QATAR. Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the owners and operator of all retail and F&B outlets at Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, last night opened Souq Al Matar – dubbed a “groundbreaking twist on traditional Qatari heritage and hospitality”.
Souq Al Matar – matar being the Arabic word for airport – is a traditional Qatari Souq located in HIA’s North Node terminal, featuring seven shops and two restaurants.
The Moodie Davitt Report was on location at the grand launch attended by Hamad International and QDF leadership, VIPs, international and local media, and KOLs.
 A triumph of ambition – The Moodie ViewSo what is Sense of Place and is it really understood and well-represented in our industry? In an article called A Sense of Place, a Sense of Time, American scholar, historian and writer J. B. Jackson described it as an unambiguous modern translation of the Latin term genius loci. In classical times, it meant not so much the place itself as the guardian divinity of that place. It was believed that a locality – a space or a structure or a whole community – derived much of its unique quality from the presence or guardianship of a supernatural spirit. The visitor and the inhabitants were always aware of that benign presence and paid reverence to it on many occasions. The phrase thus implied celebration or ritual and the location itself acquired a special status. Alas, too often in the airport and travel retail worlds the term has come to be synonymous with a perfunctory destination merchandise offering, a downtown restaurant brought to an airport or some localised design touches. But real Sense of Place? We think it evokes crafts, culture, heritage, history, tastes and traditions of a place. Souq Al Matar ticks all those boxes in authentic rather than tokenish style. As such, it is a triumph of ambition, cultural understanding and the desire for travellers to experience a country as much as a transport facility. Genius loci indeed. |
The hugely ambitious concept was developed in collaboration with Ibrahim M. Jaidah, an acclaimed architect renowned for delivering world-class projects in Qatar such as the Al Thumama Stadium.
Its key design features include wicker woven ceilings, arched doorways, wooden-framed windows, and numerous other decorative details to bring to life the local market aesthetic and vibe.
The space showcases a dhow boat riding on digitally created waters, evoking Qatar’s maritime trade traditions and traditionally linked with the markets.
Throughout the first week of Souq Al Matar’s opening, Qatar Duty Free has organised an array of cultural events to highlight traditional craftsmanship.
Travellers can witness live basket-weaving demonstrations and Sadu weaving – a traditional practice which combines geometric patterns with vibrant colours which hold cultural motifs.
Other cultural experiences include skilled artisans tailoring the Bishit – a traditional men’s robe – and Henna artists creating rich designs on women’s hands.
In addition, greeters in traditional attire will welcome guests, serving ‘gahwa’ Arabic coffee and dates, whose serving signifies hospitality and generosity in the Qatari culture.
The opening event showcased local cultural shows including ‘sea music’, performed by a Naham group, tradition that pearl divers practiced for encouragement and entertainment during their trips at sea.
In addition, an orchestra performed a set comprising melodies from the past and the present composed by renowned Qatar composer and songwriter Dana Al Fardan.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “Our goal has always been to ensure that the travel experience at Hamad International Airport remains one of the best in the world.
“Souq Al Matar brings a whole new dimension to passengers, where they can shop, dine, and experience a taste of Qatar without having to leave the airport.
“We have once again raised the bar of what the airport experience can aspire to be, making it a part of the cultural experience itself, not just a transit hub.”
Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh added: “Souq Al Matar underlines that at Qatar Duty Free we not only have something for everyone, we have something unique.
“This is a first-of-its-kind experience in an airport – a truly original concept that goes beyond ‘Sense of Place’ to deliver ‘transit tourism’, bringing Qatar directly to travellers. The execution emphasises our exceptional attention to detail and service, further cementing Qatar Duty Free as a true leader in airport retail and catering.”
Arab Engineering Bureau and IJAE Group CEO & Chief Architect Ibrahim M. Jaidah said: “With the conceptualisation of Souq Al Matar, my goal was to take guests on a journey through a vibrant and enchanting Souq, much like they would experience when visiting Qatar.
“Designed with traditional Qatari architecture to evoke a warm and hospitable atmosphere, Souq Al Matar truly immerses passengers in a rich cultural experience.
“We invite all passengers to visit the souq to engage in an authentic Qatari encounter while they travel.”
FAB meets retail – Sense of Place meets Taste of Place
The line-up of the shops and dining options at Souq Al Matar reflects the goods and refreshments traditionally found in the alleyways of Qatar’s old markets.
The two restaurants and seven stores offer and eclectic array of shopping and dining options. They include:
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Khaneen: ‘Beautiful smell’ in Khaleeji dialect, Khaneen takes customers on a captivating olfactory journey, revealing Qatar’s unique aromas. The shop features a collection of high-quality fragrances with premium packaging and traditional yet modern scents by home-based designers.
The collection at Souq includes exclusively curated perfume oils crafted with the finest ingredients and traditional elements.
Al Attar: This store offers a unique apothecary store experience, where customers can explore an assortment of premium honey, dates, coffees, teas, herbs and spices, ideal those looking to take a piece of Qatari culture back home.
Sogha: A Khaleeji word for travel gifts, Sogha finds expressions here as a souvenir shop, showcasing a variety of keepsakes designed for gifting or as a personal memento.
Fwala: A Khaleeji word used for dessert assortment served to house guests. This store offers a tantalising assortment of traditional Qatari sweets, including packaged desserts traditionally enjoyed during special occasions and festive seasons such as Eid. All the brands featured at Fwala are based in Qatar, and the products locally made.
Al Darzi: From the Khaleeji term for tailor or embroiderer, Al Darzi is a women’s fashion shop displaying a vibrant array of traditional garments including a wide collection of Jalabeyas, abayas and shilas. The traditional Qatari dress is not only a cultural practice but also a popular fashion trend for the women of Qatar today.
Al Beshit: Named after a men’s robe worn in the Khaleej during special occasions and celebratory event, this menswear shop at Souq Al Matar features a collection of traditional Qatari clothing.
The range includes the thobe, gutra, and egal and other garments that combine cultural heritage with modern fashion trends.
Dukkan: Here the traveller discovers a selection of affordable confectionery and snacks, including the renowned Pafki chips and other local delicacies designed to stir nostalgia in older generations of Qatari shoppers.
Dukkan also features a selection of sweets, toys and drinks regularly found in the local supermarkets of Qatar’s residential areas.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Basta: A modern Qatari concept, Basta serves traditional food with a modern twist. The menu offers a rich variety of famous dishes from the Khaleeji cuisine, such as Balalit – sweetened thin noodles with saffron and plain omelettes – and the famous Shakshuka.
The menu also includes, Majboos and Biryani, well-known main dishes in the Qatari and Khaleeji cuisine.
Chapati & Karak: Qatar’s acclaimed (including a FAB 2023 regional award) café restaurant concept was inspired by traditional Indian cuisine and has been a staple of Qatar’s dining scene for more than 50 years.
The world’s only event dedicated solely to the airport food & beverage and hospitality sectors will make a welcome return to the US next June. Please contact The Moodie Davitt Report Head of Events Jeannie Wong at Jeannie@MoodieDavittReport.com for details.
