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.

Some parents believe traveling with young children is inconvenient and better postponed until they are older. They assume children will not remember the experience anyway. Yet research and experience suggest otherwise. Childhood memories may not always retain names or dates, but they strongly preserve emotions and impressions. Travel, therefore, becomes more than recreation. It supports emotional development, social awareness, and practical life preparation.

1. Building lasting family memories

A family trip, whether domestic or international, may not leave children with detailed factual memories. However, they often retain vivid emotional snapshots such as sitting on a parent’s shoulders while seeing new places, sharing unfamiliar meals, or experiencing special family moments.

Even if parents forget small details over time, children often hold on to those feelings for years. Travel, in this sense, is not just an activity but an investment in shared experiences that strengthen family bonds and grow in value over time.

2. Learning to handle situations

Traveling with children is rarely simple. Long flights or extended road journeys bring challenges such as managing food, keeping children engaged, packing efficiently, or handling toilet training during travel.

Many parents delay travel until children are older, expecting things to become easier. In reality, the first few trips are the most difficult because parents are still learning what works. Over time, they develop patience, adaptability, and better judgment about handling unpredictable situations.

Children may initially become restless or upset, which is natural. Gradually, they also learn to adjust. Travel is less about perfection and more about developing the ability to manage real-life situations calmly and practically.

3. Preparing for real life

Travel offers shared learning experiences between parents and children. It introduces children to the outside world in ways textbooks cannot.

Through travel, children observe how people behave in different environments, how to act in public spaces, and how to adapt to unfamiliar situations. They learn responsibility, self-management, and curiosity. Simple actions such as packing a bag, observing surroundings, or asking questions become part of informal education shaped by experience rather than instruction.

4. Developing empathy and awareness

Exposure to different places helps children understand that life varies widely. They see differences in income levels, lifestyle patterns, behavior, and daily routines. Some communities are closely connected, while others are more formal or fast-paced.

They also observe contrasts in food habits and living conditions, which naturally builds awareness of diversity. More importantly, children begin to understand that differences are not negative but a natural part of human life. Travel broadens perspective and encourages empathy toward people from different backgrounds.

5. Encouraging openness to new food and culture

Children often become more willing to try new foods when traveling. Exposure to unfamiliar tastes helps reduce hesitation and builds openness toward new experiences.

Travel introduces them to different cuisines, cultural habits, and ways of living. This helps children become more adaptable and less rigid in their preferences, shaping a more flexible and curious mindset.

6. Building confidence and curiosity

Travel experiences help children become more independent and self-assured. Small activities such as navigating transport systems, waiting in queues, or moving through busy environments teach patience and confidence.

Parents can further support this by involving children in simple travel preparations, such as choosing their belongings or learning about the destination beforehand. These steps increase curiosity and help children feel more engaged in the experience.

Travel with children is not about creating flawless journeys. It is about learning together through real experiences. For families who can afford it, even occasional trips can play a meaningful role in shaping a child’s emotional strength, awareness, and confidence in the world around them.

Travelling with children often discourages families from visiting distant destinations due to higher expenses. It is true that costs tend to rise when kids are involved, particularly in accommodation and transportation. However, with thoughtful planning and a few practical adjustments, these expenses can be managed effectively.

A key step is to prepare a clear budget well in advance. Planning several months ahead allows travelers to organize expenses more efficiently and make informed decisions. Alongside this, reducing daily spending before the trip can make a noticeable difference. Cutting back on eating out, avoiding unnecessary purchases, and limiting branded shopping can help accumulate savings specifically for travel.

Setting aside a dedicated travel fund is also highly beneficial. Even small, consistent savings over time can ease the financial pressure when booking flights, hotels, and other arrangements.

Creating a realistic budget before finalizing any plans is essential. If the expected travel costs exceed the budget, it is better to either extend the planning period to increase savings or adjust the trip by reducing non-essential expenses. Families should also account for unexpected costs, which are more likely when traveling with children.

Choosing off-peak seasons is another effective way to reduce costs. During less busy travel periods, hotel rates and transportation fares are generally lower. However, weather conditions should also be considered carefully, as extreme heat or cold can make travel uncomfortable for children.

Packing efficiently is equally important. When traveling with children, additional essentials such as extra clothing and necessary medicines should always be included. Organizing luggage by days of use can help avoid overpacking. This not only makes travel more convenient but also helps prevent extra baggage charges, particularly on flights.

Many passengers choose to carry their favorite food while traveling by air, whether on domestic or international routes. However, not all food items are allowed on flights due to airport security procedures, customs regulations, and health-related restrictions. Some foods may be limited because of their size, smell, packaging, or safety concerns. Knowing these rules in advance can help travelers avoid unnecessary complications.

Liquid Foods and Beverages

Items such as bottled water, juice, milk, soup, and curry-like foods may not be permitted in hand luggage if they exceed 100 milliliters. Under international aviation rules, liquids can usually only be carried in small quantities, packed in transparent containers following approved security procedures.

Strong-Smelling Foods

Although not always legally banned, foods with strong odors such as dried fish, raw onions, beef bhuna, dry chutney, or heavily spiced cooked meals are often discouraged by airline policies. The unpleasant smell may create discomfort for other passengers during the journey.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

On many international flights, raw produce is either restricted or tightly controlled. Countries including Australia, Canada, and the United States have strict biosecurity laws that may limit the transport of raw mangoes, jackfruit, bananas, or vegetables. These measures are designed to prevent pests, diseases, or harmful biological materials from entering the country. Travelers may be required to declare such items during departure or arrival, and failure to do so could result in fines.

Milk and Dairy Products

Unprocessed dairy products such as fresh milk, ghee, cottage cheese, or yogurt face restrictions in several countries. Authorities often regulate these products because they may carry contamination or health risks.

Large Quantities of Cooked or Semi-Liquid Food

Carrying rice, khichuri, or curry-based meals in large pots or oversized containers may raise security concerns. Foods that are liquid or semi-liquid in nature can be treated as restricted items during airport screening.

Homemade or Unclear-Origin Food

Some travelers pack food at home to avoid extra costs or maintain convenience. However, if airport or customs officials cannot clearly determine how the food was prepared or packaged, it may trigger inspection issues. In some cases, authorities may ask travelers to dispose of such items.

Commercial-Scale Food Quantities

Passengers often carry packaged dry foods or goods for family members abroad. But if food is packed in bulk or in multiple large packages, it may be treated as a commercial shipment. This could require customs clearance or duty payments.

Final Advice

Food transport regulations vary depending on the airline and destination country. Before boarding, travelers should review airline guidelines and customs requirements carefully. If carrying food, dry and lightweight items are usually safer choices. Proper packaging is essential, while liquid-heavy or strongly scented foods are best avoided for security and passenger comfort.

Air travel often means spending long hours in a confined space with many passengers. In such an environment, even minor behaviors can quickly affect comfort and create tension. According to US-based flight attendants and travel etiquette experts, following a set of unwritten social rules can help avoid unnecessary discomfort and ensure a smoother journey.

A polite start sets the tone

From the moment passengers step into the cabin, simple gestures like smiling and speaking politely can shape the overall atmosphere. Protocol expert Diane Gottsman emphasizes that greeting or thanking flight attendants is more than courtesy; it helps create a positive environment for the entire flight.

With over two decades of experience, flight attendant Andrew Henderson notes that passengers often reveal their attitude within the first few seconds of boarding, whether through a brief greeting or a more relaxed and friendly approach.

Headphones and awareness

Noise-canceling headphones are now common during flights, offering comfort and isolation. However, experts warn they can also disconnect passengers from important announcements or service instructions.

Aviation consultant Rich Henderson explains that some travelers remain fully immersed in audio throughout the journey and may miss safety instructions or service cues. He suggests occasionally removing headphones, especially when crew members approach, to stay aware of what is happening around them.

Traveling with children

Crying or restless children are a normal part of air travel. Diane Gottsman stresses that parents should not be judged harshly, as most are already trying their best to manage the situation.

However, allowing children to kick seats or run through the cabin is considered inappropriate. In such cases, parents are expected to intervene responsibly. Fellow passengers are also advised to respond calmly and address issues politely rather than escalating conflict.

Window shade etiquette

Opinions often differ on whether window shades should stay open or closed during flights. While window-seat passengers usually have priority, experts encourage flexibility and communication.

Andrew Henderson suggests that passengers should discuss preferences rather than insist on one rule, ensuring comfort for everyone seated nearby.

Shared space considerations

There is broad agreement that middle-seat passengers deserve priority for both armrests, as they have the least space and no direct window or aisle access. This small courtesy helps maintain balance in shared seating arrangements.

Reclining seats thoughtfully

Seat reclining is allowed, but experts recommend checking behind before doing so. Passengers should be mindful if someone is eating or using the tray table. During meal service, keeping the seat upright is seen as a respectful practice.

Food, smell, and personal space

Strong-smelling foods, such as fish or boiled eggs, can be unpleasant for nearby passengers. Similarly, heavy perfumes may create discomfort in the enclosed cabin space. Moderation is advised to maintain a comfortable shared environment.

Alcohol consumption before flying

Excessive alcohol intake before boarding can lead to poor self-control and disruptive behavior during the flight. Experts recommend limiting alcohol consumption to avoid negative experiences for both the individual and others on board.

Respect shapes the journey

Ultimately, air travel is a shared experience where mutual respect plays a key role. As Rich Henderson puts it, small acts of consideration in a confined space can significantly improve the overall journey for everyone.

Source: CNN

Passengers often focus on packing essentials before a flight, but sunscreen is rarely seen as a priority. However, dermatologists caution that choosing a window seat may expose travelers to more ultraviolet radiation than many realize. At cruising altitude, UV exposure can be nearly twice as strong as at ground level, increasing potential risks to skin health.

While aircraft windows are designed to block most UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn, they are far less effective against UVA radiation. UVA rays, which have longer wavelengths, can penetrate glass and are associated with premature skin aging, inflammation, and long-term skin damage. Specialists note that standard cabin windows do not provide complete protection against these rays, and the thinner atmosphere at high altitudes further increases overall UV exposure, making sunscreen an important in-flight precaution, especially for frequent flyers.

Experts also point out that airplane cabins are extremely dry, with humidity levels often falling below 20 percent. This can leave skin dehydrated and more vulnerable to irritation. To counter these conditions, they recommend using a sunscreen that offers UVA protection while also supporting skin hydration. In addition, travelers are advised to drink plenty of water before boarding and to apply a moisturizing serum along with a barrier cream as part of their in-flight skincare routine.