Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge

Qatar Airways‘ flagship Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge at Doha airport welcomes Qatar Airways and oneworld passengers ticketed in Business Class.

Important: Qatar Airways does not honor the traditional oneworld rules. oneworld Sapphire and Emerald customers traveling in Economy do not have access to the Al Mourjan Lounge and should use, respectively, the much more modest Qatar Airways Business Class Lounge and Qatar Airways First Class Lounge. Also, Qatar Airways customers on a Classic Fare do not have lounge access, but may buy their way in. Use our Lounge Access Wizard to determine which lounges you have access to.

Passengers departing from Doha will find the Al Mourjan lounge immediately after security and immigration when entering through the luxurious dedicated Business Class check-in area. Connecting passengers can reach the club from Hamad’s airport infamous Teddy Bear area.

Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge DOH design

Qatar Airways’ vision for the flagship Al Mourjan Lounge was to create a resort-like environment that truly surpasses traditional airport clubs. The airline spared no expense to position Doha as a global platform for premium travelers, and the Al Mourjan Lounge is truly a sight to behold.

The extraordinary space, with sky-high ceilings, dramatic curtains, bronze and glass walls, rare marbles, intricate finishes, and traditional calligraphy blends Arabian influence and global flare over more than 10,000 square meters (110,000 square feet.) An oversized water feature, topped by a grand floating spiral staircase, acts as the focal point of the design.

To some extent, the Al Mourjan Lounge is a case of form over function: a substantial portion of the space is allocated to the water feature and decorative elements, forcing visitors to walk long distances to find a seat, especially at peak times when the lounge fills up despite its sheer dimensions. But the décor is also a feast for the senses, and the unconventional layout succeeds at breaking the mammoth space into more intimate areas.

There’s one traditional feature of airline clubs that visitors won’t find at the Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge, however: tarmac views. The lounge is located at the heart of the airport, and the rare windows overlook the terminal concourse. Even daylight is sparse, though many visitors will never notice: Doha airport is a beehive of activity in the middle of the night.

Guests will find a dizzying array of seating options, and it pays to walk around to find the perfect spot.

Solo travelers will enjoy the focus on privacy: many seats are outfitted with an adjacent partition or divider, a handy space for luggage, and a console with power outlets and a lamp. Most seats also come with a tablet offering real-time flight and airport information, though that’s a bit of a gimmick in the era of personal devices.

Couples and groups will find living-room like spaces in the center of the lounge, while families can retire to an extraordinary area outfitted for the ultimate comfort and entertainment (see below.)

Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge DOH amenities

The impressive array of amenities at the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge, available 24 hours a day, caters to the needs of a discerning international clientele. Several multiple dining options, expansive rest and relaxation areas, and one of the best-equipped airport business centers worldwide are just a few highlights, and it may take first-time visitors a while to find your bearings, as the amenities are scattered across the club’s vast 10,000 square meter footprint.

For most visitors, a stroll starts near the showcase water feature and spiral staircase. The adjacent seating area, officially dubbed the “garden resort” due the lush indoor vegetation that adorns the space, features an abundance of seats and dining tables, with hydration stations and light snacks throughout.

For more substantial fare, head upstairs to the expansive mezzanine-level buffet dining area, or make your way to the rear of the lounge, behind the garden (on the left when entering) to the full-service restaurant.

In the buffet area, patrons will find a generous assortment of fine appetizers, a selection of hot entrees, and a delectable dessert selection. It’s well worth showing up at the lounge early to sample Qatar Airways’ global cuisine. At the nearby elegant marble-clad bar, expert bartenders stand by ready to fix the perfect liquid complement to an enjoyable meal. The alcoholic beverage selection is expansive, yet decidedly middle-shelf, with staples such as Johnny Walker Red Label and Smirnoff Vodka.

The posh and immaculate dining area features a variety of tables and booths, with plenty of space for a lively conversation or a more romantic dinner. Consider sitting away from the bar for a quieter experience, though—the downside of the open-space layout is that it’s often noisy.

In addition to buffet dining, the Al Mourjan Lounge boasts a more formal full-service dining area on the lower level, though we were somehow less impressed. The setup, with a majority of large communal tables, is less intimate than the booths in the buffet area, and the menu primarily features sandwiches and bar-style fare. On the bright side, the restaurant, tucked at the edge of the lounge, tends to be quieter than the buffet area. (For the ultimate a-la-carte dining experience, consider upgrading to the Al Safwa First Class Lounge.)

Guests looking for some shuteye will find several sleeping quarters outfitted with chaises, side tables, individual lamps, and privacy dividers. In this regard, the Al Mourjan Lounge offers just the basics. It’s possible to stay overnight, whether in between two flights, or simply ahead of an early morning flight (passengers are welcome to go through security 10 hours in advance.) But the accommodations are basic.  The recliners are only a good fit for back sleepers, privacy is limited, and the airline stops short of providing amenities such as blankets, pillows, or eye masks. In contrast, the Al Safwa First Class Lounge boasts outstanding individual hotel-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms which are far better suited to overnight stays. Qatar Airways passengers staying at the airport overnight may want to purchase access to the Al Safwa Lounge.

Incidentally, the family zone typically provides a more private and dimmer alternative to the sleeping areas. Located on the main floor, away from the bustling garden and seating areas, the family zone is outfitted with a dozen individual, semi-private living-room like spaces furnished with couches, coffee tables, and widescreen TVs. These luxurious alcoves make for a perfect retreat for families, and can double as informal sleeping quarters for solo travelers—although the proximity of children may not always be ideal for sleep.

Younger visitors who wish to stretch their legs will also enjoy two adjacent spacious game rooms appointed with a Formula 1 simulator, various video and arcade games, foosball, toys, and an assortment of bean bags and colorful furniture.

When business calls, the Al Mourjan Lounge offers a world-class business center with an excellent array of amenities including a large board room, luminous and spacious work spaces, private workstations with privacy screens, and copiers/printers. The space is dotted with thoughtful touches such as custom hangers for suits and trashcans near every desk. However, the open-space design is ill-fitted for confidential meetings.

Elegant bathrooms are located throughout the lounge. In addition, guests who want to freshen up will find well-appointed shower suites. Just be sure to inquire early as there may be a waitlist at peak times.

Other amenities include a spacious mosque, Wi-Fi, as well as a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge DOH bottom line

Qatar Airways’ flagship Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge at Doha airport is the ultimate showcase piece. Spreading over 10,000 square meters, the club sports luxurious finishes, the largest water feature at an airport lounge worldwide, elaborate seating areas with tablet computers at every seat, and a dizzying range of amenities including multiple dining options, a superb business center, expansive secluded quarters for families, shower suites, multiple game rooms, sleeping areas, and a mosque.

Qatar Airways envisioned the Al Mourjan lounge as a resort, and it is indeed truly a destination. First-time visitors are likely to spend considerable time just wandering around and exploring. Most guests will not have time to enjoy all the delights than the lounge has to offer.

And yet, some guests might find the experience to be a bit off. Perhaps that’s because of their brutal flight schedule—it might be difficult to enjoy the breadth of services in the middle of the night, and the slumber rooms aren’t quite private or secluded. Or maybe because the Al Mourjan Lounge does fill up despite its sheer dimensions, and often feels busy to the point that finding a secluded seat at peak times might require walking too much for comfort. Also, the distance to the furthest boarding gates is considerable, and passengers bound for the US need to leave early for an extra security check at their gate.

Qatar Airways is planning a second Business Class Lounge in order to relieve crowding at the Al Mourjan lounge and provide an alternate location. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s unclear when or if the plan will materialize.