SAUDI ARABIA. Oettinger Davidoff has opened the first-ever Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 boutique and cigar lounge in a duty-free environment with Jeddah Duty Free, marking a significant escalation of its travel retail ambitions.
The new space, located in King Abdul Aziz International Airport Terminal 1, represents the brand’s most immersive airport execution to date.
The 82sq m unit is divided into a 37sq m walk-in humidor and a 45sq m lounge.
The humidor offers full visibility of the brand’s portfolio, including bestsellers, limited editions, travel retail exclusives, cigars of diverse origins and premium gifting options.
Freestanding accessory fixtures complete the range.
The adjoining cigar lounge is designed as a premium sanctuary for travellers seeking a calm pre-departure moment.
Features include a service bar, dedicated luggage room and four semi-private alcoves separated by moucharabieh screens, alongside wall-mounted screens positioned “to complement rather than distract from the tasting experience”, according to Oettinger Davidoff.
Warm wood tones, bronzed mirrors, luxurious wallpaper and a backlit feature wall have been designed to create “an elevated, contemporary atmosphere”.
The space is “perfectly aligned with the brand’s promise of Time Beautifully Filled”, Oettinger Davidoff noted.
The concept – the first of its kind for Oettinger Davidoff – underscores the company’s strategy to enhance experiential retail in airports and to translate its craftsmanship-led brand values into the travel environment.
JAH Arabia International Duty Free operates under the Jeddah Duty Free brand, a joint venture between Gebr. Heinemann, Astra Group and Jordanian Duty Free Shops. Read our story about the launch of Jeddah Duty Free here.
JAH Arabia International Duty Free CEO Simon Forde said, “The quality and craftsmanship of the boutique and lounge match that of the cigars that customers can purchase and enjoy.
“Many thanks to Oettinger Davidoff and Gebr. Heinemann for making this innovative vision a reality.”
Gebr. Heinemann Global Head of Buying Tobacco Niels Altmann commented, “In partnership with Oettinger Davidoff, this opening sets a new standard for premium cigar experiences in travel retail as a point-of-experience: a place where craftsmanship, expert guidance and calm come together – delivering on our mission to turn travel time into valuable time.”
Oettinger Davidoff acknowledged the support of Gebr. Heinemann, JEDCO and other stakeholders in bringing the project to fruition. ✈
