Ruth Haines
Hamad International Airport in Qatar is not just a place to pass through. It is a destination in itself, with plenty to see and do. From its indoor tropical garden with 300 trees, 25,000 shrubs, a water feature and natural lighting, to its array of dining and retail experiences, the airport is a great place to spend a layover. If you're looking for a bite to eat, you can find everything from upscale restaurants like Emporio Armani Ristorante and Gordon Ramsay Burger to fast-food favourites like Burger King and KFC. For those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, the airport offers over 70 luxury boutiques and shops, including brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. Hamad International Airport also provides various relaxation and wellness facilities, such as the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, which features a swimming pool, gym, spa, golf simulator, and squash court. If you're feeling adventurous and your layover is long enough, you can even venture out of the airport to explore Doha and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport | Hamad International Airport, Doha Airport |
| Airport Hotel | Oryx Airport Hotel, Oryx Garden Hotel |
| Food | Emporio Armani Ristorante, Gordon Ramsay Burger, Burger King, KFC, Illy Coffee |
| Retail Therapy | Over 130 shops and boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Bvlgari, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, etc. |
| Relaxation | Indoor tropical garden ORCHARD, Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, sleep 'n fly lounges, Be Relax Spa, squash court, swimming pool, gym, spa |
| Art | Public art installations, sculptures, and monuments by renowned artists from around the world |
| Tours | City tour of Doha, desert adventure, Discover Relaxation at the Airport tour |
| Nearby Attractions | Souq Waqif (local marketplace), Doha City Tour, Qatar Gold Dune Safari, The Pearl (luxurious shopping experience) |
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What You'll Learn
- Hamad International Airport's indoor tropical garden, Orchard, features 300 trees, 25,000 plants, a water feature and natural lighting
- The airport has been crowned the World's Best Airport for Shopping by SKYTRAX, with over 130 shops and boutiques
- There are several food courts serving a diverse range of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Indian, East Asian and international fast food
- The airport features an impressive collection of public art installations, sculptures and monuments from renowned artists worldwide
- Hamad International Airport offers a range of relaxation and wellness facilities, including the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre
Hamad International Airport's indoor tropical garden, Orchard, features 300 trees, 25,000 plants, a water feature and natural lighting
Hamad International Airport in Qatar is known for being one of the world's best airports, catering to all travellers flying from or through it. The airport has recently undergone a significant expansion, adding a new 10,000 square meter (~107,000 square foot) indoor tropical garden known as The Orchard. This innovative and green project combines nature with the contemporary conveniences of a global travel centre.
The Orchard features an impressive 300 trees of 30 species and over 25,000 plants and shrubs of 90 species, creating a stunning background for memorable moments. The garden is designed to promote relaxation and well-being, with a calm setting inside the airport. The unique design of the garden includes a column-free, grid shell roof that controls and filters the light required to maintain the rainforest trees. The natural light beaming through the roof creates a warm glow and a calming ambiance, enhancing the overall well-being of travellers.
In addition to its rich vegetation, The Orchard also boasts a sizeable water feature, adding to the relaxing atmosphere. The water feature covers an area of 575 square meters, providing a peaceful space for travellers to unwind and ground themselves in nature. The entire garden is designed with several walking routes, seating sections, and observation spots, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the environment at their own pace.
The Orchard also offers a variety of retail and dining experiences. Wrapped around the garden are over 130 retail shops and boutiques, as well as dining outlets, providing travellers with a wide range of options to explore. The expansion has added 11,720 square meters of additional retail space, enhancing the overall airport experience for travellers.
Whether you are departing or transferring at Hamad International Airport, The Orchard provides a welcome escape from the typical terminal experience. It offers a peaceful environment with beautiful nature, shopping, and dining options, making it a must-visit destination even for those with lounge access.
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The airport has been crowned the World's Best Airport for Shopping by SKYTRAX, with over 130 shops and boutiques
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, has been named the World's Best Airport for Shopping by SKYTRAX. With over 130 shops and boutiques, the airport is a shopping haven and a destination in its own right.
The airport's retail operator, Qatar Duty Free (QDF), has introduced a wide range of luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany, Bvlgari, and Dior. In addition to its impressive array of shops, the airport also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, as well as relaxation and wellness facilities.
The airport's indoor tropical garden, Orchard, for example, promotes relaxation and well-being with 300 trees and over 25,000 shrubs and plants, creating a calming ambiance. The airport also features a Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, which includes a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, a spa, a golf simulator, and a squash court.
Hamad International Airport has been recognised for its commitment to creating a world-class retail destination since its inception in April 2014. The airport handled a record 45.9 million passengers in 2023, and its efforts to make the airport a desirable location appear to be paying off, with a 30% increase in passenger numbers in 2023 compared to 2022, when Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup.
The airport's success in the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards is a testament to its dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences and shaping the future of travel. With its combination of shopping, dining, and wellness offerings, Hamad International Airport has raised the bar for airports worldwide.
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There are several food courts serving a diverse range of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Indian, East Asian and international fast food
Hamad International Airport in Qatar is a destination in itself, offering a range of culinary delights from around the world. The airport's food courts showcase a diverse range of cuisines, ensuring that travellers can satisfy their cravings, no matter their taste preferences.
Middle Eastern cuisine is a highlight, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. Travellers can indulge in authentic Qatari dishes, savouring the unique flavours and aromas of the Arabian Peninsula. Spicy meat dishes, fragrant rice, and fresh salads are just the beginning. For those who enjoy a sweet treat, there are delicate pastries and desserts infused with rosewater, honey, and dates.
Indian cuisine is also well represented in the airport's food courts. From creamy butter chicken to flavourful biryani, travellers can enjoy a taste of the subcontinent. Spicy vegetarian options, such as dal makhani and paneer tikka, offer a delicious break from the typical airport fare. For those who enjoy their food with a kick, there are plenty of chilli-infused curries to choose from.
East Asian cuisine is another popular choice at Hamad International Airport. Travellers can slurp on ramen, savour dumplings, or indulge in a bento box filled with teriyaki chicken. For those craving something healthier, there are also sushi and poke bowl options available. Chinese and Thai cuisine are also well represented, with dishes like pad Thai and kung pao chicken sure to tantalise the taste buds.
For those short on time or seeking familiar flavours, international fast-food chains are readily available. Burger King and KFC provide quick bites for travellers on the go. Coffee lovers can also rejoice, as Illy offers a pick-me-up for those needing a caffeine boost between flights.
With such a diverse range of culinary options, travellers are spoilt for choice at Hamad International Airport. Whether it's a taste of the exotic or a familiar favourite, the airport's food courts have something to satisfy every palate. So, while waiting for your flight, why not embark on a culinary journey and sample the world's flavours?
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The airport features an impressive collection of public art installations, sculptures and monuments from renowned artists worldwide
Hamad International Airport, Qatar's main airport and transit hub, is known as one of the world's best airports. The airport features an impressive collection of public art installations, sculptures, and monuments from renowned artists worldwide.
One of the most notable pieces is Untitled (Lamp/Bear) by Urs Fischer, a monumental bronze sculpture standing 7 meters tall located in the Retail Gallery Departure Hall. This piece signifies a reminder of childhood memories and intimate objects to travellers globally, inviting them to appreciate the concept of travelling through time. Another remarkable installation is The Other Worlds by well-known American sculptor Tom Otterness, consisting of eight pieces.
Dutch artist Tom Claasen produced a series of Arabian oryx sculptures in bronze, currently situated in the airport's East Arrival Hall. Untitled by Rudolf Stingel is another fascinating piece in the Arrivals Meet and Greet Hall. The work consists of three surfaces covered with reflective aluminium panels, cast in copper, and coated with gold.
In addition to these, Hamad International Airport also showcases A Message of Peace to the World by Ahmed Al Bahrani, a 1.5-metre bronze cube inspired by the work of Reach Out to Asia, a non-profit organisation supporting primary and secondary education in Qatar. The airport's indoor tropical garden, Orchard, with 300 trees and over 25,000 shrubs and plants, provides a calming ambience and an ideal backdrop for memorable moments.
Through its support for local artists and display of diverse art forms in public spaces, Qatar aims to inspire local talent and foster a deep connection between art and the community.
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Hamad International Airport offers a range of relaxation and wellness facilities, including the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre
Hamad International Airport, Qatar's main airport and transit hub, is not just a place to travel through but a destination in itself. Known as one of the world's best airports, it offers a range of relaxation and wellness facilities, including the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre.
The award-winning Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre is the perfect place to unwind or stay active during your journey. It is located on the fourth floor of the Oryx Airport Hotel and is open daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 am, with 24/7 access to the gym, squash courts, spa, showers, and lockers. The centre offers a relaxing escape with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and rejuvenating spa services.
The Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre features a 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, hydrotherapy tubs, and shower rooms. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to these facilities, while passengers not staying at the hotel can access them at competitive rates. In addition, massages, beauty treatments, squash courts, and a golf simulator are available to both hotel guests and walk-in passengers.
The airport also boasts an indoor tropical garden called Orchard, which promotes relaxation and wellbeing. With 300 trees and over 25,000 shrubs and plants, it offers a calming ambience with natural lighting beaming through the grid shell roof. Qatar's main airport is also known for its shopping experience, with over 130 retail shops and boutiques, including flagship brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co.
Outside the airport, Qatar offers a range of attractions, including its dynamic art and cultural scene, world-class museums, iconic galleries, and inspiring street art. With over 560 km of coastline, it is also an ideal beach destination, offering sun, sea, and water sports. The country's desert safaris, dune bashing, and camping experiences are also popular, as well as its cuisine, which represents a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional Qatari dishes, and moreish street food.
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Frequently asked questions
Hamad International Airport is known for its world-class features and stellar services, consistently ranking among the world's finest airports. The airport has an indoor tropical garden with 300 trees, 25,000 shrubs and plants, bespoke retail and dining experiences, and a water feature. It also has an impressive collection of public art installations, including sculptures and monuments by renowned artists from around the world.
Hamad International Airport has plenty to offer for travellers with long layovers. The airport is home to the Oryx Airport Hotel and the Oryx Garden Hotel, where you can rest and recharge. It also features the Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, which includes a swimming pool, gym, spa, golf simulator and squash courts. There are also several lounges, such as Al Mourjan and the Oryx Lounge, that offer a relaxing experience for a fee.
Qatar's Hamad International Airport offers a diverse range of dining options, including Middle Eastern, international, and Western cuisine. For a leisurely meal, you can visit Emporio Armani Ristorante or Gordon Ramsay Burger. There are also fast-food options like Burger King, KFC, and Illy coffee.
Hamad International Airport has been crowned the World's Best Airport for Shopping by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards (2023). The airport boasts over 130 retail shops and boutiques, including luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., and Bvlgari. Qatar Duty-Free offers more than 70 retail outlets and luxury boutiques for travellers to explore.
If you have a long layover during the daytime, you can explore Doha and the rest of Qatar. Citizens of nearly 100 countries are eligible for visa-free entry, making it easy to turn your layover into a mini-vacation. You can visit Souq Waqif, a popular marketplace for traditional Qatari goods, or explore the city's museums, galleries, and street art. Qatar is also known for its beaches and water sports, with over 560 km of coastline.
