IRAQ. Iraq Duty Free has opened the first downtown duty free shop in central Baghdad. In announcing the opening, the retailer has revealed plans to expand with an additional downtown duty free shop on the eastern side of the Iraqi capital and in other major cities across Iraq.
The new 500sq m store officially opened in May in the presence of his Excellency the Iraq Minister of Trade Dr. Alaa Al Jubouri and the retailer’s Chairman Ahmed Kamal.
The company has an initial contract for ten years, awarded by the General Company for Central Markets in Baghdad.
Iraq Duty Free noted that the new shop will be a gateway to all travellers coming or returning to Iraq including foreign nationals and diplomatic staff. Importantly, eligible shoppers will have the advantage of making purchases up to 30 days after their arrival.
For nationals, purchases can be completed by showing their passport entry stamp, and foreigners via presentation of their passports and boarding pass.
During the inauguration ceremony, Kamal said: “The purpose of this opening is to preserve the high-quality standards that customers are entitled to have, granting them access to authentic products being procured from the brands and brand owners directly by Iraq Duty Free.”
The growth of the Iraq Duty Free downtown business will come alongside a fast-developing retail business in Iraqi airports. Airport developments in recent years include the refurbishment of four duty free stores at Baghdad International, an 84sq m arrivals shop at Basrah International and two new stores at Kirkuk International.
Kirkuk is known as the city of oil reserves in Iraq, with many major international companies established in the area and its surroundings. As such, Iraq Duty Free noted that the city’s airport is an ideal location for retail investment.
The new spaces in Kirkuk International Airport are a 140sqm duty free store in departures and 110sq m store in arrivals.
