2025-10-03
Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has “reaffirmed its global leadership in travel retail”, winning the coveted title of Airport Retailer of the Year for the third consecutive year at the Frontier Awards 2025 in Cannes. Strengthening its position at the forefront of the industry, QDF also secured top honours for Best Specialty Concept – Hybrid & F&B (Souq Al Matar) and Retail Activation of the Year (Live the F1 Life).
These wins reflect QDF’s commitment to experientricity, innovation, and excellence in redefining the passenger journey and setting new benchmarks for airport retail worldwide.
In the ‘Best Speciality Concept – Hybrid & F&B’ category, Souq Al Matar was recognised for bringing Qatari heritage to the terminal.
The store curates locally inspired gifts, food, and artisan products in a warm, inviting setting, giving travellers a true sense of place paired with attentive hospitality.
Its win highlights QDF’s strength in crafting distinctive destinations that combine authenticity with engaging service inside the airport.
In the ‘Retail Activation of the Year’ category, the Live the F1 Life campaign was recognised for transforming Hamad International Airport into a high-energy Formula 1 playground, complete with racetrack-inspired installations, interactive exhibits, striking photo opportunities and exclusive merchandise.
The accolade celebrates QDF’s ability to deliver headline-making activations that blend theatre, entertainment and retail to engage passengers on a global stage.
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the global travel retail sector, the Frontier Awards honour creativity, innovation, and operational excellence across the duty free and travel retail industry.
QDF’s achievements this year reaffirm its leadership in creating retail spaces and experiences that resonate with millions of passengers travelling through Doha.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer commented: “This recognition at the 2025 Frontier Awards reflects Qatar Duty Free’s enduring commitment to innovation and excellence across all areas of our operations.
As a vital part of the Qatar Airways Group, Qatar Duty Free continues to shape Hamad International Airport into a world-class retail and dining destination for global travellers.
“Most importantly, this achievement belongs to our incredible team whose passion, creativity, and dedication make these successes possible. I thank every member of the Qatar Duty Free team, and together we remain focused on delivering outstanding airport and travel experiences.”
Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, said: “Winning at the Frontier Awards is a proud moment for all of us at Qatar Duty Free.
It reflects the imagination, hard work, and collaboration that go into creating something special for the millions of passengers who travel through Hamad International Airport each year.”