Qatar Duty Free and Charlotte Tilbury unveil Holiday season pop-up

Qatar Duty Free Charlotte Tilbury Hamad pop-up

The activation is running until 31 January 2026.

Qatar Duty Free has partnered with beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury to introduce a festive pop-up at Hamad International Airport during the Holiday season.

Located beside the high-profile Lamp Bear, the activation is running until 31 January 2026, offering immersive experiences and interactive elements in one of the airport’s busiest areas.

Key features include the 24/7 Glam Cam – a Charlotte Tilbury 360° photobooth exclusive to the airport – and an engraving station for personalising gifts. Travellers who spend QAR400 (US$110) are also eligible to receive a limited-edition disco ball keychain GWP.

The pop-up amplifies the message of Charlotte Tilbury’s 2025 Holiday campaign, which stars Céline Dion. Impactful campaign visuals are displayed throughout the passenger journey, on digital media walls and banners, and on Qatar Airways’ inflight entertainment screens.

Gifting is a core focus of the pop-up, which also amplifies the message of Charlotte Tilbury’s 2025 Holiday campaign.

“Partnering with Charlotte Tilbury to bring her expert beauty world to Hamad International Airport in a fun and engaging format reflects our drive to keep raising the bar in experiential retail,” noted Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh.

“In the run-up to the Holiday season, we want to infuse some extra joy and excitement into our customers’ journeys – wherever they may be travelling to – and this pop-up, with its Glam Cam and exclusive gifting, does just that.”

Qatar Duty Free Charlotte Tilbury Hamad pop-up Glam Cam

Key features include the 24/7 Glam Cam – 360-degree photobooth that is exclusive to the airport.

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Founder, President, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer Charlotte Tilbury added: “I am so excited to light up Qatar Duty Free with my new holiday pop-up experience.

“It’s the perfect place to discover all the trinkets, treats and treasures for everyone you love, just in time for the holidays. Step inside and you will discover the perfect beauty gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself!”

Muscat Duty Free achieves record-breaking sales during November

Muscat Duty Free record sales November 2025

Muscat Duty Free celebrates record sales and another ‘Great Place to Work’ accolade.

In November Muscat Duty Free recorded the highest monthly sales in the company’s history, marking a landmark moment for the retailer.

Management and team members gathered at Muscat International Airport to celebrate the achievement, which was driven by a strong performance across all product categories.

The milestone follows on from the organisation being named a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the third consecutive year. This accomplishment highlights the steady progress in building a people-centred culture, the company noted.

CEO Renat Rozpravka commented: “The record sales reflect the strength of the business and the commitment displayed by the entire team throughout the year. The achievement sets a solid foundation for continued growth as the company moves into the new year.”

Chief People and Operations Officer Aisha Al Habsi noted that the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification reflected a culture built on trust, openness and teamwork.

“Creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported continues to strengthen performance on the floor,” she said. “Muscat Duty Free will continue to build on this progress with upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening the retail journey and elevating Omani hospitality at the airport.”

Paradies Lagardère secures seven-year contract extension at Toronto Pearson

The newly awarded programme will ses Paradies Lagardère extend its operations at YYZ to 42 locations.

North American airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère has secured a retail contract extension at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), extending operations for an additional seven years.

A division of Lagardère Travel Retail, Paradies Lagardère already has a strong presence in Canada with operations in 12 airports. Toronto Pearson is one of the largest programmes in the organisation’s portfolio.

“We value and appreciate our strong partnership with Toronto Pearson and are thrilled at the opportunity to continue that relationship through this extension,” said Gregg Paradies, CEO of Paradies Lagardère.

“These new concepts allow us to deepen our connection to the community by collaborating with local, small, and minority-owned businesses, ensuring each location reflects the spirit of Toronto through thoughtful design and authentic product assortments.”

The newly awarded programme will ses Paradies Lagardère extend its operations at YYZ to 42 locations. This includes 21 rebranded or enhanced stores alongside the introduction of seven ‘innovative’ concepts that combine everyday travel needs with distinctive speciality brands.

Shops @ The Six, Muskoka Supply Co., and Greetings from Toronto will feature gourmet treats and gifts from more than 30 Canadian makers, including Totally Toronto Art, Mitchell’s Soup Co., Drip Candle Studio, and The Doodle Diary.

Other standouts include Hip & Humble, a women-owned boutique making its Canadian airport debut, and Sky to Trail, showcasing outdoor lifestyle brands like Herschel Supply Co., KÜHL, Cotopaxi, Yeti, Tentree, and more.

Rounding out the mix are traveller favourites The Scoreboard, a Toronto sports team-focused apparel store; a Relay travel essentials store; and tech accessories brand, iStore Express.

The seven-year contract extension will give rose 21 rebranded or enhanced stores as well as seven ‘innovative’ concepts that combine everyday travel needs with distinctive speciality brands.

“Experiences at airports are shaped by the vitality of the retail offerings,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson.

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Paradies Lagardère to provide travellers with shopping options that range from gourmet gifts, exclusive products, Canadian souvenirs, as well as the ‘got it’ relief for that important item in travel essentials. Each of these is curated to meet the needs and excitement of our customers at Toronto Pearson.”

SSP reviews rail business as sales growth and profits soar

SSP has an expanding footprint in the US. Shown here is Flavortown at EWR. Source: SSP America

Travel food and beverage (F&B) operator SSP has begun a comprehensive review of its Continental European rail business, which has underperformed since Covid. The announcement came today as it delivered strong annual sales growth and an even stronger operating profit (OP).

In the 12 months to September, based on pre-IFRS figures, revenue increased by +7.8% to reach £3.6 billion ($4.8 billion*) on a constant currency basis, with like-for-like (LFL) growth of +4% and net gains of +4%. Operating profit rose by +12.7% to £223 million ($298 million) at actual foreign exchange rates (£233 million at constant currency), while earnings per share (EPS) shot up by +25% (at constant currency).

However, under statutory (officially archived) IFRS reporting, OP was heavily down by -58% to £86 million, which the company said reflected £183 million of non-underlying expenses and impairment charges.

SSP’s Group CEO Patrick Coveney acknowledged that the company’s performance in one of its four regions – Continental Europe – was not up to expectations. He said: “There is more to do to strengthen our operational performance, most notably in Continental Europe, where we have now reset our team, model, and balance sheet. In addition, we are announcing today the launch of a wide-ranging review of our rail business in Continental Europe.”

SSP expects review update before 2026 interims

That undertaking is largely due to the slow return of rail passenger numbers and changing passenger profiles since Covid – with leisure travel increasing over commuting. SSP also described “an increase in F&B competition across the rail network”. This combination of factors meant that “we have not delivered adequate returns on our rail investments in Continental Europe”.

The rail review is being supported by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal, with an update expected by the time SSP reveals its interim results in May 2026.

On the annual financial result, Coveney said: “We have delivered a resilient performance this year, with revenue and EPS up 8% and 25% respectively on a constant currency basis. As a result of our actions in the year, including an ongoing focus on cost efficiency, we saw strong trading across three of our four regions.”

SSP sales by region, FY25 and first 8 weeks FY26. Source: SSP

Developing markets grow fastest

The strongest region, and also SSP’s smallest, was Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where growth, at constant exchange rates, hit 24% to reach £620 million (see chart above). Acquisitions, such as ARE in Australia, contributed 13% of that. The company also spun off its Indian operation during the financial year through an IPO.

Looking ahead, SSP said: “While there remains macro-economic uncertainty across the world, our focus is on what we can control. We have made an encouraging start to FY26, with LFL sales growth now positive in all regions and tracking at +4% year-to-date for the group. This early momentum, together with the specific actions we are taking to deliver sustained improvements in profit, cash and return on capital, gives us increasing confidence for the coming year.”

* FX conversions at today’s rate.

ARI’s Joy Awaits festive campaign sparks joyful retail experiences

The campaign includes a busy calendar of retailtainment.

ARI is celebrating the launch of its new festive campaign, Joy Awaits, which is designed to deliver a ‘vibrant, joyful and memorable retail experience’ for passengers travelling through the travel retailer’s global locations.

Blending luxury, warmth and joy, Joy Awaits invites passengers to discover the magic of the season through ‘gifting, festive experiences and seamless shopping’.

The campaign aims to transform every touchpoint into a ‘moment of delight’, with vintage-inspired holiday props, rich foliage and luxurious finishing touches, from oversized bows to lighting features – all delivered through an omnichannel execution.

In-store, the campaign is delivered through meaningful messaging displays and playful campaign props, sitting alongside key value messaging, says ARI.

Complimentary gift-wrapping stations feature bespoke campaign festive wrapping paper, with additional gifting solutions also available – such as DIY Christmas crackers (ideal for housing travel miniatures) and luxury gift boxing.

The campaign also includes a busy calendar of retailtainment, including tastings, sampling face painting, and visits from Santa Claus throughout the month at select locations.

With strong passenger traffic expected across all of ARI’s locations ahead of and during the holiday season, the Joy Awaits campaign is designed to best position teams to leverage this key retail window.

Passengers are encouraged to ‘Give the gift of joy’ while shopping or browsing online as the campaign, with specially curated gifting landing pages (online) featuring the season’s top gift ideas.

A festive content strategy delivers Joy Awaits across social media channels, including Instagram and TikTok, with content covering everything from seasonal recipes and cocktails to top gifting ideas across all core categories.

ARI’s Joy Awaits campaign at Dublin Airport.

Montréal Duty Free is serving up Instagrammable moments and easy gifting solutions, with a Gift Box photobooth and a dedicated Gift Stop shop where passengers can shop Canadian brands and products in pre-packed and build-your-own gift packs.

“The festive season is one of the busiest times for retail and for travel, and we’re excited to bring the magic of the season to life for passengers through the new Joy Awaits campaign”, said Sarah Jane Lynch, ARI’s Global Head of Marketing.

“Year-round our teams are focused on delivering joy to passengers, but this campaign really elevates that experience – what better time to spread joy than during the festive period.

“The campaign was developed by our in-house Creative Studio and their in-depth understanding of our customer mission has helped us to create something really special with ‘Joy Awaits’.

“The campaign messaging and creative lives alongside our always on-value messaging, ensuring that our seasonal messaging compliments our value proposition and delivers an overall seamless retail experience.”

Festive gifting and Instagram moments at Montréal Duty Free.

Across Portugal Duty Free locations, customers can discover luxurious vintage-inspired décor and engaging in-store digital media solutions alongside the ‘Taste of Portugal’ pre-packed gift packs as part of the gifting experience.

Cyprus Duty Free has once again transformed its ‘decompression zone’ into a winter wonderland, giving passengers the chance to enjoy signature festive cocktails and tastings at the bar as they shop premium gifts and exclusive offers.

The Joy Awaits campaign has also been executed airport-wide at Dublin Airport, showcasing the retailer dedication to delivering a holistic approach to the overall passenger journey across all touchpoints of their airport experience.

My Jewellery opens second boutique at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

The boutique is located landside at Schiphol Plaza.

Dutch fashion and lifestyle brand My Jewellery has expanded its travel retail footprint with the opening of a second store at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, in addition to its airside location in T1.

The new boutique, located landside at Schiphol Plaza, covers over 140sq m of retail space, and features a full selection of the brand’s jewellery, accessories and clothing.

According to My Jewellery, the store’s strategic location makes it easily accessible to a wide audience, including travellers, visitors, Schiphol employees and Schiphol Plaza train passengers.

The opening, which incorporates a strong focus on gifting, marks an important next step in the brand’s international expansion. The boutique also carries the brand’s travel exclusive collection, which is not available in regular My Jewellery doors.

The new location at Schiphol Plaza aligns with the brand’s ambition to increase visibility at international travel hubs and attract a broader audience. Currently, My Jewellery is particularly popular among Gen Z, and geographically enjoys a strong position in Europe.

The Schiphol Plaza opening was supported by an impactful media campaign.

The brand has amassed over one million social media followers, and operates 56 stores across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain and Scandinavia.

“We are proud and excited to [open] our second store at Schiphol Airport,” noted Head of Business Development Thom Timmer. “This new boutique – twice the size of our first airside location – marks an important boost to our brand visibility within travel retail and represents a significant step forward in our international growth strategy.”

Charlotte Tilbury extends GTR presence with Dubai Duty Free debut

The brand has opened two new counters at Dubai International Airport.

Last month (November) British beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury made its debut at Dubai Duty Free, opening two new counters at Dubai International Airport in Concourses C and D.

The launch was marked by a high-profile, one-day activation featuring live DJ sets, dancers, immersive experiences and sampling of the brand’s limited editions and best-selling skincare and fragrance products.

Another key highlight on offer was a personalised mini Magic Cream, reimagined as a Dubai-inspired keychain. Beauty advisors shared key travel beauty tips – and offered the first 150 customers an exclusive Charlotte Tilbury makeup bag.

The new counters showcase the brand’s makeup, skincare and fragrance collections, spotlighting hero products such as Pillow Talk and the Airbrush Setting Spray, alongside a curated selection of travel retail exclusive sets.

These include Charlotte’s Beauty Icons On The Go Set, which includes Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara, Pillow Talk Matte Revolution Lipstick, Magic Cream, and Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.

Charlotte Tilbury Dubai Duty Free debut ribbon-cutting

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was officiated by (L-R) Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing, DDF, Fatma Al Fardan, Senior Manager – Purchasing, DDF, Mona Al Ali, SVP – HR, DDF, Salah Tahlak, Deputy Managing Director, DDF, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director, DDF, Sophie Podan, Head of Travel Retail Middle East, Charlotte Tilbury, Rosie Lovett, Retail Manager of Middle East & Cyprus, Charlotte Tilbury and Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail, DDF.

Other popular picks include the In-Flight Hydrate, Protect + Glow Set, which features the Magic Hydrator Mist, Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, and Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir.

Travellers can also enjoy a range of complimentary express beauty services. The 15-minute treatment options include the Glow + Go Express Facial, Find Your Foundation Match, and Find Your Perfect Scent Match.

Charlotte Tilbury Dubai Duty Free activation dancers

The launch was marked by a high-profile, one-day activation featuring live DJ sets, dancers, and various immersive experiences.

For those with more time, 30-minute services include Fly Flawless – an express facial featuring a cleanse, mask application and relaxing hand and arm massage, finished with foundation application; and Beautify Before You Fly, a personalised beauty consultation guided by Team Tilbury’s expert makeup artists.

Charlotte Tilbury General Manager Travel Retail Grégoire Walter commented: “Dubai International is one of the world’s busiest and most luxurious travel hubs. Customers are increasingly looking to travel retail as essential destinations for prestige beauty discovery, brand immersion, and personalised service.

Charlotte Tilbury Dubai Duty Free Magic Cream keychain

A key highlight to celebrate the launch was a personalised mini Magic Cream, reimagined as a Dubai-inspired keychain.

“This partnership with Dubai Duty Free gives us the opportunity to connect with a truly global audience and offer them our award-winning, confidence-boosting beauty rituals before they take flight.”

Dubai Duty Free Senior Vice President for Purchasing Sharon Beecham noted: “We are delighted to welcome Charlotte Tilbury to Dubai Duty Free. The brand’s arrival reflects our continued commitment to offering world-class beauty experiences to our customers.

“With its globally celebrated products and immersive retail concept, Charlotte Tilbury adds a touch of glamour and innovation that perfectly aligns with the dynamic spirit of Dubai Duty Free.”

AOT outlines solution to end duty-free impasse with King Power at key Thai airports

AOT’s new contract terms vary depending on the location. Image: Kylle Pangan/Unsplash.

Following a board meeting yesterday, Airports of Thailand (AOT) has approved a set of solutions to contract issues with its duty-free operator, King Power Duty Free (KPD), arising from changed market conditions in Thailand – most notably the scrapping of arrivals duty-free shopping.

The airports affected are Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International (DMK), plus the three key regional gateways of Phuket International (HKT), Chiang Mai Airport (CNX), and Hat Yai International (HDY).

At the end of October 2025, AOT’s board of directors resolved to find a solution to the duty-free quandary – flagged in the early summer – based on the findings of a consultant hired specifically to examine the options.

The findings were used as a framework for negotiation with KPD “for AOT’s maximum benefit while ensuring fairness to the contracting party”, said AOT in a statement today. Across the five airports mentioned above, AOT considered two options: contract amendment or contract termination. The latter decision would require a new bidding process that could easily take more than a year.

AOT said it will amend the King Power contract by adjusting the concession conditions “in alignment with the actual circumstances arising during contract management”. In reaching this conclusion, AOT took the following factors into account:

– Ensuring business continuity: Providing continuous passenger services given that duty-free retail is considered an essential component and retaining KPD for this purpose

– Stabilising revenue flow: AOT to continue receiving concession fees (at an appropriate level) to avoid revenue gaps during any potential bidding process for a new concessionaire, and any revenue loss due to the absence of a service provider

– Gaining the best return: Amendment was found to provide a higher financial return than the minimum return expected from seeking a new concessionaire under the current circumstances

– Minimising economic damage: Contract termination would also affect overall employment among related operators, thereby impacting the wider airport economy.

Arrivals duty-free at Suvarnabhumi Airport

No more arrivals duty-free was a trigger for the current duty-free woes at AOT.

The best financial option: contract amendment

Weighing up these options, AOT said that by adjusting the concession, it would allow for continuous operation and help reduce potential adverse impacts. The operator added: “The amendment approach will be more beneficial to AOT than terminating the contract and initiating a new bidding process. AOT will lose revenue from concession fees until a new concessionaire is appointed, which is expected to take no less than 14 months.”

AOT also outlined tailored airport solutions, assuming the basic conditions such as minimum guarantees, revenue sharing, and additional concession fees are met.

BKK solution – The minimum guarantee on a per-passenger basis at Suvarnabhumi continues to be collected under a passenger-based principle, charged annually (equivalent to THB232.90 ($7.30*) per passenger with a continuous annual growth rate of 5%). In addition, AOT has negotiated a revenue-sharing component of 35% on the excess spending per head. This gives AOT an opportunity for extra revenue if there is a strong aviation recovery (the original contract provided only a 20% revenue-sharing rate throughout the contract term).

Extending the term for an additional two years has been proposed as the BKK Development Plan includes the completion of the South Terminal by around 2032. The extension covers the period when all areas of the existing passenger terminal, currently used by KPD, will need to be closed for alterations between 2032 and 2035. As new concessionaires are unlikely to be interested in any bidding processes at this time, the contract extension ensures retail continuity at BKK.

DMK solution – At Don Mueang, a minimum guarantee per square metre will continue to be collected (calculated at THB39,187.76 ($1,228.60) per square metre per month) along with revenue sharing of 20% as per the original contract. If traffic recovery exceeds 100%, AOT will return to a previously agreed minimum guarantee rate. An extension of the contract term is proposed because, under the airport development plan, the current concessionaire is required to relocate its services to Terminal 3 and dismantle its existing investments in the old terminal building.

Regional airports solution – For HKT, CNX and HDY, the operator said “the minimum guarantee continues to be collected under the same passenger-based principle and charged annually (equivalent to THB129.67 ($4.06) per passenger with a continuous annual growth rate of 5% starting from 2030 (reflecting improving traffic), or an average of THB134.70 ($4.22) per passenger over the contract term). As with BKK, AOT has negotiated an additional revenue-sharing component of 35% on any excess spending per head.

AOT noted: “However, after the contract amendment, in the event that the business returns to its original state as outlined in KPD’s duty-free business proposal, AOT reserves the right to collect concession fees as proposed in KPD’s proposal.” The operator added that it still reserves the right to terminate the existing KPD concession and initiate a new bidding process.

* FX conversions at today’s rate.

QDF unveils DOH takeover for Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix

Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025

QDF’s airport-wide takeover for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has unveiled a striking airport-wide celebration of Formula 1 at Hamad International Airport (DOH) to welcome Grand Prix fans from around the world.

In preparation for the event [the race weekend took place from 28-30 November 2025 at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail], the retailer rolled out the high-octane takeover featuring Formula 1 inspired installations and branded showcases supported by a line-up of exclusives designed to carry the race-week atmosphere into the passenger journey.

Highlights included a show car reveal and racing inspired pop-ups from leading global brands.

TRBusiness’ Co-owner and Joint CEO Nigel Hardy was on location for the experience.

“Formula 1 brings extraordinary energy to Qatar, and we’re proud to bring that spirit into the airport at a moment when the world is watching,” said Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer.

TRBusiness’ Co-owner and Joint CEO Nigel Hardy with Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer (left) and Augusto Deymonnaz, VP Marketing & Communications, Qatar Duty Free (right).

He continued: “Our goal was to create an experience that meets fans the moment they arrive by offering them something memorable and worthy of a global stage.

“At Qatar Duty Free, experiencentricity guides everything we do. These activations are designed to enrich the journey and give travellers a sense of place and excitement that stays with them. We’re delighted to welcome race-week visitors to Hamad International Airport and look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for all travellers.”

Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix fever has come to DOH.

The takeover was led by the reveal of a full Formula 1 show car and slogan lightbox in front of the iconic Lamp Bear to spark excitement among fans arriving in Doha for race week.

Across the terminal, brand partners joined QDF in bringing the spirit of Formula 1 to life through high impact showcases tailored for the occasion.

Brand partners helped to bring the spirit of Formula 1 to life through high-impact showcases tailored for race week.

Glenfiddich and Aston Martin unveiled their first collaborative display, titled ‘Timeless Apart, Iconic Together’, featuring travel retail exclusive malts alongside special gifts with purchase, such as branded caps and an Aston Martin F1 helmet.

Jack Daniel’s introduced its McLaren limited-edition bottle within a bold showcase that includes a full driver uniform, a branded helmet and an interactive wire sculpture game that forms a 3D F1 circuit.

The Formula 1 Store has officially opened at Hamad International Airport, replacing the former Rugby Store.

Velo launched a McLaren-themed installation anchored by a car simulator and supported by promotions on its Limited Edition SKU, while Givenchy revealed a podium style activation for the Gentleman Society collection, complete with an F1 simulator and a spotlight on brand ambassador Pierre Gasly.

Snickers launched a pit-stop themed experience.

Snickers has a pit-stop themed experience, and KitKat has a full Formula 1 takeover across all Day2Day stores.

To build on the atmosphere across the airport, the Formula 1 Store has now officially opened at Hamad International Airport, replacing the former Rugby Store and offering a curated selection of official merchandise from Puma and Adidas.

The new store provides fans with the chance to purchase apparel and accessories as they travel through Doha during one of the most exciting sporting weeks of the year.

Formula 1 inspired installations and branded showcases supported by a line-up of exclusives carry the race-week atmosphere into the passenger journey.

As part of its Grand Prix activations, the retailer also unveiled the Louis Vuitton Lounge by Qatar Duty Free for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 at the Lusail International Circuit from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November.

The collaboration marks Qatar Duty Free’s third consecutive year as a sponsor of the penultimate race of the season. Together, the two iconic brands delivered an impactful suite experience, welcoming a host of international and regional brand friends, partners and clients.

The Louis Vuitton Lounge by Qatar Duty Free for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025 offered guests an immersive environment blending elegance and hospitality.

Among the attendees were Lebanese actress Cynthia Samuel, NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger, Egyptian singer Bayou, boxer and model Younes Bendjima, former England Football Captain Steven Gerrard, and Jordanian actress Noor Taher.

The collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Qatar Duty Free began in 2023 with the opening of The Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno at Hamad International Airport.

Guests at the race were treated to a taste of the airport lounge thanks to an assortment of desserts and beverages brought to the track over the weekend.

“Bringing together Qatar Duty Free’s expertise in world-class hospitality and Louis Vuitton’s legacy of exceptional art de vivre, this partnership demonstrates how we can curate an exceptional client experience both inside and outside the airport – even at major international events,” said Musleh.

“We were delighted to welcome our esteemed guests and partners to the Lusail International Circuit, and to celebrate the spirit of Formula 1 in true QDF and Louis Vuitton style.”

This collaboration is the latest in a series of experiences delivered by Qatar Duty Free and its brand partners, as the retail and F&B operator rounds off its 25th anniversary year.

Dubai Duty Free achieves highest monthly sales in its 42-year history

The “Dubai Chocolate” segment fuelled confectionery sales.

Dubai Duty Free has announced a landmark performance for November 2025 with sales reaching AED876.56m (US$240.16m).

This figure marks the highest monthly sales in the retailer’s 42-year history, and is a +16.77% increase over November 2024. Average daily sales also hit a new record at AED29.21m (US$8m), compared with AED26.51 million (US$7.26 million) in December 2024.

This result positions November 2025 as the strongest of the nine record-breaking months this year, and surpasses the previous all-time monthly record of AED821m set in December 2024.

In another historic milestone, Dubai Duty Free crossed the US$2bn sales mark by mid-November, reflecting exceptional commercial momentum throughout the year. 29 November also marked the highest sales day of the year, with sales soaring to AED37.55million.

Dubai Duty Free hails ‘a defining moment in its history’

Year-to-date sales have reached AED7.75bn, an increase of +9.57% compared with the same period last year. Growth in sales exceeded passenger traffic by an estimated 10% (final pax numbers for November will be released this month).

Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi commented: “November has been an extraordinary month for us and a defining moment in our 42-year history. Crossing the US$2bn mark by 15 November and setting a new all-time monthly sales record is a great achievement.

Dubai Duty Free record sales November 2025

In another historic milestone, Dubai Duty Free crossed the US$2bn sales mark by mid-November, reflecting exceptional commercial momentum.

“It takes a huge effort to break sales records month after month, and yet that is what our operation has achieved this year. I want to particularly thank our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for his unwavering support to our business; the success of our company over four decades would not have been possible without his guidance and leadership.”

Dubai Duty Free also recorded growth in high-value transactions during November. Transactions valued at less than AED500 increased by +1.35% in number and 6.94% in value, contributing 25% of total sales. In comparison, transactions above AED500 grew by +15.16% in number and by +20.54% in value, accounting for the remaining 75% of sales.

Product categories and highlights

Fragrances continued to lead all categories with AED160.58m in sales, a +13.29% increase, supported by a strong focus on new and exclusive launches. Liquor followed with sales of AED103.59m, a +4.55% increase, boosted by an expanded selection of premium and exclusive offerings. Gold came in third with sales of AED87.67m, a +16.68% increase.

The tobacco category recorded AED85.99m, marking a +11.44% increase, partly driven by diversification and the growing demand for heat-not-burn products (sticks and devices).

Confectionery registered a +42.93% rise to AED83.29m in November – an all-time record high for the category. The “Dubai Chocolate” segment alone generated AED35.69m in sales, equivalent to 80.59 tons across nine brands, and accounted for 42.86% of total confectionery sales.

Dubai Duty Free fragrances November 2025

A strong focus on new and exclusive launches helped fragrances to lead all categories with AED160.58m in sales.

Leading the segment was the Patchi Pistachio Kunafa Bar, produced exclusively for Dubai Duty Free, which sold 223,300 pieces worth AED15.63m in November, representing nearly half of all sales within the segment. Dubai Duty Free plans to build on this momentum for 2026, ensuring travellers continue to enjoy exclusive, regionally inspired products alongside global premium brands.

Electronic sales rose by +13.60% to AED67.22m, driven by record iPhone 17 sales totalling AED26.73m, equivalent to 5,216 units sold.

Luxury Fashion continued its upward trajectory, growing +40.32% in November. The category averaged 381 transactions per day, with the average transaction value rising +10.17%.

The luxury fashion category continued its upward trajectory, growing +40.32% in November.

The opening of Louis Vuitton and Cartier boutiques in Concourse A in Q4 resulted in incremental sales, while the luxury boutiques in Concourse B continued to see substantial growth.

Terminal-wide, performance was robust. Concourse A saw sales surge by +37.89%, while Arrivals climbed +14.27% despite competition within the airport. Al Maktoum International Airport departures posted an impressive +46.78% increase.

Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi described November as “an extraordinary month”.

All regions posted positive growth in November. Sales to travellers departing to Europe increased by +23.57%, while the Russian region rose +27.60%. Africa grew by +16.53%, the Americas by +15.36%, and the Middle East by +18.09%.

Asia increased by +14.28%, with China specifically up +16.67%. The Indian sub-continent grew by +6.32% and Australasia by +1.01%.

Passengers travelling to the Americas, Africa and Russian-speaking regions continued to outspend those travelling to other parts of the world, representing the top three regions in terms of spend per unique shopper, with sales exceeding AED800 per shopper.

Dubai Duty Free is now preparing for the festive travel rush during Christmas and New Year celebrations and its upcoming 42nd Anniversary on 20 December, when customers will enjoy the now traditional series of special offers and celebratory discounts across the operation.

Cidambi concluded: “As we approach our 42nd anniversary, we are thrilled to welcome passengers with engaging experiences, exclusive promotions, and the exceptional service that defines Dubai Duty Free.”

Archives

Qatar Duty Free and Charlotte Tilbury unveil Holiday season pop-up

Muscat Duty Free achieves record-breaking sales during November

Paradies Lagardère secures seven-year contract extension at Toronto Pearson

SSP reviews rail business as sales growth and profits soar

SSP expects review update before 2026 interims

Developing markets grow fastest

* FX conversions at today’s rate.

ARI’s Joy Awaits festive campaign sparks joyful retail experiences

My Jewellery opens second boutique at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Charlotte Tilbury extends GTR presence with Dubai Duty Free debut

AOT outlines solution to end duty-free impasse with King Power at key Thai airports

The best financial option: contract amendment

* FX conversions at today’s rate.

QDF unveils DOH takeover for Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix

Dubai Duty Free achieves highest monthly sales in its 42-year history

Dubai Duty Free hails ‘a defining moment in its history’

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