Old Airport is a neighborhood in Qatar that is located near the old Doha International Airport, hence the name. It is full of retail shops, establishments, eateries, and supermarkets too. Doha’s Hidden Gem
Old Airport (Arabic: المطار العتيق; Al Matar Al Qadeem) is a significant district in Doha, Qatar. Known for its proximity to Doha’s former international airport (which predated Hamad International Airport), the district has developed a distinctive identity centered around Old Airport Street, also known as Al Matar Al Qadeem Street. The area is bustling with businesses and retailers catering to local residents. Notably, Qatar’s first mall stands here near the busy Najma roundabout.
History:
The area gained prominence in the 1900s with the construction of the original Doha International Airport. However, as municipal officials focused on developing Old Airport during the 1970s, their plans were scaled back due to falling oil prices in the 1980s, and no new master plan has been implemented since.
Administration:
In Qatar’s inaugural Central Municipal Council elections in 1999, Old Airport was designated as the seat of constituency no. 9. Following the 2015 elections, it became the seat of constituency no. 8, which includes several neighborhoods like Ras Abu Aboud, east Nu`ayjah, Al Khulaifat, Al Mirqab, and others.
Old Airport gained significant attention in the 2002 elections when Sheikha Yousuf Hasan Al Jufairi won, becoming the first woman to win a municipal election in the GCC. She retained her seat in the following elections of 2007, 2011, and 2015.
Transport:
- Road: Public transportation in Old Airport is managed by Mowasalat, with bus route 11 linking Al Ghanim Bus Station to key stops like Najma, LuLu Hypermarket, and Old Airport, ultimately ending at Al Thumama.
- Major Roads: The district is well-connected via major routes like D Ring Road, E Ring Road, Airport Street, and Najma Street.
- Air: The nearby Doha International Airport became defunct with the opening of Hamad International Airport in 2014 but is still used for government, military, and diplomatic flights.
- Rail: Old Airport is serviced by two stations on the Doha Metro’s Red Line, inaugurated on May 8, 2019:
- Al Matar Al Qadeem Metro Station: At the intersection of Airport Street and D Ring Road, the station offers pedestrian tunnels, a prayer room, and a Qatar National Bank ATM. Notable nearby landmarks include Old Airport Park and Oryx Rotana Hotel.
- Oqba Ibn Nafie Metro Station: Situated south of Al Matar Al Qadeem Station at the Airport Street–Oqba Ibn Nafie intersection, this station is served by three feeder bus lines:
- M123 (Old Airport and Nuaija)
- M124 (Old Airport)
- M125 (Al Thumama)
Urban Development:
The Qatar National Master Plan (QNMP) positions Old Airport as a crucial “Town Centre,” emphasizing its strategic location between southeast Doha and Al Wakrah. Development strategies include mixed-use office and retail spaces, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and taller buildings along Airport Street. Enhanced pedestrian accessibility is prioritized through the construction of overhead bridges.
Guide to the Old Airport Area in Doha – Doha’s Hidden Gem
Introduction to Old Airport
Situated close to the former Doha International Airport, the Old Airport district is a bustling area in Qatar, characterized by its variety of retail outlets, food places, and large supermarkets.
Location Insights
Geographic Positioning of Old Airport Old Airport is nestled in the southern part of Doha, bordered by Al Hilal to the north, the former Doha International Airport to the east, Al Thumama to the south, and Nuaija to the west.
Dining Destinations
Culinary Hotspots in Old Airport Discover culinary delights on Matar Qadeem Street, a hotspot for food enthusiasts in Old Airport.
Explore more here: Culinary Journey in Old Airport: Matar Qadeem Street Guide!
Grocery Shopping
Supermarkets in Old Airport
- Lulu Hypermarket: Situated on D-Ring Road, open from 8 am to midnight.
- Kens Mini Mart: Found on Yaqoot Al Hamawi Street, operational hours are 7 am to midnight.
- Gulf Food Center and Food Express Supermarket: Both located on Al Matar Al Qadeem Street, with the latter open 24 hours.
- Indian Supermarket and Family Food Centre: Both on Airport Road, with continuous service around the clock for the former and until 1 am for the latter.
- Shoprite: Located on Oqba Ibn Nafie, available from 8 am to 11:20 pm.
Retail Therapy
Shopping Venues in Old Airport Discover a variety of shopping experiences, from The Mall’s extensive offerings to niche outlets like Ansar Gallery, Mosaic Gallery Furniture, and Al Jameel Showroom, among others.
Educational Institutions
Schools and Nurseries in Old Airport Featuring establishments like Educare International Academy, Rising Stars Kindergarten, Montezine Nursery, and several more, the Old Airport area offers a range of educational options.
Healthcare Facilities
Medical Centers in Old Airport The neighborhood provides comprehensive healthcare services with facilities like Airport Health Centre, Aster Hospital, and various specialized clinics and pharmacies. Doha’s Hidden Gem
Places of Worship
Mosques in Old Airport Key religious sites include the Soumayya Oum Ammar Ibn Yassir Mosque and Old Airport Mosque, serving the spiritual needs of the community.
Fitness and Recreation
Gyms and Leisure in Old Airport Fitness centers such as Al Aman Gym and Winner Gym, along with recreational spots like Old Airport Park and Hot Shot Billiard Club Hall & Restaurant, cater to the active and leisurely pursuits of residents.
Beauty and Grooming
Salons in Old Airport A range of beauty salons like Red Salon for Ladies, Infinity Barber Shop, and several others offer grooming and wellness services.
Currency Exchange Services
Financial Services in Old Airport For currency exchange, establishments like Al Zaman Exchange Co. WLL and Alfardan Exchange provide convenient financial transactions. Doha’s Hidden Gem
Transportation
Navigating Old Airport via Public Transit The Doha Metro’s Red Line serves the Old Airport area, with stations like Oqba Ibn Nafie and Al Matar Al Qadeem facilitating easy access to the neighborhood, complemented by Metro Link bus services for local commuting.
