A veritable cathedral to air travel, the sparkling modern edifice of Doha’s airport - all striking lines and surprising angles - is likely to linger long in the memory of any traveler who passes through its hallowed halls. Formerly known as Hamad International, Doha’s airport is chock full of duty-free delights that will be familiar to any seasoned overseas traveler. But it also throws in a few surprises - the famous Lamp Bear sculpture being a case in point. Check out of your villa rental or cap off your staycation in Doha and head to the airport for your next adventure. If you find yourself with more than a few hours to kill between departure, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Read on for a list of what to buy in Doha Airport during a visit to Qatar’s spectacular air hub.
Things to see at Hamad International Airport
The Orchard: If you’re craving some greenery after spending the whole day cooped up inside an airplane, head over to The Orchard, the airport’s indoor garden! It spans almost 6,000 square meters (64,583.40 square feet) so there’ll be plenty of space to stretch your legs.
Public art: Besides the iconic Lamp Bear, there are plenty of other art installations all over the airport that have been curated by Qatar Museums’ Public Art Department. I’d bring my camera along if I were you!
Travel advisory
As of October 1st, 2024, US citizens can visit and stay in Qatar for up to 90 days, all without a visa! According to CBS News, previously the visa-free stay policy for US citizens in Qatar only extended for 30 days. The policy was updated in light of Qatar’s induction into the United States’ Visa Waiver Program, wherein Qatari nationals can stay in the US without a visa.
1. Confectioneries
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
New store alert! Enjoy great savings with our new Big Value Store offering a wide range of affordable products for everyone. Find it opposite the currency exchange at @HIAqatar. #dutyfree #bigvalue
Posted by Qatar Duty Free on Monday, September 20, 2021
If you’re looking to while away your time in the airport before catching the next flight, head to Qatar Duty-Free and indulge in some retail therapy. Travellers can shop at the Big Value Store at Hamad International Airport, which aims to offer budget-friendly products with larger savings and discounts.
The store mainly emphasises liquor and confectionery, such as Toblerone and Cadbury. It also offers tailored discounts and offers, which will surely incite you to buy more and save more. I think confectioneries will be the perfect gift for children.
Big Value Store
Address: Hamad International Airport Doha, Doha, Qatar
Website: Big Value Store
Opening hours: 24 hours
2. Make-up and beauty products
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Lipstick Day glam with Mac Cosmetics at @hiaqatar! Don't miss the hottest beauty event until 6th of August! . . -Get...
Posted by Qatar Duty Free on Saturday, July 29, 2023
Doha Airport offers a plethora of shopping venues and products, from food to beauty products. Beauty Store is a boutique shop operated by Qatar Duty-Free. Here, you’ll find lip, face and eye makeup, as well as various other skin care products from brands all over the world. Some famous names include Dolce & Gabbana, Lancôme, Dior, Estee Lauder and more. The store also houses fragrances from leading brands.
For makeup tips and suggestions, reach out to the experts in the store for any assistance.
Beauty Store
Address: Hamad International Airport Doha, Doha, Qatar
Website: Beauty Store
3. Islamic handicrafts
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
As the premier airport in Qatar’s capital, it will come as little surprise that the concourse is home to all manner of shops selling goods based around the stunning handicrafts of the state’s rich and vibrant Islamic culture. This place is almost like a shopping mall.
InQ Gift Shop, which is run by Qatar’s Museums Authority, offers a range of souvenirs. Then there’s Al Motahajiba, which offers a wide range of luxury fashions based on traditional Arabic attire such as abayas, jalabiyas and sheilas. I’m pretty sure you can score a pretty great curio for the home from one of these shops.
Qatar Duty Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Duty Free Plaza North and Duty Free Plaza South, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: Qatar Duty Free
4. Falconry gear
Yes, you read that right, Falconry gear. Falconry is such a long-standing Qatari tradition that there are souks within the city who cater entirely to this historic sport. Indeed, there is even a Falcon Souk within the city, just a short distance from the famous Souk Waqif, which sells all manner of falconry-related equipment.
Unsurprisingly, given its rich cultural links within Qatar, this love of falconry extends to the tourist duty-free sector. So if you’re looking for a memento of your stay, then a last-minute purchase of a falcon hood within the airport’s duty-free stores - sans falcon, naturally - will make for a unique gift for you or a friend back home.
Qatar Duty Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (except national holidays)
Address: Duty Free Plaza North and Duty Free Plaza South, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: Qatar Duty Free
5. Perfumes and incense
The aromatic spices of the Middle East are famous for a reason, so it will come as little surprise that there are plenty of perfumery options when it comes to picking up a scent for a loved one - or even if you’re simply seeking to indulge yourself.
There’s a hall given over to perfumes and cosmetics within the airport - stocking such internationally-recognizable brands as Chanel, Dior and Bvlgari alongside more local scents - so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding that perfect fragrance. Qatar Duty-Free’s Armani Oud Royal, for instance, is a dense, dark oil whose aroma channels the exotic. The airport’s 24 Seven convenience store also stocks a selection.
24 Seven Convenience Store
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Duty Free Plaza North and Duty Free Plaza South, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: 24 Seven Convenience Store
6. Gourmet food and treats
Of course, one thing any weary international traveler craves is food, and Hamad International Airport in Doha is full of a large mix of food selections - be it restaurants for sit-in meals, or retail outlets serving up duty-free gourmet foods to take home with you.
Other popular choices include the IN-Q Cafe - which also boasts decor with an Islamic design influence. Or you can always go for some biryani or shawarma at one of the eateries at the airport.
The airport is also home to numerous retail outlets selling gourmet items and you should definitely check out Saffron & Caviar International for unique goods such as natural honey from the mountains, and wild caviar from the Caspian Sea!
Book Tours : Doha Transit City Tour From Hamad Airport
7. Duty-free spirits
An airport concourse means duty-free shops, and duty-free shops mean spirits. Perfect not only as a last minute souvenir for a friend or relative you might have overlooked but also as a personal treat too. You know what I mean - finally picking up that bottle of malt you’ve long had your eye on but have hitherto been reluctant to give the exciseman or woman their dues.
Bottles of duty-free alcohol are almost a right of passage for any of-age air passenger passing through an airport. And, while you might expect an Arabic country such as Qatar to be ‘dry’, it is tolerated and Hamad International Airport hosts a number of shops boasting duty-free spirits among their stock. These include QDF Express, and 24 Seven - although there are a number of outlets offering true premium offerings as well, such as the spirit Hennessy XO.
QDF Express
Address: Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: QDF Express
8. Cigarettes and tobacco products
And speaking of the tax man’s great loves. If they’re not hiking the price of alcohol then they’re taking a huge chunk out of your wallet every time you indulge in a cigarette or cigar. Again, there are a number of outlets offering duty-free ‘smokes’ - and not just the run of the mill tobacco either. No, I’m talking something altogether classier. These include some fine luxury cigars - and, yes, that includes the trusty Cubans! There are also finely crafted paraphernalia such as cases and lighters which I’m sure will make practical souveniers for any smokers back home.
Even if you don’t smoke yourself, you might be tempted to pick up a fine case for a loved one or friend.
9. Spices
Let’s face it, we’ve all done it. Gone to all of the sights in a particular destination, picked up loads of souvenirs for our loved ones, then traveled to the airport and realized, with a sickening feeling, that there’s someone you’ve missed. If you’ve traveled to Doha to pick up some spices then you’ll have almost certainly made a beeline for the Souq Waqif, with its myriad cultural charms.
But, if you’ve been there and forgotten some spicy treats for one of your loved ones, then the airport will be your savior. There are a number of outlets that sell spices or spicy food, such as Souq Al Matar, and then there’s the eateries and their spicy foods.
What’s more, if you haven’t fallen into the trap of forgetting a gift for a loved one, and are simply looking to kill a few hours between checking in and your flight, the airport is also home to facilities that offer tours of Doha - including to the spectacular sights of the Souq.
Time for a little retail therapy
Whether you’re just looking for things to do between flights or you’re a shopaholic who delights in browsing the duty-free options available - there’s plenty of retail opportunities to enjoy during a visit to the Hamad International Airport at Doha.
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