Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has opened its latest store and café, In-Q by Qatar Museums (QM), giving passengers in Hamad International Airport (HIA) a travel retail experience that is exclusive to the Middle East and offers an insight into the diverse arts and culture of Qatar.
By visiting the In-Q Gift Shop at QDF, customers who have enjoyed a visit to Qatar’s world-class museums while in Doha can now choose from a wide selection of souvenirs, replicas, books, jewellery and apparel to take home as gifts and mementos, while those passengers transiting through HIA will have the opportunity to learn about Qatar, its culture and museums, according to a statement.
Passengers looking to sample Qatari hospitality can experience a range of culinary delights at the In-Q Café, including breakfast options, light meals and snacks, all inspired by international and regional cuisine, the statement adds.
Popular menu items include salmon bagel, shanklish or healthy salad, or begin their journey with baked goods, including a pineapple saffron roll, together with a special iced tea or soda and fresh coffee.
Keith Hunter, senior vice-president at QDF, said: “The opening of the In-Q Gift Shop has been eagerly anticipated by Qatar Duty Free as an additional opportunity to share Qatari culture and heritage with our customers through a range of creative and inspiring products. The In-Q Café provides further variety to our extensive food and beverage offering.”
Phil Lawrie, chief commercial officer at QM, said: “Qatar Museums is delighted to extend the In-Q brand, which debuted in Harrods in London, to the world-class and prestigious environs of Hamad International Airport.”
The combined 444sq m store and café, designed by Patricia Urquiola, is situated in the main atrium of the airport’s departures concourse. The unified areas are characterised by hexagonal texture flooring, a three-dimensional ceiling and mix of copper varnished metal, old grey oak, back-painted glass and Rosa Portogallo marble.
Geometric furniture completes the modern vibe set by precious coffee-tables produced in corian material, paired with comfortable enveloping armchairs, padded benches and chairs leading towards the airport’s public areas, which aim to provide passengers with a fresh, abstract space in the heart of HIA, the statement notes.