Latest news with #HamadAliAlKhater
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Qatar's Hamad Airport Holds Steady In New Rankings As Duty-Free Offer Expands
A series of rankings were unveiled today and last week that are often reliable indicators of current and future duty-free retail performances at airports. One airport, Qatar's Hamad International, maintained its standing across all these lists. Last week's 2025 Skytrax Awards saw the Qatar Airways hub, opened in 2014, lose its crown as the world's top airport to Singapore Changi; the latter returning to the number one spot, as voted by air travelers around the world. Hamad International dropped to second place as the Singapore hub recovered traffic volumes after Covid, but it retained pole position as best airport in the Middle East for the 11th consecutive year. The biggest movers in the global Top 10, released at Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, were Dubai International, which dropped out, slipping from 7th last year to 11th in 2025, while Hong Kong International and Rome's Fiumicino airport climbed to 6th and 8th respectively, from 11th and 12th. Today, global airport association, Airports Council International (ACI), released its definitive preview list of 2024's busiest international airports for traffic. While Doha is ranked 10th with 52.7 million passengers, it is now 36% ahead of pre-pandemic 2019, indicating the progress the airport has made in recent years in building capacity and hub connections. This is in sharp contrast to several European hubs, notably Germany's Frankfurt, which is still 11% down on 2019, but remains on an infrastructure expansion path. Only Turkey's Istanbul Airport—where travel retail Gebr. Heinemann and its local partners have the core retail business—has shown better results since 2019, with 59% growth. However, this reflects, in part, a change in location from Istanbul's previous pre-pandemic hub of Atatürk to a much larger, new gateway. Heinemann has gained handsomely from the growth, which has also been fueled by Turkish Airlines' unswerving focus on network expansion. A third ranking, also from Skytrax, saw Hamad International see off some stiff competition from the likes of London Heathrow and Singapore Changi, to win the award for the world's best airport shopping for the third year running. Retail at the airport, with a slew of luxury brands present, is operated by Qatar Airways subsidiary Qatar Duty Free (QDF) which saw high sales growth of 18% last year. The three rankings combined put QDF in a good position for the rest of 2025, on the back of continuing traffic growth. Last year, the retailer launched more than 18 new retail outlets and created high-impact campaigns with luxury brands like Chanel and YSL. This year, the official opening of further terminal extensions in the form of concourses D and E at the end of March has added almost 30,000 square feet (2,700 square meters) of new retail space in the terminal, boosting the airport's capacity to more than 65 million. Hamad Airport's chief operating officer, Hamad Ali Al Khater, said: 'Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth. Concourses D and E mark a significant milestone in expanding our capacity. This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimizes resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity.' The concourses complete the airport's development plan (started in 2018), adding 17 new aircraft contact gates to push the total to 62. They also introduced about 10 new retail and dining outlets, including a souk-style market, Joe & The Juice, Accessories Lab, plus luxury Fendi and Giorgio Armani stores. QDF declined to provide details of all the stores, but the larger footprint should help the retailer to ramp up growth this year. A 25th anniversary campaign is also coming soon, plus a total of 25 retail and food and beverage outlets are expected by the year-end to mark the occasion. QDF's data-sharing platform, 36Q, launched in late 2024, will be instrumental to future sales gains. In a statement, the company said: '36Q empowers QDF and its partners to deliver hyper-personalized experiences—whether it is luxury splurges or daily essentials.' Personalization is high on the priority list. Hamad International now has more than 200 retail and dining outlets, but Qatar Duty Free continues to hunt for retail experiences that travelers will see as unique, exclusive, and that cannot be found anywhere else.
Web Release
26-03-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Hamad International Airport Unveils State-of-the-Art Concourses D and E, Elevating the Travel Experience to New Heights ahead of the Busy Period
Hamad International Airport Unveils State-of-the-Art Concourses D and E, Elevating the Travel Experience to New Heights ahead of the Busy Period Hamad International Airport (DOH), ranked as the World's Best Airport and Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2024, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Concourses D and E, marking a major milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually. This development elevates traveller comfort and further establishes Doha as a key global aviation hub. The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport's ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden. The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The terminal now spans 845,000 square meters—a 14% increase—while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: 'Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway; it is a vital pillar of Qatar's growth and global connectivity. I am pleased to see this expansion project, with conclusion of both concourses going live, which I have personally been involved with since 2018. While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects our commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar's economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This development allows us to meet the evolving demands of global travel while reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading aviation hub.' Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: 'Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth. The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency. This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimizes resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.' The newly inaugurated Concourses D and E feature the following enhancements: Seamless Boarding Through Smart Technology The new concourses feature cutting-edge self-boarding systems, streamlining the boarding process for a faster, more efficient journey. Smart technology enables swift document verification, reduces wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from terminal to aircraft. Enhanced Connectivity and Global Reach The expansion of Hamad International Airport with Concourses D and E significantly strengthens connectivity for both passengers and airlines. With increased gate capacity and optimized flight operations, the airport can accommodate a greater number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to key global destinations. Elevating the Passenger Journey The expansion prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, offering upgraded facilities to cater to diverse traveller needs. A wider selection of premium retail outlets and global dining brands enhances the leisure experience, while ergonomically designed seating. With the D&E Expansion, Qatar Duty Free is unveiling over 9 new retail outlets food and beverage venues, enhancing the airport's retail space by 2,700 square meters. This initiative further cements Hamad International Airport's standing as a beacon of innovation, a world-class destination for shopping, dining, and unforgettable experiences. A Commitment to Sustainability Hamad International Airport remains a leader in sustainable aviation, with Concourses D and E designed to meet GSAS 4-Star Design & Build Certification and aiming for LEED Gold Certification. The development incorporates energy-efficient systems, innovative water management solutions, and optimized thermal comfort strategies, reinforcing the airport's alignment with global sustainability objectives. Accessibility is a core focus, with universal design principles ensuring a seamless experience for all travellers. Features such as hearing loops, barrier-free pathways, spacious seating areas, and dedicated assistance services underscore the airport's commitment to creating a traveller-centric environment. A Landmark Expansion Beyond Concourses D and E The opening of Concourses D and E marks the final phase of Hamad International Airport's broader expansion, which has introduced several landmark enhancements. At the heart of this transformation is the ORCHARD, a lush indoor tropical garden that redefines the passenger experience with its serene ambiance and natural beauty. The Central Concourse has been expanded to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency, while an enhanced retail and dining portfolio now features an array of global luxury brands and diverse food and beverage offerings.
Tourism Breaking News
21-03-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Hamad International Airport Unveils State-of-the-Art Concourses D and E, Elevating the Travel Experience to New Heights ahead of the Busy Period
Post Views: 29 Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Concourses D and E, marking a major milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually. This development elevates traveller comfort and further establishes Doha as a key global aviation hub. The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport's ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden. The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The terminal now spans 845,000 square meters—a 14% increase—while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: 'Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway; it is a vital pillar of Qatar's growth and global connectivity. I am pleased to see this expansion project, with conclusion of both concourses going live, which I have personally been involved with since 2018. While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects our commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar's economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This development allows us to meet the evolving demands of global travel while reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading aviation hub.' Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: 'Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth. The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency. This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimizes resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.' The newly inaugurated Concourses D and E feature the following enhancements: The new concourses feature cutting-edge self-boarding systems, streamlining the boarding process for a faster, more efficient journey. Smart technology enables swift document verification, reduces wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from terminal to aircraft. The expansion of Hamad International Airport with Concourses D and E significantly strengthens connectivity for both passengers and airlines. With increased gate capacity and optimized flight operations, the airport can accommodate a greater number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to key global destinations. The expansion prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, offering upgraded facilities to cater to diverse traveller needs. A wider selection of premium retail outlets and global dining brands enhances the leisure experience, while ergonomically designed seating. With the D&E Expansion, Qatar Duty Free is unveiling over 9 new retail outlets food and beverage venues, enhancing the airport's retail space by 2,700 square meters. This initiative further cements Hamad International Airport's standing as a beacon of innovation, a world-class destination for shopping, dining, and unforgettable experiences. Hamad International Airport remains a leader in sustainable aviation, with Concourses D and E designed to meet GSAS 4-Star Design & Build Certification and aiming for LEED Gold Certification. The development incorporates energy-efficient systems, innovative water management solutions, and optimized thermal comfort strategies, reinforcing the airport's alignment with global sustainability objectives. Accessibility is a core focus, with universal design principles ensuring a seamless experience for all travellers. Features such as hearing loops, barrier-free pathways, spacious seating areas, and dedicated assistance services underscore the airport's commitment to creating a traveller-centric environment. The opening of Concourses D and E marks the final phase of Hamad International Airport's broader expansion, which has introduced several landmark enhancements. At the heart of this transformation is the ORCHARD, a lush indoor tropical garden that redefines the passenger experience with its serene ambiance and natural beauty. The Central Concourse has been expanded to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency, while an enhanced retail and dining portfolio now features an array of global luxury brands and diverse food and beverage offerings.
Gulf Business
21-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Hamad International Airport unveils new concourses, expands capacity
Image: Hamad International Airport Hamad International Airport (DOH), ranked the World's Best Airport and Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2024, has officially inaugurated its highly anticipated Concourses D and E. The expansion increases the airport's annual passenger capacity to over 65 million, further cementing Doha's position as a key global aviation hub. The development marks a major milestone in the airport's long-term growth strategy, initiated in 2018 and culminating in this final phase. The expansion follows the 2022 unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-metre indoor tropical garden, and increases the terminal's total area to 842,000 square meters, a 14 per cent rise. The addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates brings the total to 62—nearly 40 per cent more than before — enhancing connectivity and reducing reliance on bus transfers. Strategic Expansion to Strengthen Qatar's aviation sector 'Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway; it is a vital pillar of Qatar's growth and global connectivity,' said Qatar Airways group CEO Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. 'Despite global delays in airport expansions, we have successfully delivered this project ahead of schedule. This expansion is not just about increasing capacity — it strengthens the Qatar Airways network, enhances operational resilience, and supports Qatar's economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.' Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, emphasised the operational benefits: 'The opening of Concourses D and E streamlines passenger flow, optimizes resource management, and enhances airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient services.' Enhancements at Hamad International Airport The newly inaugurated concourses introduce cutting-edge technology and expanded retail and dining options, enhancing passenger experience: 1. The new self-boarding technology speeds up the verification process, reducing wait times and improving passenger flow. 2. Qatar Duty Free has unveiled over 10 new retail and food and beverage outlets, adding 2,700 square metres of shopping space. 3. Increased gate capacity enables more international carriers to operate direct flights to key global destinations. Hamad International Airport continues to lead in sustainable aviation, with Concourses D and E designed to meet GSAS 4-Star Design & Build Certification and targeting LEED Gold Certification. Energy-efficient systems, innovative water management, and optimised thermal comfort strategies align with global sustainability goals. Accessibility remains a priority, with universal design principles ensuring a seamless experience for all travelers. Features such as hearing loops, barrier-free pathways, and dedicated assistance services underscore the airport's commitment to inclusivity. The unveiling of the new concourses marks the final stage of
Mid East Info
20-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Hamad International Airport Unveils State-of-the-Art Concourses D and E, Elevating the Travel Experience to New Heights ahead of the Busy Period
Completed ahead of schedule, boosting annual passenger capacity more than 65 million at the World's Best Airport Doha, Qatar: Hamad International Airport (DOH), ranked as the World's Best Airport and Airport Shopping by Skytrax 2024, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Concourses D and E, marking a major milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually. This development elevates traveller comfort and further establishes Doha as a key global aviation hub. The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport's ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden. The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The terminal now spans 842,000 square meters—a 14% increase—while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: 'Hamad International Airport is more than a gateway; it is a vital pillar of Qatar's growth and global connectivity. I am pleased to see this expansion project, with conclusion of both concourses going live, which I have personally been involved with since 2018. While many global airport expansions have faced delays, we are proud to have delivered this major development ahead of schedule. This achievement reflects our commitment to operational excellence and strategic planning. This is not just about increasing capacity—it is about strengthening the entire Qatar Airways network, enhancing operational resilience, and supporting Qatar's economic growth in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. This development allows us to meet the evolving demands of global travel while reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading aviation hub.' Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: 'Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth. The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency. This combined development streamlines passenger flow, optimizes resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.' The newly inaugurated Concourses D and E feature the following enhancements: Seamless Boarding Through Smart Technology: The new concourses feature cutting-edge self-boarding systems, streamlining the boarding process for a faster, more efficient journey. Smart technology enables swift document verification, reduces wait times, and ensures smooth transitions from terminal to aircraft. Enhanced Connectivity and Global Reach: The expansion of Hamad International Airport with Concourses D and E significantly strengthens connectivity for both passengers and airlines. With increased gate capacity and optimized flight operations, the airport can accommodate a greater number of international carriers and offer more direct routes to key global destinations. Elevating the Passenger Journey: The expansion prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, offering upgraded facilities to cater to diverse traveller needs. A wider selection of premium retail outlets and global dining brands enhances the leisure experience, while ergonomically designed seating. With the D&E Expansion, Qatar Duty Free is unveiling over 10 new retail outlets food and beverage venues, enhancing the airport's retail space by 2,700 square meters. This initiative further cements Hamad International Airport's standing as a beacon of innovation, a world-class destination for shopping, dining, and unforgettable experiences. A Commitment to Sustainability: Hamad International Airport remains a leader in sustainable aviation, with Concourses D and E designed to meet GSAS 4-Star Design & Build Certification and aiming for LEED Gold Certification. The development incorporates energy-efficient systems, innovative water management solutions, and optimized thermal comfort strategies, reinforcing the airport's alignment with global sustainability objectives. Accessibility is a core focus, with universal design principles ensuring a seamless experience for all travellers. Features such as hearing loops, barrier-free pathways, spacious seating areas, and dedicated assistance services underscore the airport's commitment to creating a traveller-centric environment. A Landmark Expansion Beyond Concourses D and E: The opening of Concourses D and E marks the final phase of Hamad International Airport's broader expansion, which has introduced several landmark enhancements. At the heart of this transformation is the ORCHARD, a lush indoor tropical garden that redefines the passenger experience with its serene ambiance and natural beauty. The Central Concourse has been expanded to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency, while an enhanced retail and dining portfolio now features an array of global luxury brands and diverse food and beverage offerings. Hamad International Airport, the gateway to Qatar and the world. Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of global travellers, Hamad International Airport is a diverse lifestyle destination. Housed in one expansive terminal, the airport integrates contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and relaxation facilities, and a world-class art collection from internationally acclaimed artists. In 2024, Hamad International Airport has been named the 'World's Best Airport' at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards, winning the title for the third time. The airport also collected the 'Best Airport Shopping' for the second year running, 'Best Airport in the Middle East' for the 10th time in a row, 'Best Airport 40 to 50 million Passengers' and the 'Cleanest Airport in the Middle East' for the second time. Hamad International Airport has successfully completed the first Phase of its airport expansion project, which has significantly increased capacity and enhanced its multi-dimensional offering. Delivering on its promise to be the 'airport-of-the-future', Hamad International Airport's expansion features a refreshing environment of lush greenery, as well as contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities. The airport's commercial and operation functions are managed by MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group.
