New Muscat International Airport has marked its grand opening with an impressive unveil of its expanded commercial facilities.

A resplendent ceremony marking the inauguration of the $1.8bn hub took place over the weekend that drew the airport’s management, aviation partners and various dignitaries.

As reported, the airport began operations on 20 March in line with an announcement from the Sultanate of Oman.

Oman Air and Aer Rianta International Middle East joint-venture partner Muscat Duty Free (MDF) hailed the opening of the new airport on Twitter as an ‘engineering masterpiece’ connecting Oman to the rest of the world.

The 32,000sq m commercial spread includes more than 6,500sq m dedicated to core duty free, including liquor, beauty, wines & spirits, fashion & accessories, confectionery, jewellery and other categories.

NUMEROUS NEW BRANDS

Since opening, MDF has unveiled a tranche of luxury brands including Jo Malone, Kiehl’s, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Tumi and Porsche Design, together with apparel from Timberland, North Face and Columbia and a Capi electronics store.

These join a dedicated Amouage boutique in a well-equipped perfumes & cosmetics zone housing leading names such as Mac, Benefit and La Prairie, among others.

Meanwhile, Chupa Chups and Nestlé boast their own displays alongside innovative concepts from Johnnie Walker and Dewar’s.