Qatar Duty Free takes a fresh look at tech with Apple opening

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is marking its 21st anniversary with a significant investment in an enhanced retail portfolio of 21 new shopping and dining outlets. Underpinned by a focus on embracing a range of tastes and budgets, the ‘21 in 21’ project is designed to elevate the duty free experience at Hamad International Airport. Recent openings include in-house men’s fashion concept Q-Denim, a debut airport store for leading sportswear brand adidas and budget concept Big Value, as well as the landmark August unveiling of luxury avenue Viale di Lusso. In recent days these were joined by another significant addition to the retail offer: the first Apple Shop at the airport. Located in the heart of the terminal behind the iconic Lamp Bear in the South Node Retail Plaza, it offers the full Apple product range, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus a wide selection of Apple accessories. At 86sq m it is the largest store of its kind in Qatar. Travellers are invited to discover the innovative world of Apple and shop from a wide range of products including the newly launched iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 mini. Trained consultants are available to assist customers and provide product recommendations.

Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer said: “As the best airport in the world, we are committed to bringing our passengers the world’s best in airport retail, leisure, and attractions. Hamad International Airport and Qatar Duty Free are dedicated to developing pioneering partnerships with leading brands to ensure our passengers enjoy a unique retail experience that is not only memorable but also exclusive. “We are continuously working on elevating the passenger journey by expanding the variety of top-tier brands available to them at our terminal, often bringing them and launching first-of-its-kind concepts at HIA.” Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh said: “The opening of the Apple Shop at the world’s best airport marks another key highlight of QDF’s major investments in enhancing the retail experience at Hamad International Airport. We are delighted to unveil the new Apple Shop in Qatar and excited to add Apple products into our extensive retail portfolio.” More major ‘firsts’ will follow, including a Christian Louboutin boutique and the opening of a store by renowned UK toy retailer Hamleys in partnership with QDF, planned for later this year.