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Doha as a destination
Doha is the capital city of the State of Qatar, situated on the Persian Gulf. Doha has evolved from a small pearling and fishing city to a multibillion dollar international business, financial and cultural centre, whilst maintaining traditional values and preserving the country's heritage throughout its growth. This initiative has been inspired and spearheaded by the government and supported by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned.
Doha has achieved significant ambitions across many sectors – specifically political, sporting, educational and cultural endeavours and is repeatedly chosen as a destination for significant international events. Doha's culture is dedicated to limitless hospitality, with evident investment in impressive sporting facilities which serve the elite sporting community. The encouragement of a public appreciation for Islamic and Middle Eastern culture, with works spanning three continents and 13 centuries on offer at the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif showcases the history and vitality of Doha's marketplace. Qatar Tourism Authority is a main source of tourism information for Qatar - (http://www.qatartourism.gov.qa).
Doha offers a wide range of accommodation, with well known global hotel brands catering to all levels of comfort and convenience for business and tourists alike. There are an extremely high calibre of restaurants available with established international chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Guy Savoy on offer.
Transport in Doha is predominantly by car and public transportation via the bus network. Hotels can arrange either a taxi or luxurious limousine to take you to your destination. Most locations in Doha can be reached in 30 minutes, with the peak hours between 7am - 9am and 5pm - 8pm. The main franchise of taxis is called "Karwa" – who provide a metered service which can be pre-booked if required, contact toll free on 4458 8888.
Doha International Airport
Doha International Airport has grown from a regional small capacity airport built in the 1940s to an international airport with an area of 10,053,290 square meters and handling 21 million passengers per year (2012). In the last 3 years, in order to cope with the increased traffic through Doha, the airport has undergone extensive facility upgrades including the construction of a new arrivals terminal, Terminal B for all foreign airlines, an upgraded baggage handling system, additional aircraft stands and the pride of Doha International Airport – the premium terminal for business and first class customers offering five-star service 24 hours a day, 7 days in a week. In 2012, Doha International Airport was able to handle up to 155,671 aircrafts and moved 826,669,094 tonnes of cargo.
Hamad International Airport
From April 1st 2013 Hamad International Airport will open its doors to passengers flying with 10 foreign airlines. These airlines will operate out from concourse B and will be using selected check-in counters. There will be approximately 32 passenger flights departing daily from this airport.
Hamad International Airport is an extensive, modern facility spanning an area of approximately 22 square kilometres, located on mainly reclaimed land approximately four kilometres from the existing Doha International Airport. The airport has been designed specifically for the sky's giant – the Boeing A380 and upon full operational opening, will be capable of providing services to 24 million passengers and 750,000 tonnes of cargo a year. Following further expansion, the airport will double its capacity to 48 million passengers and 2,500,000 tonnes of cargo a year.
The passenger terminal complex, at 590,000 m2, is currently the largest building in Doha. This area has 138 check-in counters and astonishing 25,000 square metres of retail facilities with an unprecedented selection of brands from around the world catering for a whole variety of customers.
Up to 360,000 aircrafts per year can be handled at Hamad International Airport and the eastern runway is 4,850 metres long making it the 7th longest commercial runway in the world.
Hamad International Airport meets the standards of IATA service level A as well as featuring new support infrastructure, all facilities at Hamad International Airport are state of the art and innovative, including the catering facility, cargo facility, baggage handling system and our duty free warehouse with a fully automated commissioning system.
There will be an opportunity for ACI Airport Exchange delegates to exclusively tour the Hamad International Airport facility either through a general tour, or a more specific technical tour of interest such as technology, security, baggage handling or cargo.
