I hadn’t planned on writing a post about this travel day as it only consists of one single flight. However, a lounge visit and the most spectacular sights I have ever seen from a plane window demand that I document this venture. Here is my amazing travel day Muscat to Doha Qatar, one I will never ever forget.
Muscat MCT
Taking my last Otaxi ride, the most affordable way to navigate the city besides public transport, I arrive at Muscat International Airport. I am able to drop my bag off early so I can enter the secure area, relax and enjoy the shopping and lounge. As with everything I have discovered in Muscat, the airport continues to reflect the classy and upscale aesthetics without being garish. A piano player fills the air with the soft and pleasant sounds while shoppers slowly meander. There is no rush here, no one running, no one sleeping on the floors.
PrimeClass Lounge
Having been unable to purchase alcohol over the past month, I have a hankering for a beer. The PrimeClass Lounge seems the perfect place for this. There is one other restaurant in the terminal that serves alcohol but after research, one single bottle of beer there costs a whopping $20! No thank you.
Instead, I use by Dragonpass, pay $32 and enter the lounge. Walking around this vast space there are many seating options, areas and vistas. A game room, sports room, bar area, showers and quiet room are but a few of the amenities to find here.
I locate my spot of choice and head to the bar for a mimosa. Then its to the buffet for fresh cooked eggs and food. What a beautiful selection of simple eats. I have three hours allotted to me, so I take my time and enjoy every minute, and that ice cold beer.
Muscat to Doha
I am travelling on Oman Air, a 737 that is clean and comfortable. Staff are very friendly and before long I am up in the air, waving goodbye to Oman. The flight is short and sweet, around 1.5 hours long. I have chosen a window seat which I always do, on the right side of the aircraft, seat F.
This turns out to be the most fortuitous seat I could have chosen, even if over the wing. As we approach Doha in the late afternoon the lighting is mystical and soft. I spot the coastline and then the beginnings of the city. These come into my view at the rear of the wing, so quite suddenly and by surprise, sliding out from under the white metal canopy.
Doha Approach
Without any knowledge of what the city of Doha actually looks like, and this is exactly why I tend to do very little research now; this is what comes into view. No editing, these photos are what I saw.
I am utterly astonished, my breath actually stopping and I am all but speechless. The most otherworldly view, I feel like I am not landing on earth, but another planet with artificial life.
This is modern day Doha.
Hamad International Airport DOH
Once we touch down, I admit my brain is still in a befuddled state and confused. I cannot make sense of what I have just seen, but its time to disembark. Navigating the arrivals area is straightforward. The line for immigration is long, however it moves fairly quickly. Into the baggage claim and the suitcases arrive in a timely manner and each one is positioned standing up, for ease of removal. This is when I know I have arrived into a unique destination. Those little details make experiences special.
Into the arrivals hall and I see SIM card kiosks a plenty. I have purchased an Airalo eSIM already as I need to catch an Uber to my first hotel. Again, it’s the little things. This is the first airport in all of my travels that actually has excellent signage to direct travellers to the pick-up point for ride apps such as Uber and Badrgo.
I have made it, a beautiful travel day if there ever was one. I have decided on hotels for Doha instead of my usual Airbnb’s. (In hindsight, this is also fortuitous). The price comparison was just too close and the luxury of having a pool and breakfast included in that cost sealed the deal. Welcome to Qatar, lets go explore!
