TRBusiness understands that up to 12 potential bidders have received a very impressive tender document – presented on both an iPad and in a detailed ‘retail vision book’ – as Abu Dhabi Airports issues ‘one of the most revolutionised RFPs ever designed’ following a briefing to potential duty free operators at the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB), today.

 

As previously reported by TRbusiness.com, expressions of interest have already been received from many duty free operators. Following today’s briefings, potential bidders will have until 7th of September to consider all of the tender material and seek further clarifications. Submission date is set at 1 October, with contracts expected to be awarded in December.

 

The tendering process for Food & Beverage outlets in the MTB is following a similar timetable, and a correspondingly high tech tendering process has been adopted.

 

All those taking part in the initial duty free RFP process had to attend a presentation, which took place today, where ADAC went through ‘every part of the RFP document’.

 

 

SCORING CRITERIA

“We’re also going to give them all the scoring sheets so they know how we will score them and we’re going to present it in a unique way that we have never done before and I don’t think anyone else has either,” McKechnie told TRBusiness.

 

All interested bidders, have now received a mandatory detailed presentation on the scope and specifications of the duty free area and the different retail packages that will be available.

 

They were also given an explanation of the scoring criteria that will be applied in the tender process and its timetable. A similar process for the food & beverage concessions will commence shortly.

 

In order to elicit the highest quality responses possible, the intention of the tender pack was to be ‘as spectacular as the terminal itself and matches its scale and ambition’. Operators are encouraged to deliver something ‘Spectacular, sensational and exceptional’ according to the tender documents.

 

 

AUGMENTED REALITY VIA IPAD

It contains a detailed retail vision book for the Midfield Terminal commercial space as well as a gallery of artistic images encapsulating some of the most creative retail, food & beverage and hospitality innovations from around the world.

 

The Design Solution won a contract, in January, to design and map out the commercial facilities, as well as services and hospitality at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal. It was also their task to produce the tender package which was presented today [see above the pre-loaded iPad and below, the detailed retail vision book].

 

The package includes an iPad containing innovative technology, animation and augmented retail reality. This will enable potential bidders to interact with the terminal through a three dimensional experience, which has never been seen before in the industry.

 

“Abu Dhabi Duty Free has set new standards for the travel retail sector and the responses should, as a result, include commensurate ‘Wow Factors’ to tell product stories in new and exciting ways and give the spaces real personalities of their own,” says Abu Dhabi Duty Free.

 

 

‘REINVENTING DUTY FREE’

“The MTB will incorporate the very latest designs and systems in all aspects of its operation, and the duty free areas will be no exception.  It is therefore hoped that bidders will be inspired to submit proposals that will completely reinvent the duty free experience and give passengers non-traditional airport environment, delivering a range of multi-sensory experiences.  In order to best achieve this, bidders will need to ensure that the outlets which they propose to design and build reflect the generosity and style that are the true hallmarks of Arabian and Emirati hospitality.”

 

H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Abu Dhabi Airports is very excited to be issuing the RFP for the duty free space in the MTB. It is an excellent opportunity to show the world how serious Abu Dhabi Airports is about making the capital’s airport the best in the world and this is reflected in the RFP’s revolutionary design.

 

“This is not just another tender process, it is an integral part of a massively important infrastructure project. Abu Dhabi Airports is investing in a truly spectacular terminal and, with around 28,000 square meters of commercial space available, bidders will be expected to match that investment with a commitment to help deliver sensational experiences for travellers.  There has been a high level of interest from bidders and Abu Dhabi Airports is looking forward to forming exceptional partnerships with brands whose ideas and concepts match its own ambition and vision.”

 

The 700,000sq m Midfield Terminal Building – 52sq m in height – will feature a total commercial space of 28,500sq m. This will include 11,000sq m of F&B, 10,000sq m of specialty retail and 7,500sq m of duty free retail.

 

TENDER PACKAGES

The duty free concession will be split into the categories detailed in the table below and bidders are invited to submit bids for individual Package A, B or C on a non-exclusive basis [see below].

 

 

 

McKechnie says ADAC wants to strike a balance between transparency and innovation with this tender process. “We want to be transparent, but we want to be innovative as well. We want to make sure each company gives us the best bid to match what we are looking for, so we are comparing like for like, but we also want to be innovative.

 

“We couldn’t just give them a 900 page document and say ‘here you go, come back to us when you’re ready’. We wanted to do something a little more creative. We’ve tried very hard in this respect, I don’t know if we have pulled it all off, but we’ve definitely raised the bar.”

 

“All the duty free operators will be here on the same day so they all see each other, they will find out who their competition is; it doesn’t get much more transparent than that.”

 

 

TARGETING TRANSFER PASSENGERS

Only 20% of MTB’s total traffic will follow the direct route from curb side through to airport security. By the time MTB is fully operational the percentage of transfer passengers will be up to 80%.

 

The 20% of non-transfer passengers will be directed through security on to a platform where a range of hospitality services will sit, some of which will be complimentary, Passengers will then descend to the departure level via lift or escalator and be met immediately by an extensive duty free offer.

 

Each category is split up into ‘pearls’ including, hospitality, duty free, F&B, luxury retail etc. Double and triple height anchoring stores make for iconic architectural structures in the airport, which are easy to see from all four piers of MTB. Luxury retail can be located at the centre of the terminal. TRBusiness understands that ADAC is willing to work with brands, many of which have experience in trading in the local market, directly.

 

ADAC focused heavily on providing hospitality, service and generosity. At the centre of the terminal – adjacent to the luxury retail offer – equidistant to all four piers, will sit a type of oasis, complete with canopies, landscaped gardens and seating. The design of the terminal will naturally encourage passengers to circulate back up to the Mezzanine floors where an Arabian Market – taking the form of a traditional Middle Eastern souk – will be located.

 

Other highlights include a hall of watches and jewellery, a 1,000sq m arrivals store, duty free ‘top up’ pearls at the end of all four piers (conveniently close to all departure gates) and mid-market/downtown retail stores. TRBusiness understands that ADAC may even incorporate some sort of museum at MTB.

 

FOR A FULL LENGTH ARTICLE AND INTERVIEW WITH THE DESIGN SOLUTION SEE A FUTURE ISSUE OF TRBUSINESS MAGAZINE.