OMAN. Retail design agency ODG has been appointed to design the duty free zone at the new Muscat International Airport, which is due to open later this year. ODG was recently rebranded from its previous name of Open D Group, Retail Access and Sparkle, as reported.
ODG was appointed by Oman Sales and Services (OSS), a joint venture between Oman Air and Aer Rianta International-Middle East, after the retailer won a ten-year duty free contract last year.
The new Muscat International Airport, which is still under construction, is expected to have a capacity of over 12 million passengers after the first phase of construction. This figure is set to reach 48 million passengers once completion of the four-phased construction mega-project is complete, as recently confirmed by Oman’s Minister of Transport and Communications.
The first phase is set to span 580,000 sq m with 7,000sq m of retail space. This comprises the key categories of fragrances & cosmetics, liquor & tobacco, confectionery and fashion & accessories as well as a market and several speciality stores.
ARI Global Implementation Director Philip Eckles said: “ODG supported OSS during the RFP bid phase of the Muscat Duty Free tender by developing outstanding design. The world class duty free store concepts developed were instrumental in our winning bid. Since the contract award, ODG has worked diligently and professionally with our project team to turn those concepts in to reality.”
The design concept takes its inspiration from the unique Omani landscape and culture. Passengers will also encounter interactive features and experiences, noted ODG.
ODG General Manager Hugo Vanderschaegh said: “Winning the bid with OSS was a great success for ODG and we thank them for trusting us in the development of the project. With the launch of our new Intelligence and Digital divisions, we look forward to continue delivering ‘inspired designs that work’ to travellers around the world.”
