Hamad International Airport and “Ehsan” Center Launch a Collaborative Program on the International Day of Older Persons

On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, Hamad International Airport and the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly “Ehsan,” one of the centers operating under the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, launched a joint collaborative program aimed at enhancing the awareness of the valued elderly regarding travel procedures, services, and accessibility facilities available at the airport, contributing to greater independence and confidence while traveling and providing them with a smoother, more comfortable, and inclusive travel experience.

The launch of the program comes as part of both entities’ commitment to strengthening community partnerships and integrating efforts aimed at empowering the valued elderly and improving their quality of life. It also seeks to reinforce the concept of inclusion and provide them with the opportunity to directly learn about Hamad International Airport’s facilities, travel services, digital solutions, and the available channels for requesting assistance throughout the various stages of their journey.

The program includes organizing periodic visits for the valued elderly to Hamad International Airport, featuring guided and introductory tours of the airport’s facilities and services dedicated to travellers, as well as awareness sessions covering the key stages of the passenger journey, travel procedures, digital solutions, and accessibility services. These sessions aim to help participants navigate the travel experience with greater knowledge, confidence, and independence.

The program also places importance on the participation of the valued elderly by listening to their views and feedback regarding their experience and utilizing their input to further develop future sessions and tours. This supports ongoing efforts to provide a more inclusive travel experience that better meets their needs, while helping to identify areas that may require further awareness or clarification.

In this context, Ms. Manal Al Mannai, Executive Manager of the Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly “Ehsan,” affirmed that the launch of the collaborative program with Hamad International Airport, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons, reflects the importance of integrating the roles of community institutions in supporting and empowering the valued elderly and providing services and experiences that enhance their independence and active participation in society.

Manal Al Mannai added: “At Ehsan, we are committed to ensuring that the valued elderly are active partners in the development of the services and experiences provided to them, and to providing them with opportunities that enhance their independence and confidence across various aspects of their lives. This program combines awareness, practical experience, and direct engagement with their views and needs, contributing to enhancing their knowledge of travel services and airport facilities and achieving a smoother, more inclusive, and more suitable experience for them.”

Almannai Also, noted that choosing the International Day of Older Persons to launch the program carries a message that reflects the importance of celebrating the valued elderly through practical and sustainable initiatives whose impact extends beyond the occasion. She further emphasized the importance of community partnerships in translating appreciation for the valued elderly into programs and services that directly contribute to improving their quality of life and strengthening their presence and participation in society.

This collaboration embodies Hamad International Airport’s commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible travel experience for all passengers, alongside the role undertaken by “Ehsan” in empowering the valued elderly and enhancing their quality of life, thereby supporting the provision of a travel experience characterized by accessibility, confidence, and independence.