The opening of these seven stores further demonstrate WH Smith’s long-term commitment to the Middle East.

WH Smith, in partnership with Ajit Khimji Group from Oman, has successfully opened seven stores at Muscat International Airport’s new terminal.

The news comes after the company revealed it was to make its debut in South America having struck an agreement with Duty Free Americas (DFA) to open seven stores at RIOgaleão International Airport in August.

Earlier this week, WHSmith also revealed it had opened three stores at Senai International Airport in Malaysia.

The seven stores in Muscat consist of five WH Smith News Books and Convenience outlets, a landside ‘Express of WH Smith’ convenience store and a dedicated ‘Souq of Oman’ souvenir store.

‘SOUQ OF OMAN’ OUTLET

The ‘Souq of Oman’ outlet is the the first dedicated souvenir store within the region and demonstrates further category expansion.

The ‘Express by WH Smith’ store will also be the first of its format to open in the Middle East and have a product offering targeting landside customers.

According to the company, the opening of these seven stores further demonstrate WH Smith’s long-term commitment to the Middle East, where it already has airport stores in UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The ‘Souq of Oman’ outlet is the the first dedicated souvenir store within the region.

WH Smith International Chairman, Louis de Bourgoing commented: “We are proud to open seven stores in the fantastic new Muscat airport.

“We have been innovative in terms of our product offering, sense of place and store environment and these latest store openings strengthen our 10 year partnership with the Ajit Khimji Group.”

Rishi Khimji, Managing Director, Business Development, Ajit Khimji Group added: “We are delighted with our continued presence at Muscat International Airport which is testimony to the high standards we have achieved for over a decade.

“Muscat was the first Middle East destination for WH Smith and we are very proud of our association.”