Bridget and I booked this weekend in Doha, Qatar last summer. It seemed like an easy getaway. The reality is much different. We left at 2:30 on a Thursday afternoon from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. We chose Dubai airport because the flights were cheaper. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to drive to Dubai,but with traffic it is more like 2 hours as the airport is on the other side of Dubai. Through the group called Abu Dhabi Travelers, Bridget learned of a warehouse near the airport that lets you park there for a fraction of the cost of airport parking. It is a dark eery- looking place, but the friendly attendant drove us from there to the airport, about 15 minutes away.
According to Wikipedia, Dubai International Airport is the world's busiest airport for international passengers. We could see why. The lines for security and immigration were long, but moved steadily. We amused ourselves watching a sneaky man who rudely crossed over several waiting lanes to try to get to the front of the line. No one challenged him, but his moves did not go unnoticed. When he approached the immigration counter, he was surrounded by 3-4 security guards and whisked away. That was the last we saw of him. I guess they wanted to make sure that everyone knew that cutting ahead in line is NOT tolerated.
We finally boarded out plane around 7 p.m. for a short 55 minute flight to Doha.I asked why we didn't drive, but was told we would have to drive through Saudi Arabia and women are not allowed to drive there.
The design of the Hamad International Airport was meant to resemble the waves of the sea.It is also very open and airy.
Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fischer takes center stage in the grand foyer. It is a 23-foot canary yellow teddy bear sculpted from bronze, that sits peacefully inside a lamp. The airport website says."It's a playful piece that humanizes the space around it and reminds travellers of childhood or precious objects from home."
The airport has many restaurants, including the familiar McDonalds.
WE took a taxi and enjoyed the sight of Doha lit up at night.
We finally arrived at the Marriott Marquis Hotel around 8:45- over six hours since we left. We were grateful for the comfortable beds and a good night's sleep.
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