Hamad International Airport (HIA) has conducted an engaging visit for children with special needs from Shafallah Centre, one of Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW)’s affiliated centres.
Visitors aged eight to 12 years visited HIA and enjoyed a tour of the facilities and other entertaining activities, stemming from the partnership between HIA and Shafallah announced earlier. The joint effort is aimed at providing additional services to passengers with special needs.
In addition to touring HIA’s retail and dining outlets, the Shafallah children enjoyed admiring the airport’s outstanding art collection featuring iconic pieces from both local and internationally renowned artists, including the bright yellow Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer, Small Lie by KAWS, and HIA’s latest eye-catching addition, Cosmos.
Amal Abdullatif al-Mannai, CEO of QFSW and acting CEO at Shafallah Centre, said: “Hamad International Airport’s initiative demonstrates that the right steps are being taken towards inclusivity in Qatar as our members were invited to enjoy and experience HIA’s wonderful facilities. By working closely with HIA, we are committed to helping improve the airport’s services and facilities for those requiring additional assistance.”
Badr Mohamed al-Meer, chief operating officer at HIA, added: “At HIA, we are committed to offering comprehensive support services for all passengers, regardless of their needs. We are proud to host Shafallah Centre’s members for tours and activities as we strengthen our inclusivity and work towards making HIA a special needs-friendly airport. We are committed to developing HIA to reflect an inclusive society.”
The tour follows the signing of a partnership between HIA and Shafallah Centre, announced earlier this month. The joint effort, formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, is aimed at providing more comprehensive services and support to passengers with special needs, according to a press statement.
HIA’s infrastructure and support services cater to passengers requiring additional assistance. Barrier-free access, dedicated facilities and a network of elevators, escalators, ramps and walkways are designed to improve and simplify the travel experience for special needs passengers, the statement notes.
Special handling lounges are available within the terminal, offering comfortable seating and trained attendants for the comfort of passengers who require special assistance. Airport ground staff members have been trained on the basics of handling and assisting customers with special needs by subject experts from Shafallah Centre.
