Friday, 20 June 2025
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What to Do When You've Lost Something at Hamad International Airport

From Lost to Found: A Guide to Recovering Your Items
Published: Monday, April 21, 2025
What to Do When You've Lost Something at Hamad International Airport

Thank you for choosing to travel through Hamad International Airport (HIA)! We understand how distressing it can be to misplace personal belongings, and our dedicated Customer Service Team is committed to helping you recover any lost items. The Lost Property Office is your go-to resource for registering lost belongings, addressing inquiries, and facilitating the retrieval of items that may have been lost within the Passenger Terminal Complex.

Items Lost on Flights

If you believe you’ve left an item on a Qatar Airways flight, please take the following steps:

  • For Qatar Airways Flights: Click the link provided on our website for quick assistance. Alternatively, you can send an email detailing your situation to Click here. Be sure to include your flight number, date of travel, and a description of the lost item to expedite the process.

  • For Other Airlines: If your item was lost on a flight operated by another airline, please contact Qatar Aviation Services (QAS) Lost and Found by emailing [email protected]. They will guide you through the necessary steps to locate your belongings.

Items Lost Inside the Passenger Terminal

For items misplaced within the terminal, we recommend the following:

  • In-Person Assistance: Visit the nearest HIA Information Desk where our friendly staff can provide immediate help and guidance.

  • Outside the Airport: If you are currently off airport premises, you can reach out directly to the HIA Lost Property Office by clicking on the 'Contact Us' link on our website or by emailing Click here. When you do, please provide a comprehensive description of the lost item, which should include:

    1. Brand/Model and Color: This helps us identify the item more accurately.
    2. Flight Number and Date: Include the specific flight you were on when the item was lost.
    3. Time and Location: Mention the approximate time and specific area (like a terminal zone or specific gate) where the item was last seen.
    4. Photographic Evidence: If possible, attach a photo of the item to assist our staff in identifying it swiftly.

Important Information

Hamad International Airport is authorized to assist with inquiries regarding items lost within the airport's premises. Our Lost Property Office operates with specific policies regarding the handling of lost items:

  • Retention Period: Items submitted to the Lost Property Office will be retained for up to 30 days. This duration varies based on the category of the item.

  • Post-Retention Policy: After the retention period, unclaimed items may be donated to charitable organizations. Unfortunately, these items will not be available for retrieval after being donated.

  • Liability Disclaimer: The airport does not accept liability for any items lost or left behind within its premises. We encourage all travelers to keep personal belongings secure and to report any lost items promptly.

Retention Policies by Item Category

Direct Disposal:

    • Items that fall under this category will be disposed of immediately and include excess baggage, perishables, and dangerous goods.

7-Day Policy:

    • This includes items like neck pillows, water tumblers, unbranded clothing, caps, toys, umbrellas, walking sticks, wheelchairs, and Zamzam water. These items will only be held for a week before being discarded or donated.

30-Day Policy:

    • Precious Metals and Gems: Items such as gold, silver, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds.
    • Transaction Cards and Cash: This includes credit and debit cards and currency (excluding loose petty cash).
    • Official Documents: Items like IDs, passports, driving licenses, and other important documents.
    • Electronic Items: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, headsets, smartwatches, power banks, SIM cards, card adapters, and world adapters fall into this category.
    • Miscellaneous: Luxury or branded clothing items are also retained for 30 days.

Additional Tips 

  • Keep Important Items Together: Use a designated pouch or bag for crucial items like passports, wallets, and electronics to minimize the risk of losing them.

  • Label Your Belongings: Attach tags or labels with your contact information to bags and valuable items, making it easier for staff to return them if found.

  • Use Tracking Devices: Consider using Bluetooth trackers for high-value items like luggage and electronics, so you can locate them easily.

  • Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to where you place your belongings, especially in busy areas like lounges, cafes, and boarding gates.

  • Review Security Footage: If you lose something near a security checkpoint, request to review footage; staff may assist in identifying where the item was left.

  • Know Where to Go: Familiarize yourself with the layout of the airport and the locations of information desks and the Lost Property Office.

  • Keep Digital Copies: Maintain digital copies of important documents (like your passport and IDs) on your phone or in a secure cloud service for easy access.

  • Travel Insurance: Consider getting travel insurance that covers lost belongings, providing peace of mind during your travels.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. The goal of Hamad International Airport is to help you recover your lost items as efficiently as possible. Your continued trust in Hamad International Airport is greatly appreciated!

Emirates unveils adorable new in-flight giveaways

Published: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Emirates unveils adorable new in-flight giveaways

As families prepare for the busy school holiday travel season, Emirates is introducing an exciting new collection of toys and amenities designed especially for young travelers. With around one million children expected to fly with the airline this summer, Emirates is set to delight its youngest passengers with free bags, plush toys, and collectible items tailored to different age groups.

The new kids’ kits feature a variety of themes, including football, tennis, basketball, sailing, golf, horse riding, cycling, cricket, rugby, music, and literature. These thoughtfully designed kits include essential items and boredom-busting toys, made from sustainable materials and safety-certified to ensure a worry-free experience for parents.

For babies and infants up to two years old, the kits include a reusable changing mat, Naif nurturing cream, cleansing wipes, a wipe-clean bib, a spoon that doubles as a teether, a soothing vibrating plush toy that can be attached to a seat or stroller, and a collectible cozy blanket to keep little ones comfortable and entertained.

Children aged three to six receive a special themed backpack to keep their favorite belongings safe during travel. Options include a literature-inspired Tiny Treasures backpack, an adventure backpack, a football backpack, or a tennis crossbody backpack. These kits also come with the in-flight Fly with Me magazine, which now features collectible character cards, coloring pages, puzzles, and other engaging travel activities.

For kids aged seven to twelve, Emirates offers stylish bags from its latest lifestyle collection, including a collectible Big City crossbody bag, an explorer backpack, and a Training Day duffle bag. These kits are complemented by activity packs and headphones designed to keep older children entertained throughout the flight.

In addition to the onboard offerings, Emirates has made its Little Travellers’ collection available for purchase online. The range includes colorful caps, t-shirts, beach day lunch bags, water bottles, pencil cases, keyrings, and activity books. For young aviation enthusiasts, the airline offers cabin crew and pilot uniforms for children aged one to ten, as well as onesies for babies up to 18 months.

Emirates’ commitment to family-friendly travel is further reflected in its priority boarding, dedicated check-in areas, and specially designed play zones in airport lounges, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for both children and their parents. With over 250 kids’ movies and TV shows, music, and up to 100 games available through the inflight entertainment system, young travelers are sure to have a memorable and fun-filled experience this summer.

Qatar Airways teams up with Chef Yannick Alléno to elevate inflight dining and lounge cuisine

Published: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Qatar Airways teams up with Chef Yannick Alléno to elevate inflight dining and lounge cuisine

Qatar Airways is elevating its culinary offerings through an exciting partnership with renowned French chef Yannick Alléno, whose 19 restaurants across seven countries have collectively earned 17 Michelin stars. This collaboration brings Alléno’s modern French cuisine to both inflight menus and premium lounge dining experiences.

First and Business Class passengers traveling on select flights between Paris and Doha will be the first to savor Alléno’s specially crafted inflight menus. These feature “ingredient-led cooking” and innovative techniques such as fermentation, reflecting the chef’s dedication to culinary artistry and innovation.

On the ground, Alléno’s acclaimed Pavyllon restaurant, known for its locations in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London, will make its airside debut inside Qatar Airways’ First Class Lounge at Doha Hamad International Airport. The lounge restaurant will mirror the Pavyllon concept with counter seating facing an open kitchen, offering guests an immersive dining experience akin to a live culinary performance.

Qatar Airways’ lounges at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will also showcase a selection of exclusive creations by Alléno, though specific details have yet to be announced.

Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways’ Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to innovation and excellence, stating, “Chef Yannick Alléno one of the most celebrated names in global gastronomy represents a benchmark for excellence that reflects our shared passion for innovation, sophistication, and the art of hospitality.”

This partnership aligns with a growing trend among airlines to collaborate with award-winning chefs to enhance the onboard and lounge dining experience. For example, Air France recently teamed up with Daniel Boulud to create dishes for its La Première and Business Class passengers on flights departing the US, with the rollout starting in July.

Qatar Airways continues to set new standards in luxury travel by combining world-class gastronomy with exceptional service, ensuring that passengers enjoy unforgettable dining experiences both in the air and on the ground.

Emirates Unveils First World Store in Singapore, Setting New Standard for Premium Travel Shopping

Published: Tuesday, May 06, 2025
Emirates Unveils First World Store in Singapore, Setting New Standard for Premium Travel Shopping

Emirates has officially launched its first Emirates World retail store in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s 35-year presence in the city-state and signaling a bold new direction in travel retail.

Located at Odeon 333, just across from the iconic Raffles Hotel, the 330-square-meter store is designed as a warm, open-plan, lounge-like environment, featuring Emirates’ signature light and contemporary color palette with motifs inspired by the UAE’s national Ghaf Tree.

The store brings together expert travel planning and a premium shopping experience. Four dedicated customer service counters are staffed by knowledgeable consultants who provide tailored travel advice, exclusive fare deals, and detailed product demonstrations. Visitors can book flights, plan holidays, and receive personalized recommendations-all in a welcoming, relaxed setting.

A key highlight is the interactive First Class Suite installation, available exclusively in Singapore, allowing guests to step inside and experience the luxury of Emirates’ award-winning in-flight environment, complete with plush leather seats, ambient lighting, and privacy doors. The store also features smart technology, such as a ‘selfie mirror’ that lets travelers snap pictures against scenic destination backdrops.

Emirates is also introducing a curated selection of eco-conscious products, including upcycled travel pouches and document holders, reflecting the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Guests are welcomed with freshly brewed coffee, reinforcing Emirates’ hallmark hospitality on the ground.

The grand opening was attended by Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, alongside representatives from the UAE Embassy and Changi Airport Group, underscoring the strategic importance of Singapore as a hub for Emirates in Southeast Asia. In 2024 alone, Emirates carried over 800,000 passengers between Singapore and Dubai, operating four daily flights to Dubai and beyond, plus a daily service to Phnom Penh.

This store is the first of more than 40 planned worldwide as part of a S$35 million investment, positioning Emirates as a leader in premium, high-touch retail experiences that blend technology, personalization, and luxury. The new Emirates World store is set to redefine how travelers engage with the airline, offering a seamless, informative, and immersive space that brings the ‘Fly Better’ promise to life both in the air and on the ground.

Strategic Implications and Explanation

The Emirates World store is more than just a physical sales channel; it is a strategic move to deepen engagement with high-value travelers in a digital age. By combining personal service, interactive technology, and exclusive experiences, Emirates aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market and collect valuable customer insights for tailoring future offerings.

The investment in physical retail, alongside digital integration, allows Emirates to create a consistent and elevated brand experience across all touchpoints, ensuring that travelers receive the same level of care and luxury whether they are booking online or in person.

This initiative also positions Emirates to capitalize on the growing demand for experiential retail, where customers value face-to-face interactions and immersive experiences, especially when planning significant journeys. The store’s success could influence the broader travel industry, encouraging a renewed focus on high-touch, personalized customer service in the premium segment.

Qatar Airways

Behind the Glamour: The Strict Standards of Qatar Airways Cabin Crew

Elegance Under Pressure: The Demands and Rewards of Flying for Qatar Airways
Published: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Behind the Glamour: The Strict Standards of Qatar Airways Cabin Crew

Qatar Airways is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading luxury airlines, known not only for its exceptional service and modern fleet but also for the exceptionally high standards it demands from its cabin crew. Behind the airline’s polished image lies a comprehensive set of strict rules and regulations that govern every aspect of cabin crew members’ professional appearance, behavior, and lifestyle.

These rigorous policies, some of the most stringent in the aviation industry, are designed to maintain the airline’s prestigious reputation and ensure a consistently flawless experience for passengers around the globe.

Strict Grooming and Appearance Guidelines

Qatar Airways enforces highly detailed grooming standards to uphold its reputation as a premium airline. Female cabin crew are required to wear full-coverage foundation and concealer, matte blush without shimmer, and lipstick or nail polish in specific shades such as deep pink, red, or burgundy to align with the company’s brand image.

Skincare is emphasized, with crew trained to use long-lasting, durable makeup products to maintain a flawless look during long-haul flights. Male crew members must be clean-shaven, with neatly trimmed mustaches above the lip line; beards and visible gray hair are prohibited, and bald spots must be concealed.

Hair Styling Requirements

Female crew members must style their hair in low buns secured with hairnets and scrunchies, and only natural hair colors are permitted. Male crew are expected to maintain a neat hairstyle using grooming products like wax or clay, avoiding any greasy or overly styled looks.

Uniform Regulations

The airline maintains strict uniform policies:

  • Crew must carry spare uniforms on every flight to address any unexpected incidents.

  • Jewelry is limited to simple stud earrings and wedding rings with embedded stones for safety reasons; men are generally limited to wearing watches.

  • Female crew must wear matte, skin-tone-matched stockings.

  • Only mild fragrances are allowed to prevent discomfort to passengers.

Lifestyle and Conduct Rules

  • Crew members live in company-provided accommodation monitored by electronic keycards and subject to unannounced checks.
  • The pre-flight curfew has recently been shortened from 12 to 9 hours, with a 90-minute allowance for leaving the accommodation during this time.

  • Sharing photos in uniform or depicting alcohol or cigarettes on social media is strictly forbidden.

  • Visitors of the opposite sex were traditionally restricted to visiting hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., with mandatory registration.

  • Alcohol, tobacco, and pork products are banned in crew living quarters.

Recent Policy Adjustments

Qatar Airways has relaxed certain rules in recent times:

  • Overnight curfews on days off have been lifted, allowing greater personal freedom.

  • Pregnant cabin crew can now transition to ground-based roles instead of being forced to resign.

  • The requirement to obtain CEO approval for marriage after five years of service has been simplified.

Recruitment and Benefits

The airline is highly selective, accepting only about 6–8% of applicants. Candidates must meet physical requirements such as a minimum arm reach of 212 cm, be fluent in English, and relocate to Doha. Benefits include company-provided housing, international medical insurance, and discounted travel opportunities worldwide.

Operational Procedures

During flights, crew adjust their uniforms according to service phases: wearing blazers during boarding and switching to blue “dining jackets” during meal service. Female crew carry secure handbags containing makeup kits and manuals, all protected by passcodes.

Cultural Distinctions

Unlike many Western airlines that have relaxed uniform and grooming policies, Qatar Airways maintains traditional, highly polished standards to reinforce its five-star luxury image. Every detail, from nail polish color to sock styles, is carefully regulated to ensure a consistent and upscale passenger experience.

Compensation and Discipline

Starting salaries for new cabin crew are approximately QR 3,300 (around $900), rising to QR 3,750 after six months, with additional hourly allowances for flight time. The airline enforces strict discipline: arriving even five minutes late to accommodation curfews can lead to warnings, and repeated infractions may result in termination.

Training and Compliance Checks

New recruits receive intensive training led by grooming officers, covering makeup application, hairstyling, and uniform standards. Pre-flight inspections ensure all crew meet the airline’s exacting appearance and conduct requirements.

By balancing these rigorous standards with recent reforms, Qatar Airways continues to ensure its cabin crew embody the elegance, professionalism, and precision that define its global reputation as a leader in luxury air travel.

Dubai Airports Elevates Accessible Travel with Autism-Friendly Initiatives

Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Dubai Airports Elevates Accessible Travel with Autism-Friendly Initiatives

Dubai Airports has set a new global standard for accessible travel by rolling out a comprehensive suite of autism-friendly services and training initiatives across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). As the world’s first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), DXB has embedded autism-inclusive practices at every level of the passenger journey.

A cornerstone of these efforts is the launch of the Assisted Travel Lounge at Terminal 2, a pioneering facility designed to offer a calm, sensory-friendly environment for People of Determination (POD), including travelers with autism and hidden disabilities. This lounge, developed in partnership with dnata, is part of a multi-million-dirham program that will expand to other terminals, providing specialized assistance, quiet zones, and dedicated support for families.

Dubai Airports has also prioritized human connection by equipping 45,000 employees—including frontline staff, airport partners, customs officials, and airline personnel—with IBCCES-accredited autism awareness and sensory sensitivity training.

This training, which has increased by 36% year-on-year, ensures that staff can recognize and appropriately respond to the needs of neurodiverse travelers, reducing anxiety and fostering a supportive environment throughout the airport. Guest Experience Ambassadors, easily identified by Sunflower pins, are stationed at key touchpoints to offer informed assistance to those with hidden disabilities.

To further streamline the travel experience, Dubai Airports offers a range of practical services: complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxis, wheelchair support, and priority lanes for Sunflower Lanyard holders. The DXB Travel Planner, an online visual guide, helps families prepare for their journey, while the airport’s Autism Friendly Route ensures a smoother passage through check-in, passport control, and security.

These initiatives are part of Dubai’s broader ambition to become a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), supported by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The airport’s efforts have led to increased guest satisfaction, positive feedback from the autism community, and international recognition, including the Airports Council International (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation.

Through its “We All Meet the World Differently” campaign and ongoing collaboration with local and international advocacy groups, Dubai Airports continues to champion neurodiversity, ensuring that every traveler—regardless of ability—feels welcomed, respected, and supported from arrival to departure.