HIA and QDF officials during the event held at HIA.
Doha: Proudly arrayed in hues of maroon and white, Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and Hamad International Airport (HIA) treated all passengers who arrived and transited through the airport yesterday to a taste of true Qatari hospitality. Qatari art, entertainment, cuisine and local products were showcased and sampled through captivating ‘Ardha’ sword dancing performances, two traditional souqs and a variety of Qatari dishes. To celebrate Qatar National Day, travellers will also enjoy 20 percent discounts on shopping and dining, from December 15 - 20, throughout the airport. The celebration also featured the official opening of two pop-up souqs operated by QDF.
Inspired by the traditional architecture and beauty of Qatar, the souqs feature products made by Qatari entrepreneurs and business owners in celebration Qatar National Day. Visitors will be able to experience the magic of the souqs until the end of December as a part of this national celebration. A reveal of bespoke artwork pieces created by contemporary Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed Al Maadheed, known for his iconic Tamim Al Majd portrait, also took place yesterday behind the signature Lamp Bear art installation. The occasion was marked by the attendance of Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Al Meer, and Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations, Thabet Musleh.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “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. 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.”
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, said: “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. “As one of the busiest months of the year, we are thrilled that so many of our travellers 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.”
Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations, Mr. Thabet Musleh, said: “This celebration hosted at our home, Hamad International Airport, is an important event and we are proud to be able to highlight Qatar’s resilience, showcase Qatari culture and values and invite 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 significant occasion. This is yet another example of the successful collaboration between Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport.”
Next year, Qatar Duty Free, along with Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport, will host the world’s most influential airport commercial revenues conference, The Trinity Forum. The conference, organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI World and ACI Asia-Pacific, will take place in Doha from October 30-31, 2019.
