From January 2024, Qatari retirement card holders will be entitled to discounts of 25% for First and Business class tickets, and 50% for Economy class tickets on all Qatar Airways flights, along with other benefits

Qatar Airways revealed a number of exclusive offers for Qatari retirees who possess retirement cards, as an appreciation for their dedication and hard work during the previous years.

CEO of Qatar Airways Group Engr Badr Mohammed Al Meer said that the offers will be valid starting 2024. Among these is the entitlement to discounted tickets by 25% for first class and business class, and 50% for economy class onboard of all Qatar Airways flights to more than 170 destinations around the world.

It is our pleasure to announce this vast and exclusive package of Qatar Airways flights and QDF benefits to local retirees as a tribute to their dedication and years of hard work and service for this country. Additionally, local retirees will also become lifetime Silver status members of the Qatar Airways Privilege Club, and will be able to enjoy a wonderful range of benefits.

He clarified that Qatari pensioners holders of retirement cards will also be granted discounts up to 20% in the restaurants, cafes and retail stores in Qatar Duty Free.

Director General of the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority Ahmed bin Ali Al Hammadi called on all institutions operating in the country to contribute to such initiatives, which reflect society’s appreciation and praise for the efforts made by retirees throughout their years of service, for the sake of the nation’s advancement.

 

The Qatar Airways Group packages for Qatari retirees is endorsed and directed by the country’s Emir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, showcasing appreciation and support for the national retirees in honour of their years of services to their country.

He pointed out that these discounts come within the framework of the great keenness that the wise leadership attaches to supporting and caring for the retirees and providing them with the necessary support in view of their tireless efforts and dedication in serving this generous nation.

Qatar Airways clarifies that the entitlement will only apply to individual retirees and does not extend to family members. While the discounts are valid for all destinations with no limit on number of flights per year, they cannot be combined with special promotional offers.

Qatar Airways Group said that they will coordinate with State of Qatar’s General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA) to assess eligible individuals.

QDF Unveils Souq Al Matar – A Groundbreaking Twist on Traditional Qatari Heritage and Hospitality

The new offers for Qatar retirees was revealed during a ceremony held by the country’s national carrier, which included the official inauguration of the Traditional Qatari Heritage and Hospitality Souq Al Matar at Hamad International Airport.

Souq Al Matar, with matar being the Arabic word for airport, is a traditional Qatari Souq located in the North Node terminal of HIA, featuring seven shops and two restaurants. The concept was developed in collaboration with award-winning architect Ibrahim M Jaidah, who is renowned for delivering world-class architectural projects in Qatar such as the Al Thumama Stadium. He shared his vision for the design:

With the conceptualisation of Souq Al Matar, my goal was to take guests on a journey through a vibrant and enchanting Souq, much like they would experience when visiting Qatar. Designed with traditional Qatari architecture to evoke a warm and hospitable atmosphere, Souq Al Matar truly immerses passengers in a rich cultural experience. We invite all passengers to visit the Souq to engage in an authentic Qatari encounter while they travel.

Delivering a ‘sense of place’ experience, Souq Al Matar recreates the bustling energy and aesthetics of Qatar’s iconic traditional markets. A dhow boat is also displayed centre-stage, paying homage to the maritime trade which thrived in the country and had a strong association with the markets.

Engr Al Meer said:

Our goal has always been to ensure that the travel experience at Hamad International Airport remains one of the best in the world. Souq Al Matar brings a whole new dimension to passengers, where they can shop, dine, and experience a taste of Qatar without having to leave the airport. We have once again raised the bar of what the airport experience can aspire to be, making it a part of the cultural experience itself, not just a transit hub.

Thabet Musleh, Senior Vice President of QDF, emphasised that Souq Al Matar highlights their commitment to offering not just a wide range of products but also genuinely distinctive experiences.

Throughout the first week of the Souq’s opening, customers can explore a range of captivating cultural experiences showcasing traditional craftsmanship, including live basket-weaving demonstration and Sadu weaving – a traditional practice which combines geometric patterns with vibrant colours which hold cultural motifs. In addition, greeters will welcome guests in traditional Qatari attire, serving Arabic coffee gahwa and dates as serving gahwa and dates signifies hospitality and generosity in the Qatari culture. Visitors can also see skilled artisans tailoring the Bishit – a traditional men’s robe – and Henna artists creating stunning designs on women’s hands. The new attraction is located near Gate C12.

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