Skip to main content
Reserve Free Passes
Donate

Search form

Visit

Visit

  • National Air and Space Museum in DC
  • Udvar-Hazy Center in VA
  • Plan a field trip
  • Plan a group visit
View of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center tower at sunset

One museum, two locations

Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history. Free timed-entry passes are required for the Museum in DC.

What's On

What's On

  • Events
  • Exhibitions
  • IMAX and Planetarium
Apollo 11: Buzz Aldrin on the Moon

At the museum and online

Discover our exhibitions and participate in programs both in person or virtually.

Explore

Explore

  • Stories
  • Topics
  • Collections
  • On demand
  • For researchers
space shuttle launch

Dive deep into air and space

Browse our collections, stories, research, and on demand content.

Learn

Learn

  • Programs
  • Learning resources
  • Plan a field trip
  • Professional development
  • Education monthly theme
Women in Aviation and Space Family Day

For teachers and parents

Bring the Air and Space Museum to your learners, wherever you are.

Give

Give

  • Donate
  • Become a Member
  • Wall of Honor
  • Ways to give
  • Host an Event
Bob Hoover Gives an Air Show Performance

Be the spark

Your support will help fund exhibitions, educational programming, and preservation efforts.

United Arab Emirates Airport Air Traffic Control Tower

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Multimedia Gallery
  3. United Arab Emirates Airport Air Traffic Control Tower
  • Air traffic control tower with a vial-shaped support structure that expands at the bottom from a narrow top. The support structure looks to be made from sections of steel.
    Download Image

    United Arab Emirates (AUH/OMAA)
    This is the only tower in the world that takes the form of a crescent. At 109 meters (358 feet) tall, it stands between parallel runways. The crescent design stems from the area's maritime heritage. It represents the sail of a dhow boat, a cultural icon and welcoming symbol to visitors. Abu Dhabi International Airport opened in 1968 on an island just off the Arabian Peninsula. A new airport opened on the mainland in 1982. Some 126 million passengers have traversed its halls.

    The photograph is a part of Art of the Airport Tower, an exhibition that explores contemporary and historical air traffic control towers in the U.S. and around the world. 

  • Air traffic control tower with a vial-shaped support structure that expands at the bottom from a narrow top. The support structure looks to be made from sections of steel.

Photographer:

Carolyn Russo

ID#:

WEB15108-2015

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Copyright:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

Contact Smithsonian Institution

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

For print or commercial use please see permissions information.

Stay up to date on the latest stories and events with our newsletter

Thank you. You have successfully signed up for our newsletter.

Error message

Sorry, there was a problem. Please ensure your details are valid and try again.

  • About
  • Newsroom
  • Support
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
  • Host an Event

National Air and Space Museum

6th St. and Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20560

202-633-2214

Open daily
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Free Timed-Entry Passes
Required

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151

703-572-4118

Open daily
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use