Based on Speedtest Intelligence data collected between January and August 2025, Ookla analyzed indoor Wi-Fi performance across the nine busiest airports in the Gulf region and Turkey.
The findings highlight significant variations in network speed and quality between airports — and even greater differences between public Wi-Fi and lounge-exclusive networks.
Doha and Dubai Stand Out for Superior Upload Speeds
The analysis found that Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and Dubai International Airport (DXB) were the only two airports where upload speeds far exceeded download speeds.
Doha led the pack with 106.96 Mbps, followed closely by Dubai with 101.86 Mbps, underscoring both airports’ advanced digital infrastructure and commitment to high-speed connectivity.
Riyadh Airport Tops the Region in Download Speed
Meanwhile, King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh ranked first in download speed, recording an impressive 86.34 Mbps, though its upload speed averaged 25.48 Mbps.
This performance places Riyadh among the top regional airports for public network stability and speed — particularly impressive given its high passenger volume.
Abu Dhabi Offers Balanced Mid-Range Speeds
Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi landed in the mid-range category for both download and upload performance. While not leading the region, AUH maintains a consistent connection that provides a reliable user experience across terminals.
Lounges Deliver Faster Wi-Fi Than Public Networks
According to Ookla’s report, Wi-Fi in airport lounges consistently outperforms public networks in all analyzed locations.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), for instance, Marhaba Lounge users enjoyed download speeds of 101.98 Mbps, well above the public network average.
Conversely, the Pearl Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) showed only a minor speed improvement over its public Wi-Fi, indicating noticeable performance disparities between lounges.
Riyadh’s Al Fursan Lounge Sets a New Benchmark
RUH’s Al Fursan Lounge, operated by Saudia Airlines, stood out with remarkable performance, achieving Wi-Fi speeds of 120.5 Mbps — faster than most top lounges across other airports.
Notably, the public Wi-Fi network at RUH also outperformed several lounges in other major Gulf and Turkish airports, highlighting Riyadh’s strong digital infrastructure.
Sharp Differences Between Lounges in the Same Airport
Speedtest Intelligence data revealed dramatic differences between lounges within the same airport.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), the Marhaba Lounge recorded nearly 101.98 Mbps, while Emirates’ (EK) lounge reached just over 64 Mbps, and the DIH Lounge lagged behind with 29.16 Mbps.
In Riyadh (RUH), the Al Fursan Lounge far outperformed the Plaza Premium and HAYYAK lounges, where speeds dropped below 22 Mbps, showing how much user experience can vary even within one facility.
Wi-Fi Quality Defines the Future of Connected Travel
The results emphasize the uneven Wi-Fi quality across airports in the Gulf and Turkey, revealing how crucial ongoing investment in digital connectivity has become for improving passenger experience.
Airports like Riyadh, Doha, and Dubai are setting new benchmarks that could define the future standard for connected travel experiences in the region.
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