By: Marisa Mariza-Katz
October/November 2008
As you may have heard, on the sandy shores of the Persian Gulf, several petroleum-rich Middle East nations are experiencing quite a renaissance. Every month seems to bring another superlative -- the world's tallest buildings, largest mall, first seven-star hotel. Despite being a relative newcomer to this self-styled golden era, Qatar, one of the wealthiest emirates in the region, is finally weighing in -- and like its neighbors, the 4,416-square-mile nation is going about it with unabashed aplomb, starting right at the tarmac.
In 2006, just before hosting the fifteenth Asian Games, the country's national airline, Qatar Airways, unveiled what was then the world’s first premium-class-only terminal. Built in a mere nine months for roughly $90 million, the 100,000-square-foot marble-bedecked structure is now a luxe 24-hour nerve center of duty-free shopping, medical care, shower and sauna rooms, fine dining (with the requisite steady supply of hummus and freshly baked pita) and dedicated concierge to ensure that flights aren't missed, suits are pressed and hotel reservations made.
Within the corridors of the separate first-class lounge, passengers have access to a full-service spa featuring tiled Jacuzzis and such lavish antidotes to jet lag as the "Pre-Flight Herbal Lavender Repair" and a special "Urban Cleanse Facial" for men.
