Hamad International Airport: A World-Class Travel Hub In The Heart Of The Middle East

Every year, millions of travelers visit the Middle East. For many, Qatar remains a popular pick for obvious reasons. This is a country that houses natural wonders and cultural landmarks in abundance. In fact, the Hamad International Airport plays a big hand in the tourism industry in the country to flourish the way it does. Offering every comfort, facility, and hospitality, the airport staff is all focused to make you experience a world-class flight experience. From cozy waiting areas to opulent eateries, spas, and wellness services to a deluxe shopping area, one can spend quality time at this international airport.

The fact that Qatar is one of the largest transit gateways for overseas travelers in the world has a lot to do with Hamad Airport. So, let's dive in deep and understand what the Hamad Airport has in store for incoming and outgoing travelers in the region.

What To Expect From Hamad Airport In Qatar?

One of the finest airports in the Middle East, the Hamad Airport offers an effortless travel experience to visitors. No matter whether you're arriving, transferring, or departing, the airport has what you need. So, here's what one can expect at the airport.

• Visa & Immigration services with ease
• Top-Notch security and custom checks
• Easy connection to onward flights
• All the check-in info one needs
• Hassle-free baggage collection
• Get a complete guide to some important locations around the airport premises
• All health and safety measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff at the airport

Perks At Doha Hamad Airport For Premium Travelers & People With Special Needs

Now here's a thing, for those traveling in business and first-class, the Hamad International Airport makes the travel experience even better. Passengers can not only expect to get exceptional services but can also avail of some dedicated services and facilities at the airport. Here's what you can expect to get at the Hamad International Airport.

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Exclusive Services For Premium Travelers

One of the finest things about Hamad Airport is the exclusive services it offers. Premium travelers can avail of the finest hospitality and get a number of exclusive services when traveling with Qatar Airways or other airlines. With perks like access to a first-class lounge, private check-in, and so much more, exclusive services are in plenty with Hamad International.

Special Assistance For Passengers With Need

There are always travelers who require special assistance when traveling, and the Hamad International Airport offers just that. For those travelers who have special needs, the Hamad Airport provides reserved free parking, barrier-free access, adapted check-in counters, lounge access and so much more. In fact, passengers can even get assistance at the time of check-in, passport control, security checks, baggage claims, and much more.

Care Of Unaccompanied Minors

Comfort and safety are one of the major reasons why travelers love Hamad International Airport in Qatar. But hang on, the airport goes a step further in taking care of unaccompanied minors who have all the care they need throughout their journey. From check-in to baggage claim, everything is taken care of by the dedicated staff at the airport.

In fact, unaccompanied minors are even escorted to and from the aircraft. However, a parent or a guardian needs to be present in order to receive the child.

Al Maha Services

The Hamad Airport in Doha boasts of Al Maha Services which are there to provide a smoother and enjoyable travel experience. The services range from priority boarding in gold to access to Al Maha Services Oryx Lounge in platinum. Whatever your need may be, Al Maha services are there to meet it. In fact, these services are also provided during arrivals and departures while there are also family packages that travelers can choose from.

Dedicated Services For Animals

There are passengers that like to travel with their pets and the Hamad International Airport in Qatar is there to assist in this case. While travelers are required to follow all the necessary rules and regulations with their pets, one is usually allowed to take only service dogs in the passenger cabin. There are designated rows for animal check-in.

However, your household pets are usually not allowed to travel in the passengers’ cabin. Interestingly, there are airlines like Qatar Airways that allow falcons to travel with passengers in the same cabin. This service is, in fact, available in economy class too.

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Transportation Facilities At Hamad Airport

Now here's a thing, transportation facilities are in plenty at the Hamad International Airport and travelers can expect all the convenience they desire. Here's what you need to know.

Car & Rental

Plan on Exploring countrywide right when you land in Qatar? Hamad International provides car and rental services that travelers can avail of. Simply hire a car right from the airport and set off to explore the country. Car rentals are, in fact, modestly priced in Qatar, and passengers coming to Hamad Airport don't have to spend too much for it.

Get Limousines For Your Travel

What's better than a Chauffeur-driven limousine to come and pick you up? Well, nothing. The Doha Hamad Airport in Qatar provides you an opportunity to travel in style. Get Chauffeur-driven limousines right from the airport and experience travel with elegance. This is an experience that one can get when traveling to Qatar, and the Hamad Airport is ensuring it.

Get Taxis Without Hassle

Wondering about the public transport in Qatar? Well, you're in for a real treat as far as traveling is concerned. While the Doha Metro has come up as a major transportation option for the past few years, travelers can even opt for taxis. In fact, taxis are one of the most convenient options for travelers and karwa taxis are easily available from Hamad Airport. One can easily get affordable taxis for commuting within Doha and its nearby areas.

Bus Service

Doha, Qatar's capital city, has a bus network that connects with many destinations in the country. Buses are a popular medium of travel here and are operated by Mowasalat, Qatar's state transport company. With clean, air-conditioned buses straight from the airport, travelers do not need to worry about transportation in the country.

Parking Space

Are you one of those people who worry about parking spaces whenever they leave their house to go somewhere? Well, you are bound to have a hassle-free time at Hamad Airport. There are plenty of parking spaces at Hamad Airport which visitors can use.

Connectivity With Metro

The Doha Hamad Airport offers metro connectivity all seven days a week. It is considered to be one of the best ways of traveling back in Qatar and is well-connected with almost all major attractions around the country. In fact, the metro stations are fully air-conditioned and have a range of facilities for travelers. So, you don't just enjoy top-notch services at the Hamad Airport, but even the metro stations take care of your needs.

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Terminal Facilities At Doha Hamad Airport

For travelers arriving or departing from the Hamad Airport, there are a range of terminal facilities to enjoy which are aimed at comfort and convenience. Here are some of the facilities you need to know about.

Foreign Exchange

There is a foreign exchange facility available at the terminal building with a total of six exchange stores. The Foreign Exchange operator (Travelex) offers currency conversion of over 40 plus currencies.

The 6 foreign exchange stores are located as follows:

• The departure check-in area is at the end of check-in Row 7
• The departure (South Node) is towards Concourse B
• The arrivals baggage claim area is towards the end of Belt 3
• The arrival hall is a meet & greet area (adjacent to Al Maha Lounge)
• The departure (Concourse C) is between gates C1 and C2
• The departure (North Node) is towards the start of Concourse D

Smoking Rooms

Hamad International is a non-smoking facility where smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited. However, for the convenience of passengers, the airport has designated smoking rooms available throughout the terminal. These smoking rooms have smoke extractors and comfortable seating for the comfort of passengers. So, if you're a smoker, this is something you are bound to like about the airport.

Prayer Rooms

There are separate prayer rooms for both men and women at the Hamad Airport in Qatar. These prayer rooms are available at the passenger terminal. Interestingly, for those who wish to pray at the mosque, there is even a public mosque just outside the passenger terminal within a walking distance away from the departures hall where travelers can visit.

ATMs

For those who need cash, the passenger terminal at Doha Hamad Airport has a number of ATMs located throughout the terminal. Some of these ATMs provide cash in multiple currencies which is a big plus for passengers. So, even when you shop duty-free, you always have an option to withdraw more cash.

Lost & Found

Another thing that is notable about the Hamad International Airport is the Lost Property Office. The customer service team at the airport is there to help you find your lost items. Whether you lose anything in the Passenger Terminal Complex or lose an item on a flight, the airport and airlines staff will help you find it.

Hotel Desk

Qatar is a country that welcomes travelers to its heavenly abode. The hotels in Doha are world-renowned for their fine services and the Hamad Airport has its hotel service desk area on the ground level. W Doha Hotel & Residences, one of the finest hotels in the world and the first-ever W in the Middle East, is located at the Doha Hamad Airport. From a lavish dining experience to a range of top-notch facilities for the guests, W Hotel at Hamad International remains a popular pick amongst travelers for many reasons.

Facilities For Children & Infants

Are you traveling with your little ones? Well, HIA has it all to ensure smoother travel with your children and infants. There are interactive play areas for children while the airport even offers family-oriented facilities. One can expect activity nodes like televisions and mac stations alongside baby strollers, parent's rooms, and even family toilets.

Medical Facility

Medical emergencies can arrive at any time and Hamad Airport offers two medical centers for the convenience of passengers. One is located in the Arrivals hall just before the Passport Control Area while the other is in the departures hall near the check-in area. Travelers can ask at the information desk for directions or follow the airport map.

Connectivity Services At The Airport

There are a number of services that Doha Hamad Airport offers as far as connectivity is concerned. Here are some of the things you need to know.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi - Hamad International offers complimentary wireless internet access to travelers throughout the passenger terminal. All passengers need to do is to search "HIA Qatar Complimentary Wi-Fi" on their smartphones or laptops and sign in.
• Internet Kiosks & Desks - There are internet Kiosks and desks throughout the passenger terminal that offer free web browsing. The desks are equipped with screens and keyboards and are, in fact, available at each of the five activity nodes.
• Telephone Booths - Telephone booths at Hamad Airport come in handy for travelers who wish to make an urgent call anywhere around the world. All a passenger needs to do is to purchase a calling card from Qatar Duty-Free and make the call. These telephone booths are available throughout the passenger terminal.

Note: While the above mentioned are some of the major facilities available at Hamad Airport, travelers also get an option of foreign exchange while there is also a Qatar Islamic Bank branch available at the airport.

Doha Airport Shopping

Now here's an interesting fact that shopaholics would definitely love, the Hamad International Airport shops are some of the finest in the country and offer passengers a range of shopping options right at the airport. In fact, the HIA features amongst the finest places to visit in Qatar all because of the kind of shopping and dining options it provides.

For travelers, this can be an unforgettable experience as they get to shop from luxury as well as local brands from the country. If you're wondering which are the major highlights of shopping here, well, one can find brands like BVLGARI, Bally, Qatar Duty-Free, The Boulevard, Bottega Veneta, and many more.

Whether you wish to shop for travel essentials, books, fashion, accessories, or even sportswear, there's an outlet for everything at the Hamad Airport. So, why not utilize some spare time and enjoy shopping at the airport?

Food Facilities At Doha Hamad Airport

Today, food in Qatar is one of the major reasons why travelers love to come to the country. The culinary experience here is unlike anywhere else in the Middle East and travelers get ample options even at the Doha Hamad Airport. Whether you wish to taste the best of Arabic delicacies or want to indulge in the flavors of Italian and European cuisines, Hamad International would offer it all.

There are many opulent restaurants at the Hamad International airport offering a world-class culinary experience. One can savor delicious cuisines to satisfy the food hankerings and try various Qatari flavors for a lifetime experience. In fact, passengers at the terminal can even try a range of restaurants and cafés that serve American, International, Seafood and so much more. So, as far as dining in Qatar is concerned, the HIA has all you need.

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How Can You Relax & Unwind At Doha Hamad Airport?

Even though Hamad Airport is one of the world's busiest airports, there are ample options here to enjoy, relax and make the most of your time. Today, the airport features in some of the finest hubs of enjoyment, for obvious reasons. So, here are some of the facilities that passengers can enjoy at Doha Hamad Airport.

Experience The Best Of Lounge Facility

Not only does Hamad International Airport take care of your travel, the airport even offers the best lounge experience to passengers. With facilities like internet access, award-winning services, comfortable seating and so much more, the lounges have everything a traveler can possibly need. Besides, here are some types of lounges available at the Doha Hamad Airport -

• First Class Lounge
• Business Class Lounge
• Al Maha Services Lounge
• Al Safwa First Lounge
• Al Mourjan Business Lounge
• Oryx Lounge
• Unaccompanied Minors Lounge
• Mariner Lounge
• Special Assistance Travelers' Lounge

Art Exhibition

Do you like different colors, textures, and perspectives from around the world? Well, the Doha Hamad Airport has a selection of art that has been curated in partnership with Qatar Museums. One can get to see a mix of acquired pieces, artworks from the best of international artists, and even get to purchase merchandise and gift items.

Oryx Airport Hotel

The Doha Airport Transit Hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Qatar. Travelers can make their reservations well in advance or simply walk to the reception of Oryx Airport Hotel to make their booking in person. While the hotel offers all five-star amenities to travelers who stay, one can even book a stay here for as short as five hours. If you're wondering about some things to do in Qatar airport, staying at the Oryx Airport Hotel has to be one of the choices.

Avail Of The Services Of Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Center

If there's one place that offers the best possible experience of relaxation to travelers, it's the Vitality Wellbeing Fitness Center at Hamad Airport. The center has a selection of recreational spaces such as an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy tub, gym, and even squash courts.

One can experience some reviving treatments or indulge themselves in the classic spa therapies that are result-focused and highly effective. For travelers, this is an experience out of this world as they get all the possible luxuries right at the airport.

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Sleep Lounge

Nestled at the main duty-free area within Hamad Airport's transit terminal, the sleep 'n fly lounge has a selection of sleeping pods and cabins that can accommodate up to 50 guests and four children. One can stay here for an hour and relax in the air-conditioned space. This is an experience that travelers wouldn't want to miss. Some of the accommodation options that travelers get with the sleep lounge include -

• FlexiSuite Sleep Pods (one person)
• YAWN Double Cabin (max. two persons)
• YAWN Double Cabin with kid’s pull-out bed (max. two adults and one child <115 cm)
• YAWN Bunk Cabin (max. two persons)

Information for Passengers Arriving at Hamad International Airport

Planning a trip to Qatar or any other GCC country? Here are few important pointers that you must keep in mind before executing the plans. Go through the information for a hassle-free travel.

• Visa on arrival

If you belong to the GCC countries or the countries that are enlisted on the website, you are eligible for a single-entry visa on arrival which is valid for a month. For more details contact the immigration counter and pay your Visa fee. GCC residents can get their Visas extended for 2 months further.

• How to pay the visa fee

If you have yet not paid your Visa fee then and are planning on paying the fee, it is highly recommended to pay the Visa charges via plastic money that is using credit and debit cards directly at the passport control counter. The payment procedure is pretty convenient through cards. Not a card person? The authority accepts cash as well and the band charges a processing fee of (QAR 25/USD 7).

• Using your e-gate card

If you have a valid e-gate card, then please proceed directly to the e-gate area. This is located towards your right-hand side as you approach the passport control area

• Meet visa Protocols before you travel

The passengers who do not meet he eligibility criteria for Visa on arrival must arrange the Visa before travelling to Qatar. For this you can approach the Qatari embassy and submitting the required documents along with few necessary signatures. The visa fee depends on your nationality and before applying for Visa the applicant must ensure a decent amount of time for the processing. Traveling to Qatar? Well, the country has made it a little convenient as you can arrange a visa on arrival by booking a hotel stay one week before the stay.

• How to get e-gate card

People who are residents of Qatar or other GCC countries or an expatriate can hear towards the Ministry of Interior office in Al Gharafa and apply for an e-gate card. The cad can be used at the time of arrival and departure from Hamad international Airport, the e-gate card user can directly proceed e-gate area and the opportunity of executing the protocols conveniently.

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Information for Passengers Departing From Hamad International Airport

Check out all the important information that can be required by passengers departing form Hamad International airport. Make sure that all the requirements are meeting to ensure a travel with no complications.

• Seeking permission for Exit

If you are leaving the country, you must check out your status on Hukoomi website and ensure weather you require he permission to leave. If somehow any family exceeds their visa limit then the male members are required to take permission w while females are exempted.

• How to clear the passport control

Passport clearance is a very important procedure that is needed to be followed very carefully. There are automated security gates where the passenger needs to scan their boarding card, and keep the travel documents ready which includes passport, exit permit, boarding pass and ticket. Follow the lane according to the ticket and travel category to present the documents to the immigration officer.

• Points to remember

While travelling to GCC make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months, there is an exception allowing 3 months validity for GCC citizens. The passport must follow and meet the required protocols for a convenient travel. Yet another most important thing that you need to keep track is that you do not have any unpaid fine. Settle your unpaid fines before leaving else you won't be permitted to leave; visitors can pay fines at the Ministry of Interior office at Hamad International Airport

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Nestled in Doha and one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, the Hamad International Airport has earned a name for itself particularly because of the vast variety of facilities and comfort that it offers. One can not only experience utmost comfort and convenience but can also stay right at the airport.

Have a long wait before your flight? Take a spa treatment that actually works. Want to rest and get some sleep? The sleep lounges are there for your service. No matter what your needs are, Hamad International Airport has everything you desire. So, what's making you wait? Book your plane tickets to Qatar and come to experience how your holiday begins right from the airport premises.

Hamad International Airport - FAQs