DFS to operate duty-free shops at Abu Dhabi T3

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The retailer will also oversee the commercial redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International airport terminal one

Airport authority Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and retailer DFS Group have signed a letter of intent regarding the operation of duty-free stores at Abu Dhabi International airport. Although the initial focus will be on the duty-free offer at the new terminal three, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2008, the agreement also includes the redevelopment of T1.

ADAC chairman Khalifa Al Mazrouei said: “Our ambition is to offer our customers a range of choices and DFS represents a best-in-class solution for our duty-free offer. Once concluded, this agreement will bring higher levels of luxury retail expertise to Abu Dhabi and together we can set a new benchmark for duty-free retailing in the Middle East.”

DFS CEO Ed Brennan added: “At DFS we are delighted to have taken this first step in building a great new partnership with ADAC. We look forward to working with ADAC to develop Abu Dhabi into the luxury travel-retail destination of the Middle East.”