QATAR/FRANCE. Qatar Duty Free (QDF) was named Airport Retailer of the Year for the third consecutive time at the Frontier Awards 2025 in Cannes. The company took home two further accolades: Best Specialty Concept – Hybrid & F&B for Souq Al Matar, and Retail Activation of the Year for its high-profile Live the F1 Life campaign.
Souq Al Matar was recognised for its distinctive fusion of retail, hospitality and sense of place. The concept celebrates Qatari culture and craftsmanship in a contemporary setting. It offers travellers an authentic sense of place through locally inspired gifts, artisanal food and handcrafted products, complemented by warm and friendly service.
QDF’s Live the F1 Life campaign was honoured for its ambition and how it transformed Hamad International Airport into a Formula 1-inspired destination. The activation featured racetrack-themed installations, interactive exhibits, dynamic photo opportunities and exclusive merchandise. It demonstrated QDF’s strength in creating dynamic campaigns that merge entertainment, storytelling and retail engagement.
The annual Frontier Awards celebrate creativity, innovation and operational excellence across the duty-free and travel retail landscape. QDF’s triple win underscores how the retailer is shaping the future of airport retail and furthering its mission to deliver exceptional experiences to travellers in Doha.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. 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.”
Commenting on the wins, Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh 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.
“Supporting the After Party was equally rewarding as it gave us the chance to celebrate with colleagues from around the world and share in an evening that recognises the very best of our industry. We’re excited to build on this momentum as we continue to raise the standard for airport retail.”
Other notable winners at the Frontier Awards included Abu Dhabi Airports’ Zayed International Airport as Best Airport for Retail, Best New Duty Free Shop Opening for Portugal Duty Free/ARI and Best Speciality Concept for Presentedby/Avolta. Avolta also won the Future of Retail Award for Club Avolta.
Shopping China captured Best Border, Downtown or Port Store, while Harding+ won Best Cruise/Ferry Line.
Frontier Awards 2025 full roll of honour
Airport Retailer of the Year
Qatar Duty Free
Best Airport for Retail
Zayed International Airport – Abu Dhabi Airports
Best New Duty Free Shop Opening
Portugal Duty Free
Best Speciality Concept, Hybrid/F&B
Souq Al Matar – Qatar Duty Free
Highly commended:
- Last Call – Qatar Duty Free
- LEGO & Paper Cafe at DXB – Lagardère Travel Retail UAE
Best Speciality Concept, Retail
Presentedby, Avolta
Border, Downtown or Port Retailer of the Year
Shopping China
Cruise or Ferry Line Retailer of the Year
Harding+
Future of Retail Award
Club Avolta
Influential Woman in Travel Retail Award
Izabel Zarza, Avolta
Retail Activation of the Year
Live the F1 Life, Qatar Duty Free
Highly commended:
- FIX Dessert Chocolatier x Dubai Duty Free
- The Power Of Funtastic Celebration, King Power Corporation
Brand Activation
Aperol GTR South America, Campari Group
People & Planet Award: Diversity & Inclusion Champion
Avolta Social Programme, Brazil
People & Planet Award: Sustainability
Retail Waste Management Initiative – Heathrow
Beauty Product of the Year
Clarins Double Serum
Gifts & Travel Accessories Product of the Year
Hendrick’s Whimsical Watering Can – William Grant & Sons
Food & Confectionery Product of the Year
Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate
Highly commended:
- Nestlé Sustainably Sourced Cocoa, Nestlé ITR
Jewellery & Watches/Fashion & Accessories Product of the Year
Florence by Mills Sunglasses – Mondottica
Spirits Product of the Year
Patrón El Alto, Bacardi
Tobacco & New Generation Product of the Year
Velo, BAT
Supplier of the Year
Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail
Highly commended:
- Edrington Global Travel Retail
Team of the Year
Spain Team, Avolta
Highly commended:
- Beading The Odds – Effy Brand Team
- Starboard Navigators – Starboard Group
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