Qatar Duty Free strikes latest luxury chord with Louis Vuitton Lounge Formula 1 partnership

QATAR. Qatar Duty Free’s presence at the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix last weekend (28-30 November) took on fresh luxury allure as the leading travel retailer unveiled the Louis Vuitton Lounge by Qatar Duty Free at the Lusail International Circuit.

The collaboration with Louis Vuitton (reported in our initial post-event story on Monday), mirrors the French luxury brand’s strong presence at Hamad International Airport, which spans elegant boutique spaces and the acclaimed Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, a culinary destination curated by the Michelin-starred chef that debuted in 2023.

Emblems of elegance: The Louis Vuitton Lounge by Qatar Duty Free at the racetrack

Qatar Duty Free also marked its third year as a key sponsor of the penultimate race of the Formula 1 season.

Together, the two brands welcomed international and regional brand friends, partners and clients, including The Moodie Davitt Report, to a memorable experience at the suite in The Paddock Club at the circuit.

Among the attendees were Lebanese actress Cynthia Samuel, NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger, Egyptian singer Bayou, boxer and model Younes Bendjima, former England football captain Steven Gerrard and Jordanian actress Noor Taher.

Guests at the Paddock Club (entrance shown right) included influencers (from left) Toni Breidinger, Rahi Chadda and Ella Christo; below, actress Noor Taher and model Younes Bendjima at the track

Guests were treated to a taste of the airport lounge through an assortment of desserts and beverages at the track over the weekend.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh commented, “Bringing together Qatar Duty Free’s expertise in world-class hospitality and Louis Vuitton’s legacy of exceptional art de vivre, this partnership demonstrates how we can curate an exceptional client experience both inside and outside the airport – even at major international events.

“We were delighted to welcome our esteemed guests and partners to the Lusail International Circuit, and to celebrate the spirit of Formula 1 in true QDF and Louis Vuitton style.”

A taste of luxury: Louis Vuitton creations developed by the brand team in partnership with Qatar Duty Free. Below left, QDF Head of Culinary David Sosson shares one of many mouth-watering desserts with The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt; right, Dermot Davitt with Vice President Marketing & Communications Augusto Deymonnaz as Louis Vuitton celebrates its strong connections to travel in the suite. 

This collaboration is the latest in a series of innovative experiences delivered by Qatar Duty Free and its brand partners, as the retail and F&B player rounds off its 25th anniversary year.

*Click here for more on a dynamic Formula 1-themed airport takeover by Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport to coincide with the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

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