Hamad International Airport, Doha | The Gulf state of Qatar punches well above its weight on the world stage when it comes to sporting events, a high-income economy based on oil production, famed museums like the Museum of Islamic Art and a Bedouin culture that remains at the heart of hospitality in the country. Its capital, Doha, is the top gateway for visitors, with Hamad International Airport (HIA) being the first place they set foot in.
This airport is counted among the world’s best—look no further than the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, which gave the “World’s Best Airport” award to HIA. The airport also clinched the title of “World’s Best Airport For Shopping” for the second time in a row and the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the 10th consecutive year.
If you’re travelling from the Indian subcontinent to Europe, Africa and the United States, chances are your flight will transit through this swanky place. Here are the top things to do at Hamad International Airport if you have time to spare during your layover.
The award-winning Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre on the fourth floor of the Oryx Airport Hotel has many options for those who want to get active before their next flight. With a fully equipped modern gym, a 25-m swimming pool with panoramic airport views, a premium golf simulator experience, and a squash court where customers can enjoy up to two hours of play, this space is open to all passengers from 6 AM to 2 AM.
The art galleries at Hamad International Airport are a treat to engage with. For instance, the 20 ft “Lamp Bear” sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer captures the hearts of travellers of all ages with its whimsy and cuteness. The “Wildlife Wonderscapes” installation by artists Gillie and Marc Schattner features a range of endangered species, including native wildlife, inviting travellers to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet’s biodiversity. In total, there are about 30 art pieces scattered throughout the airport to get your culture fix during a layover.
This sustainably designed sanctuary is a peaceful retreat for travellers thanks to its lush greenery, natural light and calming water elements. Designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity and wellbeing, The Orchard enables passengers to relax, rejuvenate and recharge before their journey.
At the heart of the space is a 6,000 sq m indoor tropical garden, home to a diverse collection of more than 300 trees and 25,000 plants and shrubs from around the world. A unique feature of The Orchard is its innovative roof design, which allows natural light to filter through. In fact, the 85-m grid shell roof optimises natural light and helps regulate temperature, reducing energy consumption while enhancing passenger comfort. Surrounding the garden is a state-of-the-art digital display, bringing the space to life with animated visuals inspired by nature and Qatari landscapes.
The space is part of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold-certified Central Concourse, which is designed to be 30 per cent more energy efficient and uses 55 per cent less water.
Relax in world-class lounges like the Al Mourjan Lounge, featuring The Garden, a green area with a fitness studio and spa facilities. Other options include the Al Safwa First Lounge for Qatar Airways first-class passengers and the Al Maha Lounge for various membership cardholders. Special mention goes to the Muzn Lounge, a multi-sensory room that provides calm in a safe environment for children on the autism spectrum and those with special needs. Day passes are available for purchase for some lounges, offering a taste of luxury for all travellers.
The Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre offers a variety of treatments aimed at refreshing and rejuvenating passengers. These include massages, aromatherapy sessions, beauty treatments, hydrotherapy and hot stone treatments.
With over 50 retail outlets spread across the North and South nodes, shopping is one of the top things to do at Hamad International Airport. From high-end brands like Burberry and Rolex to more affordable options like the Big Value Store, there’s something for every budget.
Don’t miss the Souq Al Matar, a retail concept that recreates a traditional Qatari souq experience within the terminal. It has seven unique shops and two local restaurants where passengers can feast on Qatari food, buy traditional clothing, purchase authentic souvenirs, and smell and taste their way through an apothecary and fragrance collection.
The dining options at Hamad International Airport are virtually limitless. Sip expertly poured coffee at the Fendi Café or Ralph’s Coffee Shop by Ralph Lauren. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Oreo Café or enjoy high tea at Harrods' Tea Room. For a truly luxurious experience, visit the Louis Vuitton Lounge by chef Yannick Alléno. Casual diners can enjoy Gordon Ramsey’s Burger and Street Pizza outlets.
Tired from a long journey? Sleep it off at sleep’ n fly. Designed for comfort and style from a one-hour power nap to a full night stay, the lounge operates on a pay-by-the-hour concept with flexible check-in/out times that suit passengers’ flight schedules.
The lounge comes in a variety of sleep, shower and rest options for single travellers, families, friends and groups, including sleep pods, double, bunk and family cabins. Most spaces also provide a workspace for productivity in comfort before your flight.
Alternatively, you can also rest at any one of the many quiet rooms in the airport. These tranquil areas offer a calm and softly lit ambience accompanied by comfortable recliners for visitors to rest, read or take a nap. There are separate quiet rooms for men, women and families located across the passenger terminal.
