Are you transiting through Hamad International Airport and wondering what to wear at Doha Airport? In this guide we round up all the Doha airport dress code rules for both landside and airside passengers to make sure you are culturally appropriate.
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What you need to know about Doha Airport dress code
Doha airport is a huge transition hub on the kangaroo route and is also very popular for passengers transiting to Asia to places such as Thailand and to Africa.
As such not everyone traveling through Qatar airport will actually be going landside and may not even be considering Qatar has a dress code. However Qatar does indeed have a dress code (read more about what to wear in Doha here).
The main difference I will say will depend whether you are staying airside or going landside.
Airside means that all you are doing is staying in the airport terminal and never actually clearing customs and immigration.
Landside means that you are clearing customs and immigration, and will be collecting your checked bags. Once you have cleared customs you are no longer in the airport but are in Qatar and are therefore subject to regular Qatar dress code rules which require modesty and conservative attire.
Therefore if you are staying airside you don’t have to be as strict in your dress code as those who go landside however I would urge you to dress conservatively.
Even if all you are doing is staying airside, many Qatar and other Gulf residents will be using the airport too. Qatar and its neighbouring countries are conservative Muslim countries that have a dress code therefore it will be more respectful and appropriate to dress more modestly.
The general rule for the Qatar dress code for both men and women is
- Keep your shoulders covered
- Keep your knees covered
- Nothing overly revealing.
I would advise trying to stick to these above rules in when in Doha airport.
What to wear at Doha Airport
The thing to consider about what to wear at Doha Airport is that whatever you are wearing is likely to be what you wear on the plane. Therefore I recommend you picking something comfy.
It is worth noting that Qatar is often a transit spot for hot weather countries but also has fierce air conditioning. Therefore your outfit for Doha airport should have layers to deal with hot and cold conditions.
Comfy trousers
I personally like to wear a loose fitting pair of trousers such as this oin a flight as they are comfy for long distances
T shirt or blouse
Again depending on where you are going and if you are trying to look smart to try and wangle an upgrade I recommend a nice t shirt or blouse.
Pashmina
This is great for modesty but also is a great added extra layer. I will often wear a pashmina like a scarf and then switch it to a wrap for when I get chilly on a plan.
Slip on Shoes
My preference whenever I am traveling is ease slip on slip off shoes such as sneakers without laces.
FAQs about what to wear in Qatar Airport
Is there a dress code for Qatar Airlines
As far as I am aware there is no official dress code for Qatar Airlines. However there are a few things to consider
- There will be lots of Qataris and Gulf residents on Qatar airlines flights. Therefore to be respectful and considerate I would advise wearing something modest.
- Do not wear anything with offensive graphics or slogans as you may be asked to cover these up before boarding.
Also I have been lucky enough to get a business or first class upgrade on Qatar airways flights. If you are trying to do the same I would say the dress code for Qatar Airways is smart casual.
I don’t think if you were overly casual then you would get an upgrade on Qatar Airways but I may be wrong – if you have been upgraded by Qatar airways please leave a comment with your dress code.
Can I wear shorts in Qatar Airport?
There is no rule in Qatar generally that says you can’t wear shorts only that your knees must be covered. This applies to both men and women.
Although I haven’t found this codified anywhere on the Qatar Airways website I would say this would be good advice to answer the question as to weather you can wear shorts in Qatar Airport.
What is not allowed in Qatar Airport?
Aside from the clothing rules please note that there are many other thigns nt allowed at Qatar Airport for instance importing drugs, alcohol, books and religious texts are a big no no.
Please be sure to check the Hamad Airport website or your government website about for a full breakdown of what is not allowed in Qatar Airport.
What to wear at other Middle Eastern Airports?
If you are looking for the dress code at other Middle Eastern Airports or if you are visiting other countries in the region be sure to check out our wondering what to wear in the Middle East post which offers a helpful country comparison. countries where the main religion is Islam do be sure to check out the below guides.
Have you been to Doha Airport what did you wear? What advice would you give people who are transiting through Qatar Airport?