Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has cemented its place as a global leader in airport retail by being crowned Best Airport Retailer of the Year at the Frontier Awards 2025 in Cannes, France — for the third consecutive year. The prestigious accolades, often dubbed the "Oscars of the travel retail industry," are widely regarded as benchmark honors, recognizing innovation, customer engagement, and world-class retail concepts.

In addition to this top recognition, QDF also earned two further titles: Best Specialty Concept (Hybrid F&B) for its culturally rich Souq Al Matar and Retail Activation of the Year for the dynamic Live the Formula 1 Life campaign.

A Three-Time Champion in a Changing Industry

Winning three years in a row is a rare achievement in the duty-free sector, where global hubs such as Changi Airport, Heathrow, and Dubai Duty Free regularly contend for the spotlight. The recognition reflects not only QDF’s consistency but also its ability to adapt to shifting consumer habits, technological advancements, and heightened competition from large-scale retail partners.

Industry sources such as the Moodie Davitt Report highlight that the post-pandemic recovery of global travel retail has seen passenger spending rebound sharply — with Middle Eastern airports positioned as growth leaders due to high levels of investment in facilities, technology, and customer experience. QDF’s continued wins underscore Hamad International Airport’s reputation as an experiential destination, not simply a transit hub.

The Souq Al Matar: Heritage Meets Luxury

The award-winning Souq Al Matar has become more than a retail space; it’s a blend of cultural storytelling and boutique shopping. The space replicates an authentic Qatari marketplace, with stalls offering locally made crafts, artisanal food products, dates, spices, and souvenirs. At the same time, it integrates modern hybrid food and beverage options, creating a space where heritage and hospitality converge.

Judges at the Frontier Awards praised Souq Al Matar for being a “model for sense-of-place retailing”, demonstrating how airports can give international travelers an authentic encounter with local traditions.

Formula 1 Inside an Airport

QDF’s Live the Formula 1 Life campaign, meanwhile, represented one of the most extensive themed activations ever staged in an airport. Tied to Qatar’s growing presence on the international motorsport stage, the campaign turned Hamad International into a Formula 1-inspired environment with interactive race simulators, cars on display, branded merchandise, and photo zones designed to engage families and sports enthusiasts alike.

The campaign tapped into Qatar’s major sponsorships and global sporting partnerships, which include hosting the Qatar Grand Prix, FIFA tournaments, and partnerships with top European football clubs. Retail analysts described the activation as a bold blueprint for how airports can merge entertainment, sport, and brand storytelling with commerce, increasing both brand equity and passenger traffic in stores.

Voices From Leadership

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer credited the achievement to QDF’s strategic vision and people-first approach:

"These awards are a testament to our philosophy of continuous innovation. Through elevating airport retail into an immersive, engaging journey, Hamad International Airport is today not only a hub for connectivity, but a global retail and dining hotspot attracting millions of travelers annually."

Thabet Musleh, Senior Vice President of QDF, emphasized the human element: “Our teams are at the heart of these achievements. Their creativity and relentless drive to redefine what airport retail can deliver are the real reasons behind our continued global success.”

A Global Powerhouse in Airport Retail

Currently, QDF manages more than 200 retail and dining outlets, ranging from world-renowned luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Rolex, and Hermès to everyday essentials and convenience concepts. The operator has also pioneered exclusive partnerships, introducing first-ever airport boutiques for brands like Harrods Tea Room, Ralph Lauren, and KidZania at HIA.

Hamad International Airport — itself awarded World’s Best Airport 2025 by Skytrax — handled over 46 million passengers in 2024, a number projected to rise significantly due to Qatar Airways’ expanding network and Doha’s positioning as a global travel hub. This provides QDF with a captive audience primed for both high-end luxury shopping and culturally immersive purchasing experiences.

Regional Rivalries and Future of Duty-Free

The GCC region remains one of the fiercest arenas in travel retail. Dubai Duty Free, one of the largest single-airport retailers in the world, reported annual sales exceeding USD 2 billion in 2024, while Qatar Duty Free is fast building market share through its emphasis on personalization, experiential retailing, and cultural representation. Singapore’s Changi Airport is another top competitor, often celebrated for its integration of entertainment spaces like the Jewel complex.

What sets QDF apart is its hybrid strategy: combining luxury retail dominance with destination-specific experiences like Souq Al Matar. This dual focus caters to both high-spending luxury travelers and passengers seeking authentic local connections, boosting both revenue streams and brand loyalty.

According to analysts, as the global duty-free sector is projected to surpass USD 120 billion by 2030, QDF’s investment in technology, personalization, and experiential concepts will be key to maintaining an edge. Innovations such as contactless shopping, AI-powered retail analytics, and curated omnichannel experiences are areas the operator is already exploring.

Saudi Arabia’s tourist accommodation facility management sector recorded significant growth in commercial registrations, with the total rising 29 percent year-on-year by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

The Kingdom had 20,560 active registrations in the sector at the end of September, an increase of 4,595 from the 15,965 recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.

Makkah led the country’s regions with 8,075 active commercial registrations, followed by Riyadh with 7,110 and Madinah with 1,988.

The Eastern Province ranked fourth with 1,456 registrations, while Asir completed the list of the five regions with the highest number of active registrations.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Off the coast of Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a secluded island getaway that sets itself apart from conventional luxury resorts. Described as Saudi Arabia’s only private island available for exclusive buyout, the retreat accommodates one group at a time, offering privacy and a personalised stay surrounded by the Red Sea.

The 40-minute boat journey from the mainland provides a gradual escape from everyday routines. As the island comes into view, the sense of separation from the outside world becomes increasingly apparent.

The arrival experience reflects the attention to detail that defines the retreat. Before guests reach the marina, the team gathers practical information, including shoe sizes, to ensure equipment such as snorkelling gear is ready upon arrival.

Privacy and Saudi Hospitality

Thuwal Private Retreat accommodates up to 12 adults and three children across six beachfront villas. With the entire island reserved for a single group, guests can enjoy a stay tailored to their preferences.

The experience is shaped by hafawah, a Saudi tradition associated with generous and heartfelt hospitality. Rather than feeling formal or scripted, the service is characterised by personal attention and a welcoming atmosphere.

During an introduction to the island, guests learn about its history and natural environment, including the Turquoise Hole, a distinctive natural water formation.

One of the retreat’s principal gathering places is the Overwater Diwaniya, a relaxed venue above the sea. It serves as a setting for breakfast, coffee, lunch and sunset gatherings, bringing guests together throughout the day.

Dining Above the Red Sea

Dining is another highlight, with menus featuring fresh seafood, barbecue dishes, colourful salads and daily grilled specialities. The combination of relaxed service and an exclusive waterfront setting gives meals an informal yet refined character.

Watching the Maldivian chef prepare food over charcoal adds a personal element to the experience, turning meals into part of the island’s wider appeal.

Across the stay, the hospitality team maintains a consistent focus on warmth, attentiveness and generosity. The service feels natural, with staff taking pride in making guests comfortable.

A Villa Designed Around Nature

Royal Villa One offers a private setting where natural materials and expansive views connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.

Bamboo ceilings, earthy textures and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring the outdoors into the living spaces, with views of the sea visible from almost every corner.

The bedroom features a canopy bed and flowing fabric details, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Even smaller elements, including the slippers, reflect the attention given to comfort.

In the bathroom, a glass-walled shower overlooks a private garden. Toiletries and grooming essentials are carefully arranged to make the stay convenient.

Outside, a secluded garden leads to a private dining area overlooking the water, creating an intimate setting for meals and quiet moments.

Exploring the Island’s Marine Life

The Red Sea is central to the retreat’s appeal. Its changing shades of blue provide a backdrop for activities including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Guided snorkelling excursions take guests to coral reefs and less-explored areas around the island. Underwater cameras provided by the guides allow visitors to capture the experience without having to manage their own equipment throughout the trip.

The excursions offer a closer look at the marine environment while allowing guests to remain immersed in the experience.

Wellness and Memorable Evenings

The island’s spa provides another opportunity to unwind. A floral foot ritual and citrus aromatherapy begin the treatment, followed by a massage designed to promote relaxation.

The spa experience combines professional treatment with a calm setting, complementing the retreat’s emphasis on slowing down and enjoying the surroundings.

Evenings bring a different atmosphere. Sunsets beside the pool transform the sky into shades of gold and blue, while seabirds occasionally add to the stillness of the scene.

The programme also includes hands-on and social activities. Guests can make manakish with the chef, take part in group pizza sessions, enjoy long lunches beside the sea or watch a film during a beach cinema evening.

These experiences provide variety without taking away from the island’s defining sense of tranquillity.

An Escape That Lingers

Leaving Thuwal Private Retreat can be an emotional experience, particularly after several days of personalised service and shared activities. The farewell from the team, with staff waving as the boat departs, reinforces the personal connections built during the stay.

The retreat’s appeal lies not only in its villas, marine activities or dining, but also in the opportunity to step away from everyday demands and experience the Red Sea at a slower pace.

For travellers seeking privacy, thoughtful hospitality and a close connection with nature, Thuwal Private Retreat offers a distinctive island escape along Saudi Arabia’s western coast.

Source: Arab News

Waterfront walkways developed by Jazan Municipality are creating new opportunities for coastal tourism and outdoor recreation along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea shoreline.

The pedestrian routes extend from the coast towards the sea, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy marine views, observe aquatic life and watch sunsets.

Among the key attractions is the 600-metre Sunset Walkway, which includes 55 seating areas, illuminated pedestrian paths, children's play zones, public facilities and retail kiosks. The commercial spaces also provide opportunities for local families involved in cottage industries to sell their products.

The walkway offers panoramic views of the Red Sea while creating a space for leisure activities and family outings.

Jazan Municipality spokesperson Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khayyat said the projects make use of the region’s coastal landscape to develop accessible public spaces and encourage greater recreational activity.

He added that the developments are expected to stimulate commercial investment in cafés and retail outlets while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, particularly the Quality of Life programme.

Source: SPA

The distinctive rock formations of Saudi Arabia’s Hima Cultural Area shape its rugged landscape, blending natural beauty with archaeological evidence of human history across the Arabian Peninsula.

The rocks display a range of natural colours, including brown, orange, gold and earthy red. These hues become particularly vivid at sunrise and shortly before sunset, enhancing the area's visual appeal.

Archaeologist and tour organiser Mohammed Al-Mustaneer said the formations are closely connected to the site's archaeological importance. Their surfaces preserve ancient inscriptions, drawings and writings that provide evidence of human activity in the region over successive historical periods.

The rock art offers insights into the lives of communities that once inhabited or travelled through the area. The inscriptions and images help document their lifestyles, migration routes, hunting and herding activities, as well as the symbols and forms of expression they left behind.

Beyond its geological features, the Hima Cultural Area serves as an important natural and archaeological landmark, reflecting Najran's rich cultural heritage. Its combination of ancient human records and striking landscapes also highlights the region's potential as a destination for cultural tourism.

Preserving the site allows its historical evidence and natural features to remain accessible to visitors while safeguarding an important part of the Arabian Peninsula's heritage for future generations.

Source: SPA

The coast of Jabal Kushkush in the Farasan Islands Governorate of Jazan Region preserves a legacy of traditional pearl diving, having once served as an important anchorage for vessels returning from expeditions at sea.

Tour guide Othman Humuq said pearl divers historically used the coastal site as a sheltered place to rest, secure their boats and open oyster shells after their journeys. Local fishermen also relied on the surrounding waters for their activities.

Located near Abu Al-Tawq village on Farasan Al-Sughra island, approximately 60 kilometres from Farasan City, the area is widely known as Kushkush Beach.

The site is distinguished by its unusual geological landscape, featuring sea caves, rock cavities, natural passageways and large umbrella-shaped rock formations. These structures rise between three and six metres, giving the coastline its distinctive appearance.

With much of its natural environment remaining undisturbed, Jabal Kushkush continues to draw tourists and visitors seeking a quiet coastal escape. Visitor numbers tend to increase during the winter season, when the site’s natural scenery becomes a particular attraction.

The area offers a glimpse of the Farasan Islands’ maritime heritage while showcasing the geological features and coastal landscapes that contribute to Jazan Region’s tourism appeal.

Source: SPA