Qatar Duty Free reports 18% sales increase for 2024
Qatar Duty Free’s record-breaking 2024 performance showcases the strategic synergy between travel retail, airport operations and airline partnerships at one of the world’s fastest-growing hubs
Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has reported an 18% increase in sales turnover for 2024 compared to the previous year, outpacing the 15% growth in passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport (DOH). The airport served 52.7 million passengers during the year, reinforcing Doha’s position as a major global hub.
The retailer expanded its footprint with 18 new retail concepts throughout 2024. Notable launches included the world’s first Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat in an airport setting, featuring the brand’s first dedicated men’s grooming space. The eyewear category saw significant development with a multi-brand store by Thelios and the region’s first Digital Retail Concept store in partnership with Kering Eyewear.
In 2024, Chanel unveiled a world-first immersive, 360-takeover at Hamad International Airport in collaboration with Qatar Duty Free
QDF’s food and beverage portfolio grew with six new and upgraded concepts, including Le Petit Camion, a locally inspired specialty coffee concept. The airport achieved another milestone by becoming the first globally to receive FSSC 22000 certification for food safety standards.
The retailer’s performance earned industry recognition including Retailer of the Year at the Frontier Awards, Airport Food and Beverage Offer of the Year at the FAB Awards and World’s Best Airport for Shopping from SKYTRAX – making it the first travel retailer to hold all three titles simultaneously.
Looking ahead to its 25th anniversary in 2025, QDF plans to launch over 25 new retail and F&B concepts and introduce advanced digital platforms including e-commerce and data-sharing capabilities. The retailer will also host the Trinity Forum in Doha.
DOH celebrated several wins at the Skytrax awards in 2024, including "World's Best Airport Shopping"
Thabet Musleh, Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer at Qatar Airways, emphasizes the strategic importance of these developments: “2024 has been an extraordinary year for Qatar Duty Free. These achievements reflect our team’s dedication to redefining travel retail and delivering exceptional experiences. As we approach our 25th anniversary, we are poised to introduce game-changing innovations that will set new standards in the industry.”
He adds that launching new retail and F&B concepts, introducing advanced e-commerce and data-sharing platforms to enhance brand partnerships and hosting the Trinity Forum in Doha demonstrate QDF’s commitment to pushing boundaries in retail excellence and “experiencentricity.”
The success stems from close collaboration between QDF, Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport. As Qatar’s flagship carrier, Qatar Airways provides access to a global customer base while DOH’s infrastructure enables QDF to set new benchmarks in retail and hospitality. This three-way partnership ensures seamless operations, innovative offerings and an elevated travel experience.
To support its growth trajectory, QDF strengthened its leadership team and workforce in 2024. The company also completed development of an advanced e-commerce and data-sharing platform scheduled to launch in 2025, designed to provide brand partners with comprehensive performance insights and enhance data-driven decision-making.
