Hamad International Airport (HIA) marked seven successful years as an award-winning leading global travel hub. It has won the award for the 'Best Airport in the World' several times!

Stepping inside one of the busiest airports in the world, passengers can experience luxury, space, sophistication and elegance. High ceilings give a sense of grandeur, while designer touches and beautiful art installations are spread across the airport.

Many leisure and business travellers don't mind spending an entire day inside Qatar's main airport as there's so much to do. Keep scrolling to know how to properly use your layover time inside the premises of the multi-awarded HIA!

The Orchard

Hamad International Airport recently opened its new expansion called 'The Orchard'. The expansion features numerous spaces perfect for working, relaxing, or napping! 'The Orchard' is engulfed in a refreshing indoor tropical garden with a beautiful water feature. The new expansion also holds numerous food & beverage establishments, such as the Fendi Café and Oreo Café - both a first in an airport!

RELATED: Hamad International Airport expansion inaugurated; increased passenger capacity to 58 million

New luxury stores also opened in 'The Orchard', such as flagship Louis Vuitton Boutique, Gucci, Burberry, Tiffany and Co., Bvlgari, and many more world-class brands.

Watch this clip of ILoveQatar.net's stroll through 'The Orchard'!

✈️ Here's what Hamad International Airport looks after expansion! 😍#Qatar #ILoveQatar #ILQLive #HIAAirport #DohaAirport #HamadInternationalAirport #HIAQatar #QatarAirport @HIAQatar pic.twitter.com/1QUD2pVsMz

— ILoveQatar - Live (@ILQLive) November 10, 2022

Fun for kids!

HIA knows how to keep young travellers entertained during a layover—from the Mac stations that provide interactive entertainment to play areas where kids can work off their energy before the flight.

To help pass the time for your little ones, HIA has five activity nodes inside the passenger terminal: one in Concourse A and Concourse B, and three in Concourse C. These include the bronze playground sculptures spread throughout the concourse. Follow the signs, approach an information desk, or use the airport map to locate these play areas.

HIA also has over 500 baby strollers available throughout the terminal.

Minors who are also travelling unaccompanied have access to the unaccompanied minors lounge, where they can enjoy the play areas, tv rooms, and snacks!

Travelling with kids?

• Let your family experience- the ultimate comfort at Hamad International airport!
• See these tips on how to spend 24 hours at Hamad International Airport!

Feast on stunning art pieces!

People transiting via HIA can see stunning architecture and international art inside the airport, most notably a 23-foot bronze teddy bear that sits inside a lamp.

Besides the popular yellow bear, did you know that more than 20 other art installations are scattered throughout the airport? Not many airports boast such an impressive collection of art, so make it a personal challenge to find all the stunning art pieces! And for the full museum experience, there's also a museum gift shop inside the airport.

RELATED: Public art installations to check out at Hamad International Airport (HIA)

Shop! Shop! Shop!

Whatever your shopping needs, you will find them at Hamad International Airport! HIA has a variety of top-tier brands and products available within the airport.

Doha airport has a variety of duty-free shops where you can pick up the latest fashion at high-end boutiques, including Penhaligon's, Chanel, Harrods, Bvlgari, Hermès Paris, Hublot, Swarovski, and Louis Vuitton.

• Check out the list of shops here: HIA duty-free shops!
• Recently, Duty-Free opened an Apple Shop Programme at Hamad International Airport!!
  

Drink & Dine!

HIA's tagline says, "a taste of everything, from gourmet to on-the-go", which is very true with its wide array of restaurants and cafes.

Unsure of what to eat? Check out the restaurant and cafe choices available inside the airport here.

Choose your preferred cuisine (Arabic, American, Italian, etc.) from the dropdown menu and pick your preferred location within the terminal.

RELATED: 16 must-try food when you visit Qatar!

Stay connected

Stay connected with friends and family, update your social media accounts, or surf the internet courtesy of the airport's free WiFi. If you don't have a mobile device or a laptop, HIA offers free Mac computers for surfing the net. Internet kiosks are located throughout the airport.

Pamper yourself

While inside HIA, you can pamper yourself with a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, and shower! Be Relax Spa Qatar offers a wide range of pampering services for travellers to unwind.

To make it more hassle-free, you can book a service at Be Relax Qatar!

Refresh, relax & recharge at the unique lounges!

Your layover at HIA can be made enjoyable in many ways. Be sure to unwind and relax inside the airport!

'Quiet Rooms'

Find a quiet lounge area to relax. The airport offers 'Quiet Rooms', tranquil spaces with soft lighting, and designated male and female sections. Catch up on a few hours' sleep or rest your eyes on comfortable recliners.

Want to take a nap?

• Check out the new Sleep Lounge inside Hamad International Airport!
• Here's a complete list of HIA's lounges.

If you have a little more time, consider staying at the four-star Oryx Airport Hotel inside the airport. Oryx Airport Hotel has 100 rooms; you can choose between twin, king bedrooms, or suites.

Al Safwa First Lounge

First-class passengers can go to the Al Safwa First Lounge, where they'll find private bedrooms, à-la-carte dining, and cool architecture. The lounge access is for Qatar Airways First Class passengers and is located on Level 3 of the airport.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge

First-class and Business class flyers get access to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge inside the airport, which includes posh showers, nap pods, a large dining room, and a high-end bar. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge is on the third level, Duty-Free Plaza South.

Al Maha and Oryx Lounges

When arriving, transiting, or departing from the Hamad International Airport, the platinum members of Al Maha services can access either the Al Maha Lounge or the Oryx Lounge. Customers can avail of international refreshments and fresh deli-style food here. These lounges' facilities include shower facilities, a television area, reading materials, and even a game room at the Oryx Lounge!

Learn more about the Al Maha and Oryx Lounges here: Al Maha and Oryx Lounges

Mariner Lounge

Eligible seafarers & offshore workers get a chance to relax and unwind at the airport thanks to Qatar Airways' Mariner Lounge. Located on the second level of the Duty-Free Plaza at Hamad International Airport, seafarers & offshore workers who are flying with Qatar Airways and have valid documentation can experience a premium lounge offering refreshments, shower areas, and more!

Stay fit!

You don't want to miss HIA's Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre!

Book a treatment and get free access to the indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy tub, shower room, and fully equipped gym.

Open 24 hours and conveniently located on the fourth floor of the Oryx Airport Hotel, Vitality is the "venue for restoring energy and balance when flying".

Details:

• Website: www.dohahamadairport.com
• Facebook: @HIAQatar
• Instagram: @hiaqatar
• Twitter: @HIAQatar
  

Written by Sonkie Bagongfirs, updated by Marivie Alabanza & Tracy Quirino

Have you spent a day-long layover at the Hamad International Airport? If yes, how was it? Did you try the things and activities we've compiled in this article? Drop us a line in the comments, and don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!

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ILQ Staff

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