Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has opened its third and latest 119sq m gold shop in the Grand Hall at Hamad International Airport in Doha today, which it describes as its ‘most exciting and luxurious yet’. It also announced a new set of visa rules designed to opent he country up to more tourists.
The new gold shop now offers in excess of 15,000 reference pieces combining both traditional and modern jewellery, which QDF says, is ’made from the finest gold and diamonds’.
The duty free retailer says that the range will now enable Qatar Duty free (QDF) to offer passengers a wider variety of gold and diamonds, from pieces made from 9ct to 24ct in both yellow and white gold, along with diamonds and precious stone-studded jewellery.
OFF THE SHELF AND BESPOKE OFFERINGS
In a departure from normal practice at gold shops where the main product focus is usually on ready-made jewellery, this new retail offer will also include single gemstones and loose diamonds, offering customers several varieties and options.
The new shop is also designed to appeal to customers who are interested in buying single gemstones and loose diamonds.
Qatar Duty Free says that the new store design comprises an ‘H’ shape configuration which is also the largest of all QDF’s three gold stores now operating at Hamad International Airport, with this new store easily found behind the Urs Fischer Lamp Bear which is now such an iconic feature at the location.
The retailer says that QDF’s five-star customer service includes ‘expert bilingual staff’ on hand 24 hours a day and seven days a week to offer the best service possible to passengers and visitors to the store.
Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Luis Gasset.
Commenting on the new retail expansion, Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Luis Gasset said: “We are delighted with the opening of our third Gold store at Hamad International Airport, offering the finest jewellery to our passengers, with outstanding quality and value.
HIA HAS WON SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS THIS YEAR
“The newly opened store, which is the biggest of all three, not only gives passengers more choice, but its increased presence in the airport makes it easier than ever to access one of our stores to buy something to remember.
“Whether passengers are looking for a special gift, or simply a timeless piece to add to their own jewellery collection, our staff will cater to their exact needs, and they will have a high-end experience from beginning to end. The opening is an example of QDF’s continuous efforts in enhancing our passengers’ overall experience and providing them with a memorable five-star experience at our award-winning airport.”
This latest third gold store is now added to the 90-plus premium boutiques, which are now operated at Hamad International, according to QDF, which is also list a few other milestones this year.
These include being classified as a five-star airport by Skytrax and therefore only one of five in the world to attain this status. Hamad Airport was also ranked the ‘Sixth Best Airport in the World’ by the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards earlier this year, so moving it up four places from 2016.
The airport is also very proud that it has won the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ title for three years in a row and ‘Best Staff Service in the Middle East’ for two years in a row.
FOREIGN VISA PROCESSES EASED TO OPEN UP THE COUNTRY
This latest store opening also comes just four days after Qatar announced it was waiving all entry visa requirements for the citizens of 80 countries. At the same time it is still considering further changes to its visa policy which would also involve a waiver for holders of visa/resident permits for GCC and/or Schengen countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Addressing the world’s press last week, from left to right: Mr Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development officer at the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA); Qatar Airways Group CEO, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker; and Brigadier Mohammed Al Ateeq, Director General of the Department of Passport and Expatriates Affairs.
This is clearly aimed at opening access to the country and restoring trade links, following the virtual blockade it is currently experiencing.
This was imposed after the Gulf Cooperation Council announced it was cutting economic ties with the country, along with diplomatic relations and travel by air and sea. This effective saw action taken against Qatar by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Yemen.
The government of Qatar has subsequently agreed that depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days, from the date of issue, and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar (multiple-entry waiver); or it will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue. This will entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days (multiple-entry waiver).
Qatar Airways Group CEO Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Today’s announcement places the State of Qatar as the most open country in the region. This is a momentous occasion for Qatar, making the number of nationalities eligible to enter our country without a visa the highest in region, which is something that we are very proud of.
IMPORTANT INITIATIVE FROM THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR…
“Qatar Airways is the patriotic flag carrier for the State of Qatar and as such we are extremely honoured to bring millions of people each year to our beautiful, welcoming and historic country. This important initiative from the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Tourism Authority will provide an opportunity to welcome even more visitors from even more countries, to experience the many exciting attractions that await them.”
Adding his comments, Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development officer at the Qatar Tourism Authority said: “With renewed focus by the country’s leadership on diversifying the national economy, a revised strategy which empowers various players to boost the growth of tourism is set to be launched on 27 September 2017, when Qatar hosts the official celebrations of World Tourism Day.
“Easing entry to Qatar is a key enabler for the growth of Qatar’s tourism industry. With this announcement we are already turning the pages of the Next Chapter of Qatar’s journey towards 2030,” commented Al Ibrahim. “Together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have examined all of the elements needed to create a smooth and enticing experience that can attract visitors from around the world. There is no doubt that facilitating and streamlining access at all ports of entry are key factors in creating a positive first and lasting impression of Qatar.”
Press and media listen intently to the presentation.
Al Ibrahim added, “With 80 countries eligible for a visa waiver, Qatar is now the most open country in the region and we are delighted to invite visitors to discover our renowned hospitality, cultural heritage and natural treasures.”
WHO IS ENTITLED TO WHAT….
Nationals of the following 33 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. The waiver will be valid for 180 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 90 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips.
These countries are as follows: Austria; Bahamas; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Seychelles; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; and Turkey.
The Qatari government says nationals of the following 47 countries will not require prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival in Qatar. This will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitle its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. This waiver may be extended for a further 30 days.
These countries are as follows: Andorra; Argentina; Australia; Belarus; Bolivia; Brazil; Brunei; Canada; Chile; China; Colombia; Ecuador; Panama; Costa Rica; Georgia; Guyana; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Ireland; Japan; Kazakhstan; Lebanon; Azerbaijan; Macedonia; Malaysia; Maldives; Mexico; Moldova; Monaco; New Zealand; Paraguay; Peru; Russia; San Marino; Singapore; South Africa; South Korea; Suriname; Cuba; Thailand; Ukraine; United Kingdom; United States; Uruguay; Vatican City; and Venezuela.
