Hamad International Airport Wins 'Best Airport in the Middle East' by Global Traveler Awards

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has been voted as the "Best Airport in the Middle East" at the Global Traveler's GT Tested Reader Survey Awards in Los Angeles. The award recognises outstanding performance and customer service displayed by airports across the world.

HIA took the lead among top international airports including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport ranking second and third respectively in the newest category for the best airport in the Middle East.

The 14^th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards ceremony took place at The Peninsula, Beverly Hillson the 12^th of December recognising HIA's efforts in delivering the highest standard of service to its passengers. Winners were chosen through an open-ended reader survey voted by global travellers.

Commenting on the award, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA, stated: "We are honoured to receive the "Best Airport in the Middle East" award, which recognises our state-of-the-art facilities and 5 star services. As we work hard towards our target to welcome 50 million passengers, HIA will continue to invest in cutting-edge innovative solutions and in creating the most memorable travel experience for our passengers."

Mr. Francis X. Gallagher, Publisher and CEO - Global Traveler said: "A big congratulations to Hamad International Airport for its first-ever win in our GT Tested Reader Survey awards. The 2017 Best Airport in the Middle East is also one of the best in the world, and travelers can rest assured a trip through DOH will be easy, efficient, first-rate and bursting with options and amenities for even the most discerning travelers. We're sure we'll see the airport on this elite list of winners again."

The bilateral relations between Qatar and the United States have strengthened over the years. In the aviation sector specifically, recent data shows that Qatar Airways has made a robust $91.8bn investment in the American economy through the purchase of its 332 American-made aircraft. The award-winning airline also directly supports 123,000 American jobs and flies 3.1 million visitors to the US annually, these visitors have helped pump an estimated $4bn into the US economy in 2016 alone.

Arts have also played a significant role in enhancing relations between the two countries. HIA, in collaboration with Qatar Museums, has been giving passengers the opportunity to engage with a selection of art pieces created by reputed American artists, such as Keith Haring, Bill Viola, Tom Otternes. HIA and Qatar Museums are also in the process of installing a new art piece called 'Small Lie' by KAWS, the well-known pop artist from New Jersey.

HIA is currently a candidate for the "Best Airport in the World" award by Skytrax which also classified it as a five-star airport in 2017, making it one among only five other airports in the world to achieve this prestigious status.