Qatar Duty Free has unveiled several experiences for Ramadan in the core retail space.
Qatar Duty Free
Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the retail operator at Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), has put together a series of experiences based around hospitality and heritage to complement Ramadan—when fasting and spiritual reflection are uppermost in the minds of Muslim travelers. The initiative has landed just as the region becomes embroiled in another conflict which could have short- or long-term impacts (more below).
Ramadan began on February 18, coincidentally the same date this year as the start of Lent in the Christian calendar. The month is the holiest and most spiritually significant part of the Islamic year. Hamad Airport expects to host “over four million passengers” from around the world during the month, and QDF has created what it describes as “moments of reflection and connection” throughout the holy month.
The centerpiece of the Ramadan transformation is in The Orchard, the airport’s tranquil indoor garden that is surrounded by an array of luxury stores from Dior and Fendi to Bottega Veneta and Giorgio Armani. Drawing inspiration from the lunar cycle, the installation encapsulates the essence of the holy month. The various phases of the moon are represented from the initial crescent that signals the start of Ramadan to the final one that marks the celebration of Eid al‑Fitr (and the end of fasting).
As passengers move through The Orchard—which has been a key to DOH’s many award wins—lights, sculptural forms, and other elements give travelers time to pause and contemplate. Calm majlis-style areas are arranged at the lower level with ambient lighting. At sunset, the experience shifts to a warm glow, marking the close of the day’s fast.
Passengers will see a striking illuminated concourse at Hamad Airport during Ramadan.
Hamad Airport
Important cultural cues
Qatar Duty Free has arranged for complimentary Arabic coffee and dates at Iftar (the post-fast meal), and special in-restaurant Iftar menus have been created. Passengers will also find suhoor (pre-dawn meal) pop-ups in the terminal.
Elsewhere, bespoke light installations including lanterns, coffee pots, and cannons illuminate the concourse, and the Souq al Matar retail area is lit up with crescent moons. In-store, passengers can find Ramadan-specific collections and gift sets in categories like fashion, beauty, and confectionery.
On the 14th night of Ramadan, the airport is planning Qatari Garangao children’s festivities to mark the halfway point of fasting. In Souq Al Matar and across the terminal, there will be cultural activities including Sadu weaving, bisht tailoring, henna artistry, and falconry—with sweets distributed by airport staff.
All these different elements are designed to offer travelers added comfort when moving through the airport at a holy time of the year. While the spending element is important, it is taking a back seat to passenger services.
Lit up: Souk al Matar is expected to be a big draw.
Qatar Duty Free
Unfortunate timing
Hamad’s four-million figure for the month was estimated before Iran’s retaliatory strikes on February 28 in response to being bombed jointly by the U.S. and Israel. One of the Iranian strikes targeted the American Al Udeid Air Base located near Doha, which has not had extensive damage, according to reports. However, the proximity of the base and uncertainty around the renewed conflict in the region will impact traffic in March.
Six hours ago, Hamad Airport said on X: “Our flight operations continue to be suspended due to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace. We are working closely with our airline partners and government authorities to support those affected.”
Nearby Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates, the world’s busiest air gateway, was hit. Its operator, Dubai Airports confirmed that a concourse at DXB “sustained minor damage in an incident which was quickly contained.” Four staff sustained injuries. At the time of writing, flight operations were suspended at both DXB and Al Maktoum International airports in Dubai.
In 2025, Hamad International handled 54.3 million passengers, up by 3%, and it set a new monthly record for traffic in August with five million passengers. Ramadan is a traffic and sales driver in Q1 when the Qatari gateway’s numbers are fairly moderate. According to UAE data from card payment company Visa, transactions on dining and shopping peak toward the end of Ramadan, with retail taking 32% of spend, and dining and food another 25%.