Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is marking its 21st anniversary by opening 21 new stores and restaurants.
The “significant investment” will see a combination of global brands, convenience and travel essential stores added to the offer at Hamad International Airport, as well as an “enhanced dining offer”.
Fashion designer Valentino will open its first Middle East boutique at the airport as part of the project and Fendi, Jimmy Choo and Emilio Pucci will all add their first standalone airport stores in the region.
Indeed, the upgrade will feature a number of firsts for the region and the travel retail sector, with the new Perfume & Cosmetics store hosting the first Christian Louboutin boutique in travel retail. Hamad will also be home to the first Adidas airport store.
Much of the new luxury investment will take place at the Vialle di Lusso, which was announced by the retailer earlier this year.
Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh said: “In celebration of 21 years of award-winning accomplishments and delivering a five-star service to customers, this major investment marks the start of a new chapter in QDF’s history and demonstrates our continuous commitment to providing a world-class duty free experience.”
The upgrade will also include a range of on-the-move, eat-in and fine dining outlets for travellers.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Akbar Al Baker concluded: “We aim to offer an unrivalled retail and dining experience in a unique environment for all our passengers travelling through HIA – the best airport in the Middle East and the third-best in the world – and introduce our customers to an enhanced Qatar Duty Free shopping experience.”
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