TRBusiness spoke with a selection of suppliers with a presence at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s (AUH) new Terminal A for a deeper insight into what travelling consumers can discover.

AUH’s eagerly anticipated new Terminal A welcomed its first passengers on 1 November, and has brought 35,000 sq m of retail and food and beverage (F&B) space to the fore.

Set to be renamed Zayed International Airport on 9 February 2024, to coincide with the official opening ceremony, AUH has now completed the transition phase of its state-of-the-art new terminal, with 28 international airlines now fully operational from the site.

Terminal A is now the primary terminal serving AUH, able to process up to 45 million travellers annually and handle 79 planes at once.

This month, it is forecast that 7,669 flights will operate from the new facility, with 1,557 flights already clocked up in the first two weeks of operations.

This number is set to increase further to 12,220 in December while the number of passengers using the new terminal is projected to hit 2.29 million.

Aer Rianta International Middle East (ARIME) joint venture Travel Retail Sales and Services (TRSS) is running perfume, cosmetics, jewellery and sunglasses categories at the new terminal.

Furthermore, as reported, the joint venture between Lagardère Capital and Abu Dhabi Capital Group has unveiled 12 duty free and six F&B stores over a 5,200 sq m footprint as the master concessionaire for liquor, tobacco and confectionery, plus perfume & cosmetics and fine foods outside of the international departures lounge.

It’s set to open an additional retail unit and restaurant in mid-2024 when the US pre-clearance facility of the new terminal opens to the public.

In the meantime, read on to find out more about the brands creating a buzz at the new terminal.

Compiled by Kristiane Sherry.

Whyte & Mackay

Whyte & Mackay is looking to replicate the incredible growth it experienced both in domestic and global travel retail with Lagardère, commented Clarisse Daniels, Regional Director Travel Retail Europe, Middle East, India and Americas.

“The Abu Dhabi duty free shoppers will discover Jura prominently displayed throughout the new terminal featuring its collection of travel exclusive single malts, including the exciting annual limited edition innovations,” she detailed.

It will feature alongside Tamnavulin and The Dalmore, which, according to IWSR data, is outperforming the category by 24% in the Prestige Plus segment.

Nestlé ITR

In the confectionery camp, Aura Sanchez, Global Head of Marketing at Nestlé International Travel Retail, is “delighted” to have a full complement of brands listed in Terminal A. It provides “a wonderful regional showcase for both our iconic global and regional brands”, she said.

The offer will include a number of travel retail exclusives, including KitKat sharing and snacking bags, along with the Senses Tablets and Mini Moments.

On the sustainability side, Smarties are listed with its 100% paper sharing bags and toppers.

“Abu Dhabi will provide one of the first introductions to consumers of our new Nestlé Sustainably Sourced 300g Tablets,” she said.

Kurate

Abu Dhabi Terminal A is the first airport opening for Author, Kurate’s premium recycled sterling silver range.

“We are very excited to have this opportunity to showcase the collection,” said Sharon Edwards, International Key Account Manager. “With sustainability now so important to both consumers and retailers, we believe Author is a perfect choice for Abu Dhabi Airport.”

It’s also the first time Kurate’s Belle & Beau brand will have a self-select fixture in the Middle East.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase this self-select affordable fashion jewellery brand and is really important for Kurate in establishing a footprint in the region,” Edwards continued. “I am sure this will really drive volume sales at the airport as the unit will be placed on a main walkway.”

Bitmore

Consumer tech and accessories brand Bitmore is also “delighted” to be present in the new terminal.

“This represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing innovative, environmentally-conscious solutions to travellers in the Middle East,” remarked Hoj Parmar, CEO.

“As we expand our presence in this region, we are excited to contribute to the growing demand for sustainable options in global travel retail. Abu Dhabi Terminal A provides a prime platform for us to showcase our products and values, fostering a greener and more conscious future for travellers in the region and beyond.”

SKYlink

Barry Fitzpatrick, Managing Director at SKYLink, described the new Terminal A building as a “truly stunning” and “impressive” building.

“The retail offer will showcase the best of brands from all over the world, so it’s a real honour to be counted amongst them.”

Present from his portfolio is the demi-fine Haus of Dietrich jewellery brand, as well as Linda Farrow eyewear.

“As an important gateway between East and West – as well as for regional passengers of course – this is a significant landmark listing for us as we continue to build our global airport business.”

Pilgrim

Abu Dhabi’s Terminal A is the first location in the Middle East for jewellery brand Pilgrim. “We are so excited about the opportunity of opening a Pilgrim store here,” said the brand’s Head of Travel Retail, Louise Rohde.

The entire travel retail exclusive collection is listed, including adjustable necklaces, bracelets, rings, and ankle chains, and earrings in silver and gold.

Also present is Pilgrim’s 40-year celebration pieces from the Heartbeats collection.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with the ARI team in Abu Dhabi and excited to see what the future holds.”

This is an extended version of the feature on the launch of Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal A, which ran in our November/December 2023 issue. Click here to view. 

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