Retailers flock to Abu Dhabi for the MTB duty free tender bonanza

All interested bidders, comprising the best duty free concessionaires in the world, have received a mandatory detailed presentation on the scope and specifications of the duty free area and the different retail packages that will be available.
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They were also given an explanation of the scoring criteria that will be applied in the tender process and its timetable. A similar process for the food & beverage concessions will be underway shortly.

A new technology-led interactive tendering process is being adopted and the tenders are being issued in a completely new format.
“In order to elicit the highest quality responses possible, the tender pack has been designed to be as spectacular as the terminal itself and matches its scale and ambition. It contains a detailed retail vision book for the Midfield Terminal commercial space as well as a gallery of artistic images encapsulating some of the most creative retail, food & beverage and hospitality innovations from around the world. The pack also includes an iPad containing innovative technology, animation and augmented retail reality. This will enable potential bidders to interact with the terminal through a three dimensional experience, which has never been seen before in the industry,” ADAC said
Expressions of interest have already been received from many of the world’s leading duty free operators. Following today’s briefings, potential bidders will have until September 7 to consider all of the tender material and seek further clarifications. Submission date is set at October 1, with contracts expected to be awarded in December. The tendering process for food & beverage outlets in the MTB is following a similar timetable, and a correspondingly high tech tendering process has been adopted.
ADAC chairman, Ali Majed Al Mansoori, said: “This is not just another tender process, it is an integral part of a massively important infrastructure project. Abu Dhabi Airports is investing in a truly spectacular terminal and, with around 28,000 square meters of commercial space available, bidders will be expected to match that investment with a commitment to help deliver sensational experiences for travellers. We are looking forward to forming exceptional partnerships with brands whose ideas and concepts match its own ambition and vision.”