Owais Crawford
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is a destination in itself, crowned the World's Best Airport for Shopping by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards (2023). With over 130 retail shops and boutiques, travellers can enjoy everything from newsstands and convenience stores to duty-free shopping and international fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. Beyond retail therapy, the airport boasts art installations, an indoor tropical garden, a variety of dining options, and wellness facilities. For those with longer layovers, the city of Doha awaits with highlights such as the Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the Souq Waqif. Whether it's indulging in gourmet meals, exploring art, or simply relaxing in the airport's quiet spaces, Hamad International Airport offers something for every type of traveller.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Art installations | Over 30 displays, including Urs Fischer's 'Untitled' (Lamp Bear) |
| Food options | Middle Eastern, international, and Western cuisine, including Harrods Tea Room, Fendi Caffe, Gordon Ramsay Burger, Burger King, and KFC |
| Shopping | Over 130 shops, including luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. |
| Relaxation | Indoor tropical garden, Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre, sleep pods, and quiet rooms |
| Other amenities | Free Wi-Fi, showers, gym, spa, squash court, golf simulator, and swimming pool |
| Nearby attractions | Katara Cultural Village, Museum for Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and Khor Al Adaid dunes |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore the indoor tropical garden, Orchard, and its 300 trees, 25,000 shrubs and plants
- Admire the art installations, including the iconic Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer
- Shop at over 130 retail shops and boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci
- Relax at the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, which has a pool, gym, spa and squash court
- Eat at one of the many restaurants, including Wagamama, Harrods Tea Room and Fendi Caffe
Explore the indoor tropical garden, Orchard, and its 300 trees, 25,000 shrubs and plants
Hamad International Airport in Doha is a destination in itself, with its impressive art installations, dining experiences, and shopping. However, one of its most impressive features is its indoor tropical garden, Orchard, which offers a peaceful escape from the typical airport experience.
Orchard is a stunning, lush oasis, with over 300 trees and 25,000 shrubs and plants. This indoor jungle is a unique, biophilic design, with a column-free, grid shell roof that filters natural light to maintain the rainforest trees. The garden's climate control system replicates natural conditions, ensuring the plants flourish in this unique environment. The focal point is a 268-square-meter water feature, with the soothing sounds of a waterfall and birds chirping, creating a calming and relaxing atmosphere for travellers.
The garden is a generous 10,000 square meters in size, with an additional 11,720 square meters of retail space and food and beverage outlets. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by greenery, with the convenience of shopping and dining options close by. This combination of nature and contemporary travel centre amenities is what makes Orchard so impressive and unique.
The tropical garden is a great place to relax and unwind during a layover, with many travellers commenting on its beauty and how it elevates the airport experience. It is a great spot to take memorable photos, with its impressive design and variety of plant types, from small shrubs to large trees. Orchard truly showcases the airport's emphasis on light and greenery, providing a wonderful escape for travellers to relax and rejuvenate before their next flight.
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Admire the art installations, including the iconic Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer
Hamad International Airport in Doha is a destination in itself, with its array of attractions, including art installations, dining, shopping, and wellness offerings. The airport is renowned for its art installations, with over 30 displays, and one of the most iconic pieces is undoubtedly the 'Lamp Bear' by Urs Fischer.
The 'Lamp Bear', also known as 'Untitled (Lamp/Bear)' is a 23-foot-tall (7 metres) sculpture that greets travellers in the centre of the duty-free hall. This massive teddy bear, weighing approximately 35,000 pounds (15,875 kg), is hard to miss and has become synonymous with the airport. Created by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, the sculpture is a combination of memory and scale, evoking a sense of childhood and celebrating the objects that define a child's life. The bright canary yellow colour and the unique design of a bear inside a lamp add a playful touch to the airport's ambience.
The sculpture was purchased at a Christie's auction by a member of the Qatari royal family, and its presence at the airport adds a sense of wonder and whimsy to the space. It invites travellers to reflect on their own childhoods and the precious objects they cherished. The 'Lamp Bear' has become a beloved fixture at the airport, with many visitors posing for selfies with the sculpture and sharing them on social media.
In addition to the 'Lamp Bear', Hamad International Airport boasts a diverse range of art installations that are sure to delight art enthusiasts. Other notable pieces include Ahmed Al Bahrani's 'A Message of Peace to the World', Jean-Michel Othoniel's 'COSMOS', and KAWS' 'Small Lie'. These installations elevate the airport experience, providing travellers with unexpected cultural delights and opportunities to engage with art between flights.
The airport also offers a variety of other attractions to keep travellers entertained and relaxed during their layovers. From gourmet dining options to high-end shopping and luxurious wellness facilities, Hamad International Airport ensures that waiting never feels like a chore.
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Shop at over 130 retail shops and boutiques, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is a shopper's paradise. With over 130 retail shops and boutiques, it's no wonder that it was crowned the World's Best Airport for Shopping by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards in 2023.
For those with a penchant for luxury, the airport boasts an array of flagship brands, including the elegant Louis Vuitton Boutique and the iconic Gucci. These renowned fashion houses offer travellers the opportunity to indulge in some duty-free shopping and acquire exquisite pieces to elevate their wardrobe.
The Louis Vuitton Boutique in the South Terminal invites travellers to explore its exquisite collection of leather goods, ranging from their signature handbags to their sophisticated luggage and accessories. Their displays entice passersby, showcasing the latest trends and timeless classics that have come to define the brand's enduring appeal.
Gucci, another powerhouse in the fashion industry, presents travellers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in its creative and innovative world. The Gucci boutique at Hamad International Airport offers a carefully curated selection from their collections, allowing travellers to embrace their love for fashion, even while on the move.
In addition to these renowned brands, the airport also features other prestigious names such as Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, and Qatar Duty Free. With such a diverse range of shopping options, travellers can find unique gifts, indulge in personal treats, or simply enjoy window shopping as they await their flights.
Beyond the shopping, Hamad International Airport offers a plethora of other amenities to enhance the travel experience, ensuring that waiting never feels like a chore.
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Relax at the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, which has a pool, gym, spa and squash court
Hamad International Airport in Doha is a great place to relax and unwind. The award-winning Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport and rejuvenate yourself during your journey. Located on the fourth floor of the Oryx Airport Hotel, the centre offers a range of facilities and services to enhance your wellbeing.
The centrepiece of the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre is the stunning 25-metre swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip or a few laps to stay active. If you're a fitness enthusiast, the fully equipped gym will be sure to impress, with all the equipment you need for a comprehensive workout. For something more relaxing, the spa offers a range of treatments, including massages and beauty services, to help you unwind and recover.
For those looking to break a sweat in a different way, the squash court provides the perfect opportunity for a friendly match with a travel companion. And if you're travelling with a group, why not try out the golf simulator for a fun and unique experience? The Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre also offers hydrotherapy tubs, shower rooms, and lockers, so you can freshen up before or after your flight.
The Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre is open daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 am and is accessible to all passengers. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to the pool, gym, hydrotherapy tubs, and shower rooms, while passengers not staying at the hotel can access these facilities at competitive rates. So, whether you're looking to stay active or simply relax and rejuvenate, the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre is the perfect destination during your time at Hamad International Airport.
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Eat at one of the many restaurants, including Wagamama, Harrods Tea Room and Fendi Caffe
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is a hub of culinary delights, offering a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Among the many restaurants in the airport, three stand out: Wagamama, Harrods Tea Room, and Fendi Caffe, each offering a unique dining experience.
Wagamama, a well-known Japanese-inspired restaurant chain, brings a taste of Asia to the airport. With a focus on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu, Wagamama offers dishes ranging from ramen and stir-fried noodles to curry dishes and fresh salads. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for travellers to relax and refuel.
For those seeking a more traditional British experience, Harrods Tea Room offers an elegant and refined dining option. Patrons can indulge in a selection of finely brewed teas, accompanied by delicate sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of sweet treats. The tea room provides a tranquil escape from the bustling airport, allowing travellers to unwind and enjoy a piece of British tradition.
Fendi Caffe, a fashionable dining establishment, combines luxury and cuisine. The menu features a blend of Italian and Mediterranean flavours, with carefully crafted dishes that showcase the finest ingredients. From fresh pasta to savoury small plates and decadent desserts, Fendi Caffe offers a gourmet experience. The stylish setting, reflecting the Fendi brand, adds to the overall dining pleasure.
In addition to these standout restaurants, Hamad Airport also offers a range of other dining options. Emporio Armani Ristorante and Gordon Ramsay Burger provide upscale dining experiences for those seeking a leisurely meal. For travellers on the go, there are familiar fast-food options such as Burger King and KFC, as well as coffee at Illy. With a variety of international, Middle Eastern, and Western cuisine available, travellers are sure to find something to satisfy their cravings during their time at Hamad International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Hamad International Airport caters to every taste, with a wide variety of restaurants offering Greek, Indian, Asian, Italian, and Arabic cuisine, as well as cafes and coffee shops. For a sweet treat, try the Oreo Cafe, the first permanent one outside of the US. For a more upscale experience, try the Harrods Tea Room or Fendi Caffe.
Hamad International Airport has plenty of options for unwinding, including nap areas, spas, and sleep pods. The airport also has an indoor tropical garden called ORCHARD, which features 300 trees and over 25,000 shrubs and plants.
Hamad International Airport has a fitness centre with a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, squash court, and golf simulator.
Hamad International Airport has over 130 shops and boutiques, including flagship brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. The airport also has duty-free shops and newsstands.
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