Passengers flying in economy class had filled the lounges while a separate building had been dedicated for first class and business class passengers. This building gave the impression that one is in a five-star hotel.

Shopping at the airport in Doha is a pleasure in itself. Even if you do not buy anything, there are plenty of goods that are displayed in a way that lures passengers and compels them to do some shopping. In contrast to the Kingdom, the shops in our three main Saudi airports of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam sell a few magazines, perfumes and some cosmetics. You can never call them “Duty Free Shops.”

Then there is the issue of Qatar Airways, an airline that has come from nothing to now be at the front of the race. It was only established a few years ago but is now able to compete in a market replete with fierce competitors. By the way, most of these competitors did not exist when Saudi Arabian Airlines began operating.

The subject of this article is not the uniqueness of Dubai, which irritates some of our officials, Emirates airline or Etihad Airways, but Qatar Airways, which was only established in 1997 with a few rented planes. Two years ago, Doha Airport was just like any one of our numerous local airports.

The first and business class passenger building has rooms full of children’s toys and electronic games. It also has rooms where you can store luggage and enjoy your stay at the airport with added comfort in case your flight is delayed. In contrast, the VIP lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is partitioned with wooden barriers. This lounge is in such a pitiful state that one feels sorry for it and even feels like donating some money to improve it.

The population of Saudi Arabia is more than 20 million while the population of all other Arab Gulf states together is no less than three million. However, the issue is not just about population density — which actually means that the users of Saudi airports are more and thus increasing profit — but about the economic, political, religious and geographical aspects which work in the Kingdom’s favor 10 times more than any other GCC country, and I write that without belittling anyone.

Where is the problem then? Why are we not keeping pace although we are more experienced, more deep rooted in history, and the wealthiest economically, geographically and religiously?

The answer is clear: Saudis are too busy stealing from themselves.

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