Hamad virtual tower is now operational at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, marking a milestone in regional air traffic management. Moreover, authorities say it is the first large-scale certified digital tower in the Middle East.
The system supports the Western Taxiway and Stand Development Project, an expansion that has increased the complexity of operations in the western airside area. Officials emphasized that the tower enhances safety, surveillance, and efficiency.
Qatar Civil Aviation Authority adopted a hybrid digital-tower model to overcome distance and line-of-sight constraints from the main air traffic control tower. This approach allows controllers to manage operations without building a second physical tower.
The virtual tower uses Chorus, Searidge Technologies’ open-airside digital platform. In addition, ultra-high-definition 360-degree visual coverage gives controllers full situational awareness. This design also allows Hamad International to retain ownership of operational data.
The system integrates with existing airport technology, including ADB Safegate’s OneControl, A-SMGCS surveillance, and ATM flight data. Officials noted that these integrations ensure seamless operations across the airport.
Four controller positions—two in the ATC tower and two in the backup and approach training center—provide operational redundancy and training capabilities. Furthermore, the installation uses Searidge’s AI engine, Aimee, to deliver intelligent detection functions and real-time safety alerts.
Eissa Al-Meabid, head of air traffic control at QCAA’s air navigation department, said the deployment “marks a major milestone in our journey toward smarter, safer, and more resilient airport operations.”
Moodie Cheikh, CEO of Searidge, added that the project “sets a new standard for airside operations in the region and drives a smart, seamless airport experience.”
Officials expect the Hamad virtual tower to improve air traffic efficiency and safety. Additionally, it will serve as a model for digital tower adoption across the Gulf. Authorities also plan to expand the technology to other areas of the airport in the future.
Hamad virtual tower demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to innovation in aviation. Moreover, it positions the country as a regional leader in advanced airport operations.
