Hi,

I'm sitting in the Doha airport waiting for my flight - and I just want to give you feedback on above.

I came into Doha late last evening and had the Al Maha arrival service. When entering the arrival hall before immigration and security, there was a sign for QR business/first passenger to the far left. In the middle all other passengers, and to the far right the Al-Maha arrival lounge. I went to the Al-Maha arrival lounge - it seemed the distance was shorter than up to the QR J/F arrival to the far left.

There was 2 staff at first counter who directed me further into the lounge itself where there was sitting 6 staff all eager to "jump" on me for assistance. Handed over my passport to the prettiest one - whom returned a smile so warm to me that my knees started to get buttery. She took me to the counter on the other side of the partition wall where there was sitting a sleepy immigration officer, that seemed to either hate his job or just has been trained to never smile no matter what (and in that case his instructor should get a price, because the officer did a perfect job in not smiling).

Visa on arrival procedure took less than 2 min, incl. payment, visa stamp etc - and the sweet lady then escorted me to the security just on the other side of the door - and that was the end of that relationship.

I have no idea how it will be with QR Business/First arrival lounge - but it was a super easy experience with the Al Maha arrival service, but of course with no queue and with so many staff for just only me - it should be a positive experience.


I left my hotel precisely 1 hour 15min ago for HIA airport. I was dropped at First/Business entrance 1. I had my BP, so went directly to immigration and security. I didn't use the Al Maha service (I think since I came into the entrance 1 - I could get over to the counter which seemed to be barred with a glass wall between Economy entrance 2 and J/F entrance 1.
Anyhow - again, there was no people at all at immigration and security, and I went straight through.

Like pointed out by REMDK, then if travelling J or F - it is waste to book Al Maha service (at least for departure).

Namlakhorn

PS: BTW, this was my first visit to Doha city itself. I had 3 hours sleep - and went out for a morning run along the Corniche... what a great experience, which I warmly recommend!!! I really enjoyed the view, the many people jogging/walking - it was hot (>35degC), so remember to manage your fluid levels.
I'm used to hot humid weather, and I managed to clock 15,3km (if my running watch is correct from Hilton Doha and down to Hilton Double Tree and back). I didn't bring water (due to Ramadan) - and I was dried up when i returned the hotel.... poor minibar got robbed for all liquids.