The Al Dhabi Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport has been voted the best airport lounge in the Middle East and Africa.

Nearly 60,000 Priority Pass members voted based on their experiences of the programme’s lounges globally and against a set of criteria for lounge quality including refreshments, staff, business facilities and overall ambience.

Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise excellence within Priority Pass’s network of over 600 partner-operated lounges worldwide.

Fully refurbished in 2011, the Al Dhabi Lounge caters primarily for business travellers, most of who are making single flights rather than being in transit.

Mohammed Al Bulooki Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company said: “Winning this award confirms that ADAC’s efforts to attain excellence in all its services and offerings are heading towards achieving the company’s vision of becoming one of the world‘s leading airport groups.

“The team’s aim is to exceed guest’s expectations by delivering a remarkable and personalised service. ADAC is very proud of the achieved track record in satisfying its guests and leaving a memorable impression of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

The overall global award went to the Pau Casals VIP lounge at Barcelona’s El Prat airport in Spain.

Business Manager MEA for Priority Pass, Soukalin Ghosh said: "With so many of our members taking part, Lounge of the Year provides the most comprehensive overview of the quality of the world’s airport lounges in 2013.

“For the past eight years, the Lounge of the Year awards has given Priority Pass members the opportunity to provide us and our partners with their feedback regarding what they value in an airport lounge. As our members are regular travellers, many of them on business, airport lounges are a key contributor to a smooth and productive trip.

“The Al Dhabi Lounge delivers on the needs of business travelers, providing a contemporary, zoned space, offering key business facilities including free wifi, whilst also being family friendly, with a play area for kids. There is also an open bar and a wonderfully stocked buffet. All of this, delivered within a relaxed atmosphere have been recognized by Priority Pass members as winning attributes. We congratulate the team behind the Al Dhabi Lounge on all their efforts to create and maintain this lovely facility. ”

There were a total of nine winners in the Priority Pass 2013 Lounge of the Year Awards, including five regional winners:

Global Best Lounge: Pau Casals VIP lounge, Barcelona El Prat
Global Best Refreshments: No.1 Heathrow, Terminal 3, London Heathrow Airport
Global Best Staff: Escape Lounge, Terminal 1, Manchester Airport
Global Best Business Facilities: Dilmun Lounge, Bahrain International Airport
Asia Pacific: Louis’ Tavern CIP First Class Lounge, International Terminal, Concourse G, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Europe: Pau Casals VIP lounge, Barcelona El Prat (Global Winner)
Latin America and Caribbean: Sumaq VIP Lounge and Business Centre, Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport
Middle East and Africa: Al Dhabi Lounge, Abu Dhabi International Airport
North America: United Club, Terminal E, Houston Texas International Airport

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