Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Appoints
Duty Free Americas as Travel Retail Partner
– Dubai, UAE, June 8, 2026
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) International Airport, located in the UAE, is pleased to announce the appointment of Duty Free Americas (DFA) as the new Travel Retail partner for the Airport, covering all categories, following a highly competitive RFP process.
DFA, a family-owned and operated business and part of Falic Group, is the largest travel retail operator in the Americas and a leading operator worldwide, with increasing retail footprint in the Middle East.
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the Airport’s ongoing commitment to elevating the passenger experience and enhancing its commercial offering. DFA will assume responsibility for delivering a refreshed, innovative, and customer-centric retail environment across the Airport’s duty-free and retail portfolio.
The partnership was formally marked on June 2 with an inauguration ceremony at RAK International Airport, bringing together senior representatives including His Excellency Engr. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Department of Civil Aviation RAK & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Leon Falic, Falic Group President, Laurent Boidevezi, Advisor to Falic Group President & Global Business Development and Judith Dupain, Head of Beauty in the Middle East for Falic Group.
“The appointment of Duty-Free Americas marks a significant step forward in our vision to further develop Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as a leading regional gateway. This partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing every aspect of the passenger experience through world-class retail, service excellence, and international collaboration. We look forward to working closely with DFA as we support the continued growth of tourism and connectivity in Ras Al Khaimah,” commented His Excellency Engr. Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Department of Civil Aviation RAK & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.
“This appointment marks a significant step in DFA’s continued expansion across the Middle East and reinforces both our long-term commitment to the region and the Airport’s confidence in our ability to elevate Ras Al Khaimah’s travel retail proposition to new heights and further strengthen its position as a growing international gateway,” commented Leon Falic, President of Falic Group. “We are excited to partner with the Airport, with existing and new brands, and stakeholders as we begin this new chapter together.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport;
Established in 1976, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is midway between Europe and the Far East and is the gateway between Ras al Khaimah and the world. It operates passenger and cargo services to a variety of destinations covering Europe, the Middle East, North & East Africa, Central Asia, Sub-continent.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport Media Contact
Sana Fathima
About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the UAE’s fourth largest Emirate, is defined by its natural beauty, rich heritage and forward-looking vision under HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Committed to sustainable growth, economic diversification and innovation, RAK is an attractive place to live, work and invest. Strategically located within four hours of one third of the world’s population, RAK serves as a gateway to the Middle East and beyond. Its diversified economy sees no sector contribute more than 27% of GDP.
The Emirate offers a competitive, business-friendly environment with 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax and low corporate tax. Home to over 50,000 companies, supported by RAKEZ and Innovation City, RAK has held strong ‘A’ range credit ratings since 2008.
With a population of 0.4 million representing over 150 nationalities, RAK combines high quality of life with accessible luxury. Landmark hospitality projects in the pipeline include Wynn, Four Seasons and Nobu, added to the existing Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton, while RAK Central will redefine its commercial and residential landscape. Year-round sunshine, competitive living costs and a dynamic lifestyle position Ras Al Khaimah as a land of opportunity.
Falic Group
Falic Group is a leading international, family-owned luxury brand builder, with an established footprint across different business groups (Beauty, Fashion, Wines & Spirits, Media & Real Estate), spanning key regions (Americas & EMEA focus) and channels (Travel Retail, Domestic & e-Commerce).
