Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has once again made headlines by securing the title of Airport Retailer of the Year for the fourth consecutive time at the prestigious 2026 Frontier Awards. This remarkable achievement was celebrated during a ceremony hosted by DFNI at Palm Beach as part of the TFWA World Exhibition held in Cannes on September 30.
Innovative Concepts Recognized
Beyond the main accolade, QDF also garnered the award for Best Speciality Concept – Hybrid & F&B for its groundbreaking Lancôme Café de la Rose, located at Hamad International Airport. This innovative venue merges beauty with gastronomy, creating a unique experience where travelers can explore Lancôme’s exquisite beauty products while enjoying a café atmosphere. Dubbed as the first beauty café at an airport, Lancôme Café de la Rose allows passengers to delve into the brand’s offerings, particularly the luxurious Absolue Collection.
The café’s recognition signifies a significant advancement in the airport retail landscape, highlighting the trend of blending diverse consumer experiences into a single location. By creating such an immersive environment, QDF continues to exemplify its commitment to revolutionizing the traveler experience.
Acknowledged on Multiple Platforms
Lancôme Café de la Rose has also received acclaim at The Moodie Davitt Report’s 2026 Airport Food and Beverage (FAB) Awards, capturing multiple honors including Airport Food & Beverage Marketing Campaign of the Year and Airport Instagrammable Location of the Year – Restaurant. These accolades reinforce QDF’s sustained investment in enhancing its retail and hospitality aspects while adhering to its “Experiencentricity” philosophy, which prioritizes traveler satisfaction in every decision made.
Over the past year, QDF has launched fifteen new retail concepts at the Doha airport, featuring highlights such as the first Pop Mart store in the Middle East and an elaborate holiday activation with Charlotte Tilbury. This continuous evolution shows QDF’s determination to keep the airport retail experience dynamic and consumer-friendly.
A Commitment to Excellence
Thabet Musleh, Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail & Hospitality Officer, expressed gratitude for the honours received, emphasizing the hard work and resilience displayed by the entire QDF team during challenging circumstances. He stated, “Our victory at the Frontier Awards is a testament to the commitment and adaptability of our team and partners.”
Musleh’s acknowledgment of the partners’ trust highlights the collaborative efforts that have made Hamad International Airport a premier destination for retail, dining, and hospitality services for travelers from around the globe.
In conclusion, Qatar Duty Free’s continued success and innovative approaches not only boost its reputation but also redefine the airport retail sector. As the industry evolves, QDF’s focus on elevating the traveler experience ensures its place at the forefront of airport retailing worldwide.