(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The Hamad International Airport (HIA) is hosting special festivities for Qatar National Day 2017, sharing pride and joy with Qatari nationals, residents, and all passengers through the 'Gateway to Qatar.
The airport terminal has been decorated for the occasion with the Qatari flag, adornments and the Tamim Al Majd insignia along with other manifestations of Qatar National Day.
The airport has also organised a series of traditional activities, including a Qatari jalsa, a traditional Arabic seating area along with a Polaroid photo booth, providing passengers flying through the HIA 'with a warm and friendly welcome and a glimpse of the national pride, the HIA said in a statement.
The HIA has also partnered with the Ministry of Interior, the General Authority of Customs, the immigration office and Qatar Duty Free to distribute gifts, Arabic coffee, and sweets to the thousands of global passengers travelling through the airport, giving them a taste of the Qatar National Day.
The HIA and the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) joined hands and organised the traditional Ardha (sword dance), performed facing the 'Lamp Bear in the lobby of the Transfers hall.
It was performed by 20 men, in Qatari costumes and armed with traditional swords and daggers, chanting native poetry.
HIA chief operating officer Badr Mohamed al-Meer said: 'The HIA is first and foremost the gateway to Qatar. Qatar National Day is a wonderful opportunity to share our local culture with global passengers by inviting them to take part in the celebrations with festivities organised at every corner of the airport.
'Qatar National Day is one of many examples of HIA's creativity in designing a unique passenger experience.
'We wish joyful celebrations to all our passengers, partners and the residents of Qatar.
In the statement, the HIA stressed that it 'supports the exponential increase in Qatar's capacity to handle the international movement of individuals, goods, capital and the transfer of knowledge and technology.
The airport is a vital element of Qatar National Vision 2030, which sets out the roadmap for a national transition from reliance on hydrocarbon revenues to a diverse, knowledge-based economy.
'From its economic benefits to its design and cultural attractions, this vision constitutes a beacon that guides the economic, social human and environmental development of the country in the coming decades, the statement added.
Last updated: December 18 2017 11:21 PM
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