Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Duty Free (QDF) have announced that they are hosting a variety of unique experiences across the month of Ramadan for the projected four million passengers set to pass through the airport during this period.
One highlight is ‘The Orchard’, an indoor garden that serves as the centerpiece of the airport’s Ramadan transformation. Drawing inspiration from the lunar cycle, the installation encapsulates the essence of the holy month by representing the various phases of the moon, from the initial crescent that signals the start of Ramadan to the final crescent that marks the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.
As passengers move through The Orchard, evolving lights, sculptural forms and interactive features transform the garden pathways into moments of reflection, where the lunar phases are revealed and passengers are invited to engage with the cyclical intention of the holy month.
Calm Majlis-style areas inspired by traditional spaces of gathering across the region have been arranged throughout the lower level of the tropical garden, with ambient lighting.
At sunset, a dedicated lighting experience is activated across the space, shifting the atmosphere to a warm glow that marks the close of the day’s fast and reflects the communal nature of Ramadan evenings.
Thoughtful gatherings
Qatar Duty Free is also providing hospitality offerings that align with the theme, including complimentary Arabic coffee and dates at Iftar, Suhoor pop-ups and special in-restaurant Iftar menus alongside bespoke light installations including lanterns, coffee pots and canons that illuminate the concourse. In-store, passengers are able to discover curated Ramadan collections and giftsets across fashion, beauty and confectionary.
Garangao celebrations
On the 14th night of Ramadan, the airport will host traditional Qatari Garangao festivities, celebrating community and marking the halfway point of the month of fasting. In Souq Al Matar and across the terminal, passengers will be able to discover cultural activations including Sadu weaving, bisht tailoring, henna artistry and falconry, and children will fill the space with traditional Garangao songs while sweets are distributed by airport staff.
The airport and retailer’s Ramadan campaign, titled ‘For Moments Like These’ – which tells the story of an intrepid young boy who sets out from home, bag in hand, to meet his father at the airport just in time to sit down and break their fast together – focuses on the values of intention and togetherness during the holy month.
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