On Tuesday May 27th 2014, Qatar’s new airport, Hamad International Airport will become fully operational and welcome Qatar Airways, the national carrier, to its new home.

HIA, the world’s newest international hub, is located five kilometres away from the existing Doha International Airport and will cater to a capacity of 28 million passengers per year, increasing to 50 million passengers a year when the facility is fully operational.

The result of a $15.5 billion investment, the progressive new development will transform the experience of arriving into Qatar, providing some of the best passenger amenities worldwide.

Modern in design, the 600,000 square metre passenger terminal features arched columns providing generous natural light, and walls adorned with works of art which have been commissioned specifically for the state-of-the-art project. 

The airport’s numerous amenities include a gallery of luxury retail outlets and diverse restaurants, children’s play and rest areas, and a mosque.

For those looking to stay close the airport, HIA will be home to two five-star hotels each with 100 rooms and a health spa.  Passengers can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi on offer throughout the terminal complex.

The project is the latest in a line of new developments in Qatar as global investment in the country soars and the travel experience continues to strengthen for both leisure and business arrivals. 

After a stress free and comfortable arrival into HIA, there are abundant activities in Qatar to ensure a jam-packed stay in the Gulf country.

With coastline, dunes, year-round sun, great shopping and varied hotels as well as a packed calendar of sporting events, the destination has plenty for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation alike.

The country is undergoing a sustained period of growth.

In addition to HIA, Qatar is investing $20 billion on tourism infrastructure projects including the new Doha Metro which will be one of the most advanced rail transit systems in the world when it becomes operational in 2016, extensive hotel development, and new projects including Musheireb and Lusail City which will see additional accommodation, shops and entertainment options.

By 2022 most of the major international hotel brands will have a presence in Qatar and the number of individual hotel properties is set to increase from the current level of 80 to more than 200, providing over 85,000 hotel rooms.

Upcoming hotel openings include leisure-specific luxury properties such as the Anantara Doha Island Resort and Spa and Marsa Malaz Kempinski - The Pearl, Doha, both providing iconic waterfront settings and scheduled to open in late 2014.

No stay in Qatar would be complete without sampling the traditional Arabic culture of the nation.  With awe-inspiring architecture and a collection of museums, Qatar is fast establishing itself as the cultural hub of the Middle East.

From browsing the art works at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring one of the world’s largest collections of artwork, to rummaging in the Souq Waqif for traditional treasures, enjoying a world-class sporting event, and finishing off with a 4x4 ride in the desert, Qatar offers numerous itineraries for travellers of all tastes.