Doha International Airport, Qatar - Is It Really the World's Best?
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, ranks among the largest airports in Qatar and serves as a common transit point for many travelers heading to Europe. Anyone who has transited here can attest to the sprawling landscape, resembling a miniature oasis. An ecosystem of over ten thousand plant and tree species surrounds a brightly lit central area, complete with an artificial lake, waterfalls, and even a tropical garden. It's truly an ideal spot for a check-in photo!
A World-Class Airport
This airport has been honored twice as the world's best airport, in 2021 and 2022, recognized for its quality, safety, and extensive amenities for travelers. If you are a luxury brand enthusiast, you can immerse yourself in a range of duty-free brands like LV, Dior, Gucci, and Burberry. You can also purchase essential items you might have forgotten at home, such as food, supplies, and cosmetics. Restaurants and hotels are readily available. For families with children, there are numerous TV rooms, reading rooms, and engaging play areas.
Doha Layover Experience
If your transit is longer than 8 hours, instead of waiting around the airport, consider visiting the Doha City Tour desk to register for a city tour. A tour typically lasts about 3 hours, taking you to famous areas such as the Skyline, The Pearl Island, and Souq Waqif. The tour costs around 11 USD per person, including transportation and a tour guide. You can book online or at Discover Qatar Tours.
Exploring Doha
The tour will allow approximately 10 minutes to admire the skyscrapers and modern buildings of Doha, and a visit to the world-renowned Museum of Islamic Art in the Skyline area. You'll stop for 15-20 minutes at The Pearl Island, an artificial island in the heart of the city featuring 5-star resorts, shopping centers, villas, and luxurious restaurants. It looks amazing but perhaps out of budget for a quick trip. There's also a visit to the bustling Middle Eastern market, Souq Waqif, where you can find jewelry, fabrics, souvenirs, and more. The tour will allocate about 30 minutes here. You might also see the Katara Cultural Village, showcasing architecture and culture.
A Clean and Modern City
In general, the city can be described as "green, clean, and beautiful." The architecture is modern and innovative, and the wide, open roads showcase careful planning. What truly stands out is the cleanliness. Residents demonstrate a clear awareness of proper waste disposal, and keeping the city clean isn't one person's job. If they see trash, they consciously put it in a nearby bin. Imagine if other countries could adopt this practice!
Final Thoughts
Doha Airport has fantastic services and amenities for travelers. The city tour made me realize that layovers do not have to be boring. Everything becomes more interesting when you are actively seeking to make it so. Even without the tour, the airport itself offers plenty to discover and activities to enjoy.
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