Hamad International Airport (HIA) is marking one year since the opening of the Orchard, a 6,000sqm indoor tropical garden which has created a space to relax, rejuvenate and recharge, a statement said Tuesday.
It was in November 2022, that HIA unveiled Phase A of its expansion plan, consisting of nine projects, including the Orchard, offering over 65 out of the airport’s 180 world-renowned retail and dining experiences – all harmoniously set against a refreshingly lush green environment.
Designed as a hassle-free environment, the indoor tropical garden unfolds as an oasis of tranquility that allows business travellers to unwind and recharge.
Part of the expansion project also included four new lounges for business travellers - Al Mourjan Business Lounge – the Garden, which recently unveiled its Louis Vuitton Lounge, North Plaza lounges - Al Maha Lounge, Oryx Lounge and Gold and Platinum lounge.
HIA offers unlimited free Wi-Fi so passengers can always stay connected and provides solutions to navigate easily within the expansive terminal. Families can create an itinerary of exploration for their little ones, starting with art installations and activity nodes across the South Plaza of HIA, board the passenger train to connect to the North Plaza and Orchard.
Families also have multiple dining and retail experiences befitting little travellers, such as Hamleys, the first Oreo Café at an airport and two food courts at Orchard.
HIA earlier this year installed several digital wayfinding solutions to assist travellers with information, such as retail and dining options, flight information, attractions and host QR codes to navigate from one point to another, with ease.
Orchard is an architectural wonder with a column free, grid shell roof that controls and filters the light required to maintain the rainforest trees, embodies a sense of calm and serenity. The trees which are the focal point of Orchard vary in size and shape.
HIA is the first airport in the region to achieve Global Sustainability Assessment System Design & Build (GSAS-D&B) 4-Star certifications from Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (Gord), attributed to Orchard, Oryx Garden Hotel, the North Plaza lounges, Al Mourjan Business Lounge - The Garden and the Remote Transfer Baggage Facility.
The GSAS-D&B certification validates that a project is designed and built with special consideration for the environment and helps reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
HIA is constantly reviewing its operations and travel trends, in order to meet and exceed the requirements of travellers and partners.
Phase B of the expansion project will increase the airport capacity to 70mn passengers, with over 95,000sqm in extension of Concourses D and E and new cargo terminal.
A view of the Orchard at HIA.
