Patriotic spirit has spread across Doha’s HIA with traditional Qatari products and menus, as well as 20% shopping and dining offers, as part of National Day celebrations.
Two pop-up souqs operated by Qatar Duty Free (QDF) opened at Hamad International Airport (HIA) have opened offering an array of Qatari-made products to mark Qatar National Day 2018.
Apart from cultural (Ardha sword dance) performances, entertainment, cuisine and local products, the celebration also unveiled bespoke artworks created by renowned Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed al-Maadheed, known for his iconic Tamim Al Majd portrait.
HIA’s COO Badr al-Meer, along with QDF’s Operations vice-president Thabet Musleh, led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the souqs behind the signature Lamp Bear art installation.
“We are delighted to be a part of today’s special celebration at our home and hub, Hamad International Airport. As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we are proud to bring visitors from around the world to Doha, to experience Qatar’s remarkable culture and hospitality,” Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar al-Baker said in a statement.
“We look forward to welcoming all visitors transiting through HIA this month to experience the beauty of these unique offerings, which showcase our pride in our Qatari heritage,” he noted.
Al-Meer, Musleh and al-Maadheed, together with other HIA and QDF officials and guests, toured the two souqs and led the cake-cutting ceremony at the second outlet.
Visitors will have the chance to “experience the magic of the souqs” until the end of December as a part of the Qatar National Day festivity. They can also avail themselves of the 20% discounts on shopping and dining within the airport from December 15 to 20.
“As a gateway to world cultures, we are constantly seeking creativity and inspiration when curating experiences for our travellers. Qatar National Day is a celebration of our culture, heritage and identity as a nation, and we look forward every year to engaging our travellers in the celebration of Qatari culture,” al-Meer said.
Citing December as one of the busiest months of the year, the HIA COO stressed that many departing, arriving and transiting passengers will have “the opportunity to admire the many facets of Qatar’s unique national identity.”
“This national day, our travellers will leave HIA with a truly memorable experience demonstrating what Qatari hospitality is really about,” he added.
Echoing al-Meer’s statement, Musleh described such celebration at HIA as a significant event highlighting Qatar’s resilience and showcasing Qatari culture and values.
“The festivity also invites travellers from around the world to experience the Qatari hospitality through our pop-up traditional souqs and selected dishes and menus created exclusively to mark this important occasion,” he noted. “This is yet another example of the successful collaboration between QDF and HIA.”
