QATAR. Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport have partnered to mark Qatar National Day (on 18 December) by offering travellers a taste of Qatari culture along with a -20% discount on shopping and dining. The campaign runs to 20 December, and showcases Qatari hospitality, art, entertainment, cuisine and local products.
On Saturday, to begin the promotion, travellers could sample ‘Ardha’ sword dancing performances and a variety of Qatari dishes. The celebration also featured the official opening of two pop-up souqs operated by Qatar Duty Free.
Inspired by the architecture and landscapes of Qatar, the souqs feature products made by Qatari entrepreneurs and business owners in celebration of Qatar National Day. These will remain open until the end of December.
A reveal of bespoke artwork pieces created by contemporary Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed Al Maadheed, known for his Tamim Al Majd portrait, also took place on Saturday behind the signature Lamp Bear art installation. In attendance were Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Engr. Badr Al Meer and Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to be a part of the special celebration at our home and hub, Hamad International Airport. As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we are proud to bring visitors from around the world to Doha, to experience Qatar’s remarkable culture and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming all visitors transiting through HIA this month to experience the beauty of these unique offerings, which showcase our pride in our Qatari heritage.”
Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: “As a gateway to world cultures, we are constantly seeking creativity and inspiration when curating experiences for our travellers. Qatar National Day is a celebration of our culture, heritage and identity as a nation, and we look forward every year to engaging our travellers in the celebration of Qatari culture.
“As one of the busiest months of the year, we are thrilled that so many of our travellers will have the opportunity to admire the many facets of Qatar’s unique national identity. This national day, our travellers will leave with a memorable experience demonstrating what Qatari hospitality is really about.”
Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh said: “This celebration hosted at our home, Hamad International Airport, is an important event. We are proud to highlight Qatar’s resilience, showcase Qatari culture and values and invite travellers from around the world to experience the Qatari hospitality through our pop-up traditional souqs and selected dishes and menus created exclusively to mark this significant occasion. This is yet another example of the successful collaboration between Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport.”
*As reported, Qatar Duty Free, along with Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport, will host The Trinity Forum in 2019. The world’s most influential airport commercial revenues conference, a partnership between The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI World and ACI Asia-Pacific, takes place in Doha on 30-31 October.
