Abu Dhabi Duty Free starts on renewed revamp plans

John Rimmer

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The retailer has started ambitious plans in earnest with a new pharmacy after postponing development to account for flag carrier Etihad's forecasted rapid growth

Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) has launched into its latest round of investment in retail facilities at Abu Dhabi International airport. The company has redrawn plans to expand after initial ideas were shelved to take new flag carrier Etihad's anticipated rapid growth into account.

ADDF opened a new pharmacy on lower level of the duty-free area on Sunday, positioned next to the Food and Chocolate store. The initiative  is one of a number of new ideas the operator hopes to implement in its existing duty-free area as pass traffic grows sharply.

Among the plans are an extended souk-style area for destination gifts, a revamped Gifts International area with new fashion and accessories brands and an extended fragrances and tobacco store. Also planned are a new, extended arrivals store in the airport's baggage reclaim area and a series of mobile stores in each satellite terminal, offering travellers the opportunity to make last minute purchases before they fly.