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.
1. Islamic handicrafts (from USD 45.0)
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. From Bazaar - a self-styled “mini Souk away from the Souk” with its original arts, crafts, and souvenirs such as fine scarves and vases with classic geometric designs - to the InQ Gift Shop, which is run by Qatar’s Museums Authority and 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.
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
Doha Airport to Doha: One-Way or Round-Trip Private Transfer
Duration: 1 day
2. Falconry gear (from USD 100.0)
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.
Bazaar
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (except national holidays)
Address: Duty Free Plaza North and Duty Free Plaza South, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: Bazaar
From Doha Airport: Private City Tour for Transit Passengers
Duration: 4.0 hour
3. Perfumes (from USD 37.0)
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. And 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
Private Hamad International Airport Transfers (DOH) for Doha
Duration: 1hrsDuration
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4. Gourmet food (from USD 99.0)
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Qatar Duty Free on Wednesday, July 11, 2018
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. Those craving some international flavor will want to make a beeline for Soprafino, which offers Italian fine dining but which also pays homage to its Qatari setting through the geometrically patterned screens - a classic Islamic-influenced decor choice. Other popular choices include the IN-Q Cafe - which also boasts decor with an Islamic design influence - and the Caviar House and Prunier Seafood Bar for that seafood craving. This’ll definitely be a different change of pace after all the biryani and shawarma you’ve consumed in Doha.
The airport is also home to numerous retail outlets selling gourmet items - such as the treasure trove that is the Marmalade Market. This is home to a wide selection of exotic gourmet foods and condiments. It offers samples to try before you buy and also sells recipes and products that are sure to make for a popular gift for those you know back home. Local flavors one can expect include Persian candy floss, bakhlava, nuts, dates and coffees.
Marmalade Market
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (except national holidays)
Address: Duty Free Plaza South, Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: Marmalade Market
Doha Private Transit City Tour From Hamad international Airport
Duration: 4 hours
5. Duty-free spirits (from USD 71.59)
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
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) Lounge Service - Klook
6. Incense
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Persian Gulf is famous for its spices and incense, and this is naturally reflected within the airport at Doha. There are plenty of outlets which offer aromatic delights during your lay-over. The perfumeries are one such delight for the senses. Qatar Duty-Free’s Armani Oud Royal, for instance, is a dense, dark oil whose aroma channels the exotic. And then there’s the Bazaar, which offers a mini Souk experience, that will give you one final chance to pick up a souvenir with a little Qatari style mixed in.
Blush Cosmetics
Address: Hamad International Airport, Qatar
Website: Blush cosmetics
Private Hamad International Airport Transfers for Doha - Klook
7. Cigarettes and tobacco (from USD 44.0)
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 Cuban - as well as finely crafted paraphernalia such as cases and lighters. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, you might be tempted to pick up a fine case for a loved one or friend.
Cedar Room
Address: Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar
Website: Cedar Room
Doha International (DOH) Departure Transfer (Doha Hotels to Doha Airport)
Duration: 15 minutes
8. Spices (from USD 21.0)
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 Souk Watif (pictured), 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 the gems of the Marmalade Market- and then there’s the eateries and their spicy foods (such as Azka). 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 Souk.
Azka
Address: Hamad International Airport, Doha
Website: Azka
Qatar Airport Private Transfer
Duration: 1 hour
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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