Bahrain International Airport, Manama — April 11, 2025
Bahrain Duty Free has officially opened a new luxury retail store inside The Pearl Lounge at Bahrain International Airport, marking a bold step in its commitment to elevate the travel shopping experience for premium passengers. The grand opening took place on April 9, 2025, in the presence of Bahrain Duty Free Chairman Abdulla Buhindi and Bahrain Airport Company Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah.
Strategically situated in The Pearl Lounge — an award-winning facility recognized by the APEX WORLD CLASS™ certification — the new store is designed to deliver an elegant and immersive shopping experience for discerning travelers. With an exclusive selection of world-class products, the store aims to blend comfort, style, and retail excellence under one roof.
A Luxurious Shopping Experience at 40,000 Feet
The new store is not just another duty-free outlet. It represents a carefully crafted concept that highlights Bahrain’s renowned hospitality, elegance, and cultural sophistication. With interiors that reflect modern design infused with local flair, the retail space invites travelers to explore a refined selection of products before they board.
Guests of The Pearl Lounge will have access to premium offerings such as niche perfumes, luxury skincare products, rare cigars, and high-end spirits — all meticulously curated for travelers with a taste for the finer things in life.
According to Bahrain Duty Free Chairman Abdulla Buhindi, this project is part of the company’s ongoing strategy to align airport retail with global luxury trends. “This store embodies our vision to create a luxury-focused retail environment that meets the expectations of international travelers. We are proud to offer a seamless shopping experience within the comfort of Bahrain’s most prestigious airport lounge,” Buhindi said.
Enhancing the Traveler Journey
The Pearl Lounge has already established itself as a premium space for travelers, offering top-tier hospitality services, gourmet dining, and private relaxation zones. The addition of a luxury retail boutique is expected to significantly enhance its overall value proposition.
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, CEO of Bahrain Airport Company, emphasized the importance of innovation and partnerships in achieving this milestone. “This new store reflects the collaborative efforts between Bahrain Airport Company and Bahrain Duty Free. By integrating premium retail within a world-class lounge, we are setting a new benchmark for the airport experience in the region,” he said.
Al Binfalah further noted that the store complements the airport’s broader strategy to provide passengers with a high-quality, customer-focused journey from check-in to departure.
Responding to a Growing Demand
The luxury retail sector within airports has been undergoing rapid transformation in recent years, driven by changing consumer expectations and increased demand for personalized experiences. Today’s global travelers are looking for more than just convenience — they seek exclusivity, authenticity, and memorable moments.
This shift in traveler mindset is what inspired Bahrain Duty Free and Bahrain Airport Company to collaborate on a more elevated shopping destination. The opening of the new luxury store is also a follow-up to a 2022 agreement between both organizations, aimed at expanding luxury retail offerings at Bahrain International Airport.
Since then, the airport has seen increased traffic from high-income travelers and business executives, many of whom seek exclusive access to top-tier products and services during their transit.
A Step Toward the Future of Travel Retail
With this latest development, Bahrain Duty Free is positioning itself as a regional leader in premium airport retail. The company’s focus on quality, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction are all evident in the thoughtfully designed store space.
This move is expected to set a new standard for luxury shopping in airport lounges not only in Bahrain but across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Other airports may soon follow suit, as the line between hospitality and retail continues to blur, creating more opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
The launch also supports Bahrain’s national vision to become a key aviation and tourism hub in the Middle East. By offering world-class facilities and retail experiences, the country is attracting more international visitors and enhancing its global reputation.
Conclusion
The unveiling of Bahrain Duty Free’s new luxury retail store inside The Pearl Lounge is more than just a business milestone — it is a symbol of progress, ambition, and innovation in the world of travel retail. From carefully selected luxury items to an atmosphere of refined elegance, the store reflects a commitment to excellence that travelers will surely appreciate.
As airports around the world continue to evolve from transit hubs into lifestyle destinations, Bahrain International Airport is clearly leading the way by offering experiences that leave a lasting impression on global travelers.
Whether it’s a last-minute gift, a collector’s bottle of rare whisky, or a signature scent, travelers now have access to exclusive retail therapy — just steps away from their boarding gate.
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