Abu Dhabi Duty Free achieved record sales of Dhms.912.7m ($248m) in 2013 (+13%) as its parent company seeks bids for the Midfield Terminal.

 

Generating Dhms.92m ($25m) December was reported to be the most successful sales month, with beauty products, fragrances, watches, gold and diamonds top of most passenger shopping lists [DFS is the DF&TR master concessionaire-Ed].

Mohammed Al Bulooki, Chief Commercial Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The level of commercial performance in duty free last year and the 13% rise in revenue were extremely positive results for our company. Abu Dhabi Duty Free increased the choice of luxury brands and product offerings for customers and, together with some inspired promotional campaigns, it has seen the money spent on duty free products increase throughout the year.”

Airport management points to several new retail openings during the course of 2013, including an Emporio Armani shop in T3, while Burberry doubled the size of its store as it offered ready-to-wear clothing for the first time, as well as accessories.

 

DFS has made a big quality difference to the offer at the existing Abu Dhabi International Airport terminal.

 

MIDFIELD TERMINAL BIDDING
Meanwhile today, the Abu Dhabi Airports Company opened the door for bidders to approach the airport regarding its new international airport project – known as the Abu Dhabi Airports’ Midfield Terminal Building (MTB).

Retailers, food and beverage operators, and leading brands from all around the world are being invited to submit bids/concepts for commercial opportunities for the MTB which is due to open in July 2017. A total area of 28,000sq m of space will be available, comprising 18,000sq m of retail and 10,000sq m for F&B.

ADAC says that bidders will have the opportunity to build and create their brand presence from scratch, with the location offering exposure to the 30m-plus passengers expected to pass through the MTC in afew years.

ADAC said today: “As part of its commitment to forge exceptional partnerships, Abu Dhabi Duty Free will allow successful bidders from the retail and food and beverage sectors to work with international consultants to optimize allocated space and cater it to their own bespoke designs.

“The overall objective is for the MTB to be the most modern, attractive and innovative airport terminal in the world, while offering passengers an abundance of choice and a memorable travel experience. This, in turn, will help further promote Abu Dhabi as a global transport hub, persuading passengers to make it their preferred destination or transit route.

 

How the Midfield Terminal is expected to look when it opens in 2017.

 

A QUALITY STEP UP
“The opportunity for successful bidders – whether high-end luxury brands or those providing every-day essentials – is to become an essential ingredient in what will become an iconic landmark.”

Back in the existing airport facility, ADDF launched a new brand identity back in October with a new logo to reflect the ‘iconic architectural design’ of the new Midfield Terminal Building which will open for passengers in 2017.

Commenting again, Mohammed Al Bulooki said: “The new Midfield Terminal Building will offer once in a lifetime opportunities for ambitious and innovative retailers, and will have a capacity of more than 30m passengers a year. 
  
”Abu Dhabi Duty Free has expansion plans ahead of the new terminal building opening in three years’ time, with the introduction of new outlets to continuously improve the shopping experience for passengers passing through Abu Dhabi International Airport”.