Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is celebrating two new additions to its portfolio of shopping and dining experiences: a new luxury design concept Burberry boutique at Hamad International Airport (HIA) and the launch of The Harrods Tea Rooms Doha at Msheireb Downtown.

The new Burberry Boutique at HIA is the first of its kind in travel retail. The refurbished boutique showcases Burberry’s latest global design concept, featuring a curved façade and a champagne-coloured exterior that reflects the British brand’s modern and contemporary identity.

The interiors make a bold statement with brown and champagne shades on the walls and ceiling paired with a check tile floor pattern.

Shoppers are presented with a curated selection of ready-to-wear, outwear pieces, bags, accessories and shoes.

This includes a number of Burberry signature pieces, such as Lola and Olympia bags, the iconic trench coat and cashmere scarves.

RAMPING UP THE LUXURY

The new look Burberry boutique is part of QDF’s portfolio of high-end brands located at the luxury boulevard and a welcome addition in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (21 November to 18 December), for which HIA is the official airport partner.

HIA is focusing on creating memorable experiences for fans who are travelling to the country in the lead up to the event and beyond, with contemporary retail and dining concepts, fan zones, spaces for artworks, a dedicated events terminal and intuitive wayfinding through a lush green environment among the planned upgrades.

It’s all part of the transformative, two-phase expansion which HIA is currently undergoing to increase the airport’s capacity to more than 58 million passengers per year in 2022 and, ultimately, 60 million per year after the World Cup.

HIA has reported a strong increase in passenger traffic so far this year, serving 7.14 million passengers in Q1 2022, representing a 162% uplift compared to the same period in 2021.

Regarding the traffic outlook for 2022, COO Badr Al-Meer said: “We are looking forward to a busy summer period as more travel destinations open up around the world; however, the situation for our industry is expected to remain volatile and dynamic in 2022. We are taking an optimistic view of the year ahead, in which HIA will host fans from around the world for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. We are expecting a resurgence in air travel demand during the summer months.”

HARRODS DOWNTOWN TEA EXPERIENCE
QDF has also announced the launch of The Harrods Tea Rooms Doha at Msheireb Downtown in central Doha. Boasting a premier address within Barahat Msheireb, the largest open-air square in the MENA region, the new tea rooms offer a classic Knightsbridge experience in a historic Qatari setting.

“The Harrods Tea Rooms Doha at Msheireb Downtown builds on the success of The Harrods Tea Room in Hamad International Airport,” said Thabet Musleh, Vice President, Qatar Duty Free. “We are incredibly proud to continue working with Harrods, a Qatari owned iconic brand, to bring the ultimate Afternoon Tea experience to the citizens, residents and visitors of the State of Qatar.”

Ashley Saxton, Director of Restaurants at Harrods added: “The Harrods Tea Rooms Doha celebrate the very finest luxury cuisine, the spectacular, skilful elements of theatre and decadence that Harrods is renowned for, and Doha’s historic celebration of fine teas. I’m proud to welcome guests to this truly original and exclusive dining experience at our latest destination in Msheireb.”

On the menu, you’ll find finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and pâtisserie inspired by the heritage of afternoon tea, which has been served at Harrods sine 1911. All the food is freshly made by Harrods chefs, with highlights including Harrods Custard Cream and the Cherry Bakewell served alongside Harrods teas.

The architecture and décor is inspired by the Art Deco interiors that adorned the famous department store in the early 1900s. Detailed marbles, coloured fabric and peacock inspired tiles beside the grand staircase are just some of the talking points.