Hamad International Airport (HIA), which welcomed over 35 million passengers in 2017, will be providing special services for fasting travelers to help give peace of mind and a hassle-free journey at the airport during Ramadan.

Travelling during Ramadan can be tiring for passengers who might have long haul flights or are in transit.

With this in mind and staying true to its Arab roots, HIA provides 16 spacious and immaculate prayer rooms conveniently located for passengers who are departing, arriving or transferring through the airport. The prayer rooms also offer separate areas for men and women, including dedicated ablution facilities.

Prayer rooms are also available in the premium lounges across the airport. Those wanting to pray can visit the public mosque that is located just outside the passenger terminal, within walking distance from the Departures Hall. The shape of a water droplet inspires the mosque’s stunning architecture, and it offers spectacular views of the lagoon and Amiri Terminal.

Though HIA is a silent airport with limited announcements to maintain a peaceful ambience, it has the call for prayer for the convenience of passengers.

The airport also offers complimentary Iftar boxes to staff and passengers at Iftar times. While Jamocha Café, one of Qatar Duty Free’s (QDF) chain of cafes located across the terminal and Le Marche restaurant, located at the South Node behind the escalators leading to the Lamp Bear, offering international cuisine to suite every passengers, will both be distributing complimentary dates and Arabic coffee at Iftar.

Once beyond passport control, passengers can explore the extensive selection of restaurants at the ‘World’s 5th Best Airport for Dining’ awarded by the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2018 with cuisines from all corners of the globe provided by QDF which are committed to providing passengers with a memorable five-star experience at HIA and are the second largest duty free operator in the Middle East.

All restaurants airside will of course be operational 24 hours, providing continuous food and beverage services for passengers not observing Ramadan.

Restaurants such as RED restaurant, offering customers a variety of gastronomic flavors collected from across the world, Le Marche, Qataf Café offering Arabic hospitality, Azaka which also provide Arabic and Indian cuisine as well as IN-Q Café, providing light bites such as sandwiches, paninis will all be offering specially created Iftar menus around Iftar time for passengers to choose from the many Iftar options available.

The airport is also preparing to host activities for families and children transiting or flying through the airport by engaging them in Qatari Ramadan traditions such as Garangao, a tradition that happens on the 14 day of Ramadan. Children pay visits to family and friends dressed in traditional clothes, sing cultural songs and receive nuts and sweets.

If young passengers miss the festivities because of travel, HIA will be bringing the celebration to them at the airport. A musaher (traditional drummer) will parade around the terminal with Qatar Airways’ Oryx mascot characters handing out sweets to the young travelers as well as a photo-booth set up at the iconic Lamp Bear for an opportunity for young passengers to take pictures.

HIA’s main forte, compared with some other airports which is especially beneficial to fasting travelers, is that it is open 24 hours and 7 days a week. Whether passengers are arriving during the day or night, HIA’s facilities are open to offer shopping, dining and leisure amenities that cater to everyone’s needs.

HIA staff are also at hand to offer their assistance and service, as well as provide information in regards to Iftar and other available facilities during Ramadan. The airport prides itself on its service, having been awarded the ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for three years in a row by Skytrax.

Passengers can also use the self-service facilities that provide check-in, bag-drop, pre-border control and border control checks to save them waiting times at the airport.

Travelers transiting through HIA with enough time to spare, can also visit the collection of over 20 art pieces at the airport to help pass time while fasting. HIA displays a unique collection of both internationally acclaimed artists, as well as, highly respected regional and local artists, positioning HIA as the gateway to arts and culture.

Symbolism of the art pieces featured at the airport range from peace and childhood, spirituality to the power of nature, the meaning of life, and the fusion of art and life. HIA’s unique position as a crossroad between the East and West allows it to feature artists whose work reflects both sides, transcending all cultures and beliefs.