SAUDI ARABIA. JAH Arabia International Duty Free, the joint venture between Gebr. Heinemann, Astra Group and Jordanian Duty Free Shops, today formally launched Jeddah Duty Free at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA).
The retail offer spans approximately 11,500sq m across Terminal 1 and the North Terminal {The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt is in Jeddah for the opening. Look out for his full on-location report, coming soon}.
Jeddah Duty Free offers a wide variety of brands, including beauty, fine foods, confectionery, tobacco, souvenirs, fashion & accessories and watches & jewellery.
The entire sales team at Jeddah Duty Free comprises Saudi nationals, offering a local welcome for international and domestic travellers.
In Terminal 1, around 6,000sq m houses a core Duty Free store alongside a shop dedicated to travel and electronics, a multibrand fashion house and a store which offers sunglasses, watches and travel products.
This is complemented by standalone boutiques from international brands, including Longchamp, Michael Kors, Swarovski, Boss, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and MCM (its first airport boutique opening in Saudi Arabia).
A highlight of the offer is a Souk concept in Terminal 1. The traditional Arabian market showcases local products, including chocolate, dates, nuts and prayer rugs.
Sense of place and Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity also feature strongly within the beauty assortment, where Arabian fragrance houses Bugshan, Sahari, Musk, Almas, Ghalati and Le Bonheur sit alongside renowned international brands.
Notably, the retailer has unveiled Scents of Jeddah, a trio of exclusive fragrances created by perfumer Majda Bekkali especially for Jeddah Duty Free.
Terminal 1 also features an arrivals duty-free shop, which is set for further expansion. In Terminal North, a 2,000sq m retail footprint delivers a comprehensive assortment spanning all categories.
The stores’ architectural concept draws on the elements of water, sky and land, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s natural landscape to create an immersive shopping experience for travellers.
Collaboration and shared vision
JAH Arabia International Duty Free CEO Simon Forde commented, “We are committed to delivering a world-class shopping experience to the travellers that reflects the uniqueness of King Abdulaziz International Airport by striking the perfect balance between a global mindset and local culture.
“What we achieved here with the development of the retail space is strongly showcasing the values of collaboration and a shared vision. I am deeply thankful to all joint venture partners and JEDCO who made this an outstanding success.”
Gebr. Heinemann Co-CEO Max Heinemann said, “We see great potential in the Saudi market and are very proud to have taken this important step with the opening of the new retail space in Jeddah.
“With both Astra Group and Jordanian Duty Free Shops, we have found strong and trustful partners and we are very thankful for the confidence they have placed in us.”
Jordanian Duty Free Shops Company Chairman of the Board of Directors H.E. Ayman Riad Al-Mufleh added, “This remarkable achievement reflects the company’s capabilities and extensive expertise through its executive team in implementing this project, highlighting that the company has leveraged its long-standing experience in managing and operating duty-free markets, earned through its wide global network of relationships, both Arab and international as a recognition for its performance.”
Jordanian Duty Free Shops Company Chief Executive Officer Eng. Haitham Al-Majali commented, “The project has created numerous job opportunities for Jordanian youth in key positions both at the company’s headquarters and at Jeddah Airport.
“The Jordanian Duty Free Shops will continue, alongside its partners, to expand operations at land and sea border centres across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
“We are delighted to welcome passengers to the Duty Free, which reflects the status of King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah’s rich culture,” said Jeddah Airports CEO Eng. Mazen Johar. “The new Duty Free aims to deliver exceptional shopping options and enhance services available to passengers at the airport.
“It will undoubtedly contribute to increasing revenues, diversifying income sources, creating new investment opportunities for local and international investors, and generating direct and indirect job opportunities for Saudi youth in line with the National Aviation Strategy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
“This success was achieved thanks to the close collaboration with our partner, JAH Arabia International Duty Free, and with the support of our success partners across both government and private sectors.”
Astra Group Chairman Sabih Masri added: “At Astra Group, we are truly proud to be part of this journey. This project isn’t just about opening a world-class retail space – it’s about what can happen when great partners come together around a shared vision.
“For us, it reflects the very heart of Vision 2030: building meaningful local partnerships, opening new doors in tourism and retail, and showcasing what Saudi talent and investment can do. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.” ✈
