lounge@dcaauh.gov.ae), as well as applicable Priority Pass and American Express cardholders. The lounge is also set to be renovated from February 2008. The walk-in rate to use the lounge if you’re an economy passenger is Dhs 75 ($20).

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel (+971 2 575 7377, airphotl@emirates.net.ae) also boasts its own lounge, which is used by First/Business class passengers on Gulf Air, as well as applicable Priority Pass, Diners Club and WEXAS guests. If you’re an economy passenger and want to use the lounge, there’s a walk-in fee of Dhs 80 ($22) which includes access to the health club and a Jacuzzi. Using the health club and shower facilities costs Dhs 23 ($6) for one hour.

Lastly, and most luxuriously, is the Al Dar lounge. This can be booked by any class of passenger on any airline, and offers a VIP-level service which includes a meet-and-greet service to and from the aircraft, handling of all airport formalities and use of the Al Dar lounge itself. The service costs Dhs 1500 ($409) per flight service, which covers 1-10 passengers. Any additional passengers are charged at a rate of Dhs 100 ($27) per person. Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance (+971 2 505 2763, aldar@aldarlounge.ae)

Rooms in the Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel are used for Etihad passengers on stopovers of more than six hours, who qualify for a free stay. At times when the airport hotel is full, Etihad passengers are provided with a room in the city. The walk-in rates to use a room at the airport hotel are:

Overnight (subject to 15% tax)