Travelex, the global foreign exchange specialist, has strengthened its retail footprint in Qatar with a series of store openings and upgrades across Doha. The expansion includes a new landside outlet at Hamad International Airport (DOH), where the company already operates 15 stores, and a significant increase in service points at the Doha Al Jadeda metro station.
At the metro station, Travelex has more than doubled its customer service points from three to seven, enhancing accessibility for travellers and residents using one of the city's busiest transport corridors. The move aligns with Qatar's continued investment in public transit infrastructure, which has become a key gateway for both commuters and visitors.
Airport expansion meets record passenger demand
The new landside store at Hamad International Airport is strategically positioned to cater to the airport's surging traffic. In 2025, DOH handled a record 54.3 million passengers, a 3% increase year-on-year, underscoring the sustained growth in international travel to and through Qatar. The landside location allows passengers and meeters-and-greeters to access currency exchange services without passing through security, a convenience that is increasingly valued in modern airport retail.
In Doha's historic Matar Qadeem district, Travelex has launched a store focused on remittance services, enabling customers to send money to more than 350,000 locations worldwide. This outlet addresses the needs of the expatriate community and local residents who rely on reliable cross-border money transfers.
Batu Dölay, Travelex Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Southeast Asia, commented: “Despite recent challenges, Qatar continues to see strong long-term momentum in international travel, and these new openings ensure we are well positioned to meet growing customer demand across key locations.”
With the latest additions, Travelex now operates 19 stores across Doha, offering access to more than 45 currencies. Customers can purchase currency on the day of travel or pre-order online and collect at their preferred store, a service that has become increasingly popular among frequent flyers and corporate travellers.
The expansion is part of Travelex's broader strategy to deepen its presence in high-growth markets across the Middle East. Qatar's tourism sector has been buoyed by major events and infrastructure investments, and the country's MICE travel segment is also attracting attention from international buyers. The new stores are designed to serve both leisure and business travellers, as well as the local population.
Industry observers note that airport retail remains a critical touchpoint for currency exchange, and Travelex's landside presence at DOH positions it to capture demand from the airport's expanding route network. The carrier Qatar Airways continues to add destinations, and the airport's passenger growth is expected to persist, driven by both transit traffic and Qatar's appeal as a destination.
Travelex's investment in Qatar reflects a broader trend among travel services providers to enhance convenience and accessibility. By increasing service points at metro stations and opening remittance-focused outlets, the company is adapting to the evolving needs of modern travellers, who increasingly expect seamless, omnichannel experiences.
For travel professionals, the expansion signals confidence in Qatar's long-term travel outlook. As the country prepares for further growth in tourism and business travel, the availability of reliable foreign exchange services will remain a key component of the traveller experience. Travelex's enhanced network ensures that both visitors and residents have access to competitive rates and a wide range of currencies, supporting the broader travel ecosystem.
