Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is marking its 21st anniversary by unveiling a significant investment and enhanced retail portfolio of 21 new shopping and dining outlets.

QDF says that the “21 in 21” project will elevate the existing duty free experience at Hamad International Airport (HIA) and transform it into a premier global destination for international air travellers.

New outlets will be located in the departure and arrival areas and gradually open over the coming months. They will feature global brands, several convenience and travel-essential stores and an enhanced dining offer.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Akbar Al Baker said: “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.”

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA added: “The latest expansion of QDF’s retail portfolio is part of its joint effort with HIA to provide passengers with a diverse range of retail and culinary experiences.

EXPANSIVE COMMERCIAL SPACE

“HIA’s expansive commercial space offers brands the opportunity to reach out to a truly global audience. We are always looking to diversify our offering to curate memorable retail experiences.”

Thabet Musleh, Vice President, Operations, Qatar Duty Free says this major investment marks the start of a new chapter in QDF’s history and demonstrates its continuous commitment to providing a world-class duty free experience.

Adding to a strong existing brand portfolio, a new Vialle di Lusson shopping avenue at HIA will incorporate luxury outlets such as Armani and Chloe and offer a selection of ready-to-wear fashion items and accessories.

In addition, QDF will launch the first Valentino airport boutique in the Middle and will debut stand-alone stores for brands appearing in a Middle East Airport for the first time. These include Emilio Pucci, Fendi and Jimmy Choo.

An Emporio Armani Ristorante and Caffè will add more glamour to the Vialle di Lusso and offer an exquisite culinary experience in a relaxed setting, according to QDF, which will become the first travel retailer in the world to house the Emporio Armani Ristorante and Caffè.

A new perfumes and cosmetics store will also include a Christian Louboutin boutique, making QDF the world’s first travel retailer to provide Christian Louboutin products.

QDF will also operate the first Adidas airport store, Q-Denim — a multi-brand men’s denim outlet (pictured above) — and Qatari fashion brand Kashkha.

Grab-and-go eateries serving those on the move will be complemented by a range of dine-in outlets, and fine-dining concepts.

In April, Qatar Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a Joint Venture with HMSHost International, part of Autogrill Group.

The arrivals duty free area will boast a new look and feel and a larger footprint with a wider selection of products and a selection of global brands for travellers arriving in Qatar.