Apartments & Villas for Rent in Old Airport
Old Airport, also known as Al Matar Al Qadeem, is a well‑established residential district in the southern part of Doha. Centred around Al Matar Al Qadeem Street (often called Old Airport Street), the area grew around the former Doha International Airport and today sits between Al Hilal, Nuaija, Al Thumama and the current airport zone. Main roads such as D Ring Road, E Ring Road, Najma Street and Airport Street make it one of the more practical locations for getting around the city. You find low‑rise apartment blocks, older Qatari villas and newer compounds tucked into a grid of service streets with groceries, cafeterias, bakeries and clinics at neighbourhood level. Doha’s first mall, The Mall on D Ring Road, is very close by, and everyday needs are covered by nearby hypermarkets and speciality shops. For many residents, Old Airport offers a straightforward, lived‑in part of Doha with good access to the Corniche, central business areas and Hamad International Airport.
Lifestyle in this neighbourhood
Old Airport attracts a mix of long‑term expatriate families, young professionals and staff working in nearby offices, airlines and government services. The vibe is busy and practical rather than showy, with constant movement along Airport Street and the Ring Roads, and quieter residential pockets set back from the main routes. Daily life is centred on local groceries, laundries, barbers and family restaurants such as Turkey Restaurant Matar Qadeem and Bawarchi Restaurant on Airport Street. Parks and play areas in neighbouring Al Hilal and Nuaija give families options close by. For those who value walkable everyday amenities, quick access to the airport and relatively central rents, Old Airport is a straightforward base in Doha.
Market summary
The property market in Old Airport is dominated by mid‑rise apartment buildings and older villas, with a smaller number of gated compounds on the edges toward Al Thumama and Nuaija. Many buildings offer one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom flats that appeal to families and sharing professionals, while traditional standalone villas often attract extended families or staff housing. Compared with newer master‑planned suburbs, Old Airport typically offers more modest finishes but a central location and established services. Demand is steady thanks to proximity to major roads and Hamad International Airport, and rentals usually move quickly when well maintained and priced in line with the wider Doha market. Qatar Living listings give a good feel for current availability and pricing trends across the different property types here.
What's nearby
Within a short drive of Old Airport you will find several established schools, including The English Modern School in Al Wakra direction and Birla Public School in New Salata, with more options in nearby Al Thumama and Al Hilal. The Mall on D Ring Road, considered Doha’s first mall, sits just to the west, while Lulu Hypermarket D Ring Road and Ansar Gallery Al Mansoura cover most daily shopping needs. For healthcare, Aster Hospital Al Hilal, Naseem Healthcare branches and smaller medical centres in Al Hilal and Nuaija are commonly used. Neighbourhood mosques are spread throughout Old Airport, and green spaces such as Al Hilal Park and Old Airport Park give residents outdoor areas within a few kilometres.
Commute & connectivity
Old Airport is roughly 8–10 km from West Bay; outside peak times the drive via C Ring Road typically takes 15–20 minutes. Hamad International Airport is very close, usually 10–15 minutes by car along Airport Street depending on the exact starting point. Lusail is about 20–25 km away, often 30–40 minutes by car via the Corniche and Lusail Expressway. The nearest Doha Metro access points are around Al Matar Al Qadeem and Oqba Ibn Nafie stations on the Red Line corridor, reachable in about 5–10 minutes by car from most parts of Old Airport, giving onward connections across the city.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of properties are available in Old Airport?
Old Airport offers mainly low‑ to mid‑rise apartment buildings with one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom flats, plus older Qatari villas and some compound villas towards Nuaija and Al Thumama. It suits families, sharing professionals and staff housing looking for practical, central accommodation.
Is Old Airport convenient for getting to Hamad International Airport?
Yes, the district grew around the former Doha International Airport and now sits very close to Hamad International Airport. Most locations in Old Airport are about a 10–15 minute drive from the passenger terminal via Airport Street, making it popular with frequent travellers and airline staff.
Does Old Airport have nearby shopping and groceries?
Residents use The Mall on D Ring Road, Lulu Hypermarket D Ring Road and Ansar Gallery Al Mansoura for larger shopping trips, while numerous baqalas, groceries and specialty shops line Old Airport Street and the side roads. Daily essentials are generally available within a short walk or drive.
Are there schools near Old Airport?
Several schools are within easy reach, including Birla Public School in New Salata and The English Modern School in the Al Wakra direction, plus other Indian, Philippine and international schools in neighbouring Al Thumama and Al Hilal. Many families also use school bus services from Old Airport buildings.
How is public transport in Old Airport?
Public buses run along major routes such as D Ring Road and Airport Street, and the nearest Doha Metro access points are around Al Matar Al Qadeem and Oqba Ibn Nafie on the Red Line corridor. Most residents still rely on cars or taxis, using public transport as a supplement.
What is the general atmosphere of Old Airport?
The area feels busy and lived‑in, with commercial activity along the main roads and quieter residential streets behind. It is an everyday neighbourhood with cafeterias, local restaurants, clinics and services, appealing to residents who prioritise practicality and access over high‑end finishes.