Duty Free Americas Secures Major Expansion with Acquisition of DFS Group’s Luxury Retail at Zayed International Airport
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Duty Free Americas (DFA), a subsidiary of the Falic Group, has announced a significant strategic move into the Middle Eastern luxury travel retail market with its agreement to acquire 100% of DFS Group’s luxury travel retail business at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This landmark transaction, set to conclude in the third quarter of 2026 pending customary closing conditions, will see the concessions rebranded and operated under the prominent DFA umbrella.
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for DFA, granting it an immediate and substantial presence in a rapidly expanding region. This move is poised to bolster DFA’s luxury retail portfolio and accelerate its regional growth strategy, leveraging the Abu Dhabi operation as a strategic launchpad for further expansion across the broader Middle East and Africa.
Leon Falic, President of the Falic Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture: "The acquisition of the luxury travel retail concessions at Abu Dhabi Airport marks a key milestone in our Middle East growth strategy and further expands our airport footprint and luxury retail presence." He emphasized the shared vision with Abu Dhabi Airports, stating, "We are delighted to partner with one of the most prestigious airports globally and we warmly welcome the airport, brands, and customer partners to our DFA family as we begin this new chapter together."
Falic further elaborated on the ambitious plans for the future, highlighting a commitment to elevating the luxury travel retail offering. These plans include the introduction of new flagship brands, the expansion of existing high-performing brands, and the development of innovative open-air retail areas. These initiatives aim to enhance the passenger experience, increase flexibility, and ultimately drive sales conversion within the airport’s commercial spaces.
The portfolio of concessions acquired encompasses a diverse array of prestigious luxury and contemporary fashion brands, alongside watches, jewelry, and sunglasses. This comprehensive offering will cater to the discerning tastes of international travelers passing through Zayed International Airport.
Carsten Nørland, Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, welcomed the partnership, stating, "This agreement marks a deliberate step forward in enhancing the award-winning commercial ecosystem at Zayed International Airport. DFA brings global travel retail expertise that will help us deliver a more dynamic and value-driven retail environment, aligned with the evolving expectations of our passengers and our long-term commercial ambitions."
Duty Free Americas, already recognized as the largest travel retailer in the Americas, boasts extensive operations across several international markets. Its parent company, the Falic Group, is a prominent family-owned operator of luxury brands with diverse interests spanning beauty, fashion, wines and spirits, media, and real estate. This deep expertise positions DFA to successfully integrate and enhance the luxury retail experience at Zayed International Airport.
Zayed International Airport, a significant global hub, welcomed over 32 million passengers in 2025. The airport is a commercial powerhouse, featuring 163 retail, leisure, dining, and hospitality outlets spread across an impressive 36,000 square meters of commercial space. Its commitment to excellence in retail was recently recognized with the prestigious ‘Best Airport for Retail’ accolade at DFNI’s 2025 Frontier Awards in Cannes.
This strategic acquisition by Duty Free Americas is poised to redefine the luxury travel retail landscape at Zayed International Airport, promising an enriched and innovative shopping experience for millions of travelers. It also signals a robust expansion for DFA into a key global market, solidifying its position as a leading player in the international duty-free sector.
