Abu Dhabi Airports awarded contracts to Aer Rianta International (ARI) and Lagardère Capital, to provide Duty Free concessions in the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB).
ARI, an airport retail management company, will design and operate Duty Free space dedicated to perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, sunglasses and jewelry. While Lagardère, will oversee the tobacco, confectionery, and fine foods categories, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Capital Group.
The tender process started in February last year. Retail operators were asked to submit concepts which would capture the essence of Arabian hospitality.
H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chair of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We received several very strong bids for these contracts, but Aer Rianta International and Lagardère Capital came up with ideas that will set new benchmarks in airport retail. We selected these two companies as their technologically-advanced, unique concepts were perfectly aligned with our ambitions. With them both on board, we are confident that the MTB retail offering will impress travelers, creating a distinctive sense of purpose and sense of place that they will want to experience again and again.”
The MTB will feature a total of 28,000 square metres of Duty Free space, comprising of 18,000 square metres of retail and 10,000 square metres for food & beverage outlets.