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Images of the Day: Discovering the glory of Hamad International Airport during Ramadan

by Martin Moodie | | martin@moodiedavittreport.com

Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.

CANADA. I snapped today’s images at Hamad International Airport yesterday (25 February), while transferring en route from London Heathrow to Hong Kong International Airport, writes Martin Moodie.

It was a tight transfer but it didn’t feel like it. Partly because passengers coming from certain trusted airports (such as Heathrow) don’t have to be rescreened.

That left me time to enjoy the sheer majesty of this airport, particularly as my Hong Kong flight was departing from Gate C22 down in the wondrous Orchard zone. And, as always with Hamad International Airport and Qatar Duty Free, I made some new discoveries along the way.

It is Ramadan in the Islamic world and the airport, as the photos below reveal, is treating the holy period with trademark respect.

Here are some of my favourite shots from an all-too truncated visit. ✈

Ramadan is the most important and holy time within the Islamic calendar, a sacred month that marks a period of fasting, reflection and devotion to Allah. Hamad International Airport is lit up in appropriately understated style to recognise the occasion.
The first sighting of a thin crescent moon (hilal) traditionally marks the start of Ramadan. I love the way the hilal sign reflects in the flooring.
Souq Al Matar (matar is the Arabic word for airport), a traditional Qatari Souq and one of Hamad International’s signature attractions, is lit up to embrace Ramadan

With my interest in airports as artports, I was entranced by ‘They were on a wild ride in Doha’. This whimsical installation forms part of ‘Wildlife Wonderscapes’, a permanent collection of interactive sculptures by renowned public artists and conservationists Gillie and Marc. The bronze art pieces reflect Qatar Airways Group’s dedication to wildlife conservation and highlight the importance of protecting endangered species.

This was my first opportunity to visit the fabulously fun 100sq m Pop Mart boutique, one of the great commercial successes of recent times in an airport environment. The partnership with Qatar Duty Free was awarded The Trinity Prize For Outstanding Stakeholder Collaboration at the recently concluded Trnity Forum in Doha.

Am I really in an airport? Breathtaking scenes from Orchard that I first captured in our Airport Wonders of the World video series shot by Moodie Davitt STUDIO (below is Episode 1) and later shown onboard Qatar Airways.

Hamad International Airport’s superb business lounges offer spectacular panoramic views of Orchard and the Ralph’s Coffee (above) and Fendi Bar (below) outlets

Dazzling digital installations abound in the airport’s north node

The expansive, open Tudor pop-up showcases the luxury brand’s range from diving watches to elegant classics

The Casa Del Habano pop-up offers visitors a superb selection of vintage Habanos, Habanos Collection books and a wide array of Habanos humidors, including the commemorative Trinidad 50 Aniversario
Joe & The Juice was proving a smash hit with passengers during my visit
Is there a more colourful and vibrant fusion of retail and food & beverage in any airport worldwide than this brilliant (in every sense) Venchi outlet?

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