MIDDLE EAST. Aer Rianta International (ARI) is expanding its retail space and introducing a range of new concepts and brands across its Middle Eastern airport network. These include big developments in Bahrain and Beirut as well as investment in new terminals in Abu Dhabi and Oman.
At Beirut Duty Free, an expansion and refurbishment of the sunglasses department is set to open this month.
The space allocated to the category is being extended from 90sq m to 160sq m. The larger footprint features a new Christian Dior eyewear zone and some high visibility promotional areas dedicated to new launches. The key Ray-Ban brand is also positioned more prominently in the store, said the retailer.
New brands set to enter the offer include Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Boucheron, with Chloe, Ferragamo and Elie Saab being added to the spring/summer 2017 collection.
In other Beirut Duty Free news, a big renovation of perfumery will take place in early 2017.
ARI-Middle East is also undertaking a major refurbishment of its Bahrain Duty Free business. This began in July and should be completed by year-end. Among the highlights are the introduction of ARI’s acclaimed Candy Cloud kids’ confectionery concept, with other concepts to be revealed shortly.
Progress continues on developing the company’s new operations at the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Speaking recently to us about the project (in particular about P&C), ARI CEO Jack MacGowan said: “We aim to deliver to a premium and superior standard. This is a great opportunity for us to show that what we do so well in Dublin T1, we can do elsewhere. For example, I fully expect that we’ll have the best beauty shop in the airport world in Abu Dhabi.”
On ARI’s new ten-year deal at Muscat (for the new airport), MacGowan said: “We are committed to delivering a step change there and to exceeding the expectations of the Omanis going through the airport. It’s a fantastic country with great prospects and if we can deliver it can play its part in driving even more people through the airport.”
ARI will manage nine core category stores in Departures, two in Arrivals plus four last-minute pier stores at the new airport. The design draws inspiration from the landscape and colours of Oman, as do a number of the retail concepts.
In fragrances, the Essence of Arabia recounts the story of frankincense, which is the base note in many fragrances. In cosmetics, ARI plans a Colour Zone concept. The skincare category will reflect the sea and the abundance of marine life in Oman, through the Waterfall Bar and Marine Spa. Other concepts will include a Kids Kingdom, which draws inspiration from the local character Sinbad the Sailor.
In addition to the new airport project, Muscat Duty Free has opened a new cigar outlet that has widened the range.
In other news, the company this year also retained its Oman Air inflight contract for three more years. In a related initiative, it has launched the Sindbad online store in partnership with Oman Air’s frequent flyer programme.
*We’ll bring you more news on ARI’s Middle East projects soon. A full feature will appear in the Official MEADFA Guide, published by The Moodie Davitt Report and out at the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Conference on 28-29 November.
