25. March 2025
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Qatar Airways First Class from Doha (DOH) and Al Safwa First Class Lounge

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Al Safwa First Class Lounge Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)
5

Rating

 5.0/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Great First Class services
  • Amazing and breathtaking Al Safwa Lounge
  • Great dining options in the lounge

My October 2024 trip, featuring multiple flights and airlines from Germany to Jakarta, came with one major highlight. Qatar Airways does not offer Business Class on most of their connections to from Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha to GCC state destinations, but flags them as First Class. This comes with some nice perks, including additional frequent traveler miles and access to the First Class facilities. In this review, I share my experience flying with them – including the legendary Al Safwa First Class Lounge. As part of my ticket, I had flights from Qatar to and from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)

 

 

Qatar Airways First Class Services at Hamad International Airport (DOH)

The outstanding First Class experience already begins when you arrive (by car) at Hamad International Airport (DOH). When I arrived there by Uber, a concierge came to the car and loaded my suitcase on a luggage cart, joining me to the First Class Check-in facilities. They are located within the same terminal, but have a different entrance. After you passed the doors into the building, First Class passengers head right, while Business Class guests are checked in on the left side. For the First Class guests, at least, there are numerous counters, which rather look like a hotel reception desk, which process the check-in. After the very pleasant experience, you can head right on and pass security before having an escalator right to the Al Safwa Lounge.

First Class Bus

If you arrive or depart from a apron position, First Class guests receive a very special treatment. There is a transfer bus exclusively for that class. The seats are actually fantastic and leave a touch of luxury even before or after you had the exclusive flight experience. In contrast to Lufthansa, for example, there is no private shuttle from the lounge to the gate or the plane in Qatar Airways First Class. You have to go to the gates by yourself

At arrivals, you initially join the crowds, either via the gates or by bus. However, regardless whether you transfer or arrive in Qatar, there are exclusive immigration / transfer facilities for Business Class and First Class Guests. The list of lounges offered in Doha, which is given after security, is truly impressing.

 

Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge

A real highlight of flying First Class from the new airport of Doha is, of course, the Al Safwa Lounge. Let me take you into this magnificent world of airport lounge luxury.

 

Location & Access

You either access the lounge from the first class check-in facilities I showed you above or from the central airside shopping area of the terminal. Escalators take you up to the Al Safwa Lounge, which is above the lively terminal area and thus very quietly located. If you come from the terminal area, your boarding pass gets checked already at the bottom of the way up to the exclusive waiting area.

The lounge can exclusively be used by Qatar Airways First Class passengers and First Class passengers of oneworld partners. Qatar Airways Privilege Platinum members, who travel in business class, are also invited. There are multiple other lounges, e.g. for oneworld Emerald members. Some fares may be excluded. The lounge is open daily, 24 hours.

 

Atmosphere

Especially if you arrive from check-in, the atmosphere of the Al Safwa Lounge at Hamad International Airport (DOH) is breathtaking. The high ceiling and some pieces of art on some of the walls already leads to a luxurious and lavish impression. Some show cases give some originals from local museums and emphasize the traditions of Qatar. There is another, centrally located reception and help desk. Typically, you are greeted by a member of staff anyway asking you if you need directions. Another eye-catcher is the mixture of a fountain and an artificial waterfall in front of the main restaurant area.

There are numerous seating options. Recliner seats with a small wall around give you a bit of privacy for relaxing. There are other cozy options if you want to have a meeting or a chat with friends. Two main elements of the lounge, however, are the two restaurant. The major one is known for its flourish menu, while the smaller one offered sushi and some other dishes. While you are seated and serviced at the main restaurant, there is partial service in the smaller restaurant with some buffet items on top of that. Large windows allow you exploring what is going on during that time at Qatar’s major airport.

 

Special Rooms and Services

However, there is a large range of rooms for different kinds of needs. Of course, there is a luggage storage and prayer rooms. Families might love the parent’s room with a nursing area as well as having some fun in the games’ room area. The Al Safwa First Class Lounge also offers a designated duty-free, which is majorly focusing on exclusive items. I also loved working in the business center. Computers are provided, but there are also sufficient power facilities to run your own notebook. In that area, though, drinking and eating is not allowed.

Of course, the lounge also offers toilets and showers. The latter are located in the spa area of this place. You can also have some treatments there. They are the only services at the First Class loung, which are not complimentary.

 

The Quiet Space

On the way back to Europe, I had an roughly eight hours layover, overnight, at the airport. During that time, I was gifted to be able to use one of the twelve quiet space rooms. They are like a small hotel room with a bed, a work desk and an own bathroom with showers. Water and necessary amenities in the bathroom are provided. You shall not make noise in the room, e.g. making phone calls or listening to music. Even this part of the Al Safwa First Class Lounge services is complimentary, you may stay in there for up to six hours. The entrance to the facilities is next to the spa area. If there is no room available, the reception there is handling a waiting list. I had a great sleep and a vitalizing shower and thus absolutely loved that part of the lounge.

 

Food & Drink

The food offered at the two restaurants is having a huge global reputation. On my outbound journey, I enjoyed afternoon tea at the restaurant, coming with lovely scones and clotted cream (I just took a selection of the items provided). The smaller restaurant offered sushi and some other dishes. On the return leg, I took a steak, some ice cream and a cheese plate. The service in the restaurants is lovely, the food quality is amazing. Before flying to Belgrade, I had some breakfast snacks at the smaller restaurant, which was absolutely lovely as well. Again, all these items are included in your ticket.

 

Services

As said, the level of service is excellent. The staff is extremely attentive, friendly and helpful. The WiFi in the airport is generally very good and allows you to work.

 

 

Qatar Airways First Class from Abu Dhabi (AUH)

The services on my return flight from Abu Dhabi were much more limited. It felt much more like a business class flight. Nonetheless, of course the experience was good and the inflight experience was excellent.

 

Qatar Airways First Class from Doha (DOH) – My View

Qatar Airways is regarded being one of the best – or maybe the best – airline in the world. If you look at their First Class services at their hub in Doha, there is no doubt about that. The handling is excellent, and the Al Safwa First Class Lounge is an amazing treat. I would even rate it over the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt by Lufthansa.

 

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