Oman Duty Free signs an MoU with China Duty Free International to exchange retail expertise, explore sourcing and franchising opportunities, attract global brands and support Oman's tourism and travel retail sectors.
Oman Duty Free Company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Duty Free International Limited to strengthen cooperation in duty-free retail and travel shopping. The agreement aims to support the Omani company's business development, attract international brands to the Sultanate and create opportunities for expansion into global travel retail markets.
The MoU was signed on November 2, 2026, during the state visit of Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to China. Sayyid Nasr bin Badr Al Busaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Duty Free, signed the agreement on behalf of the Omani company, while Dou Xiaoqiong, Managing Director of China Duty Free International, represented the Chinese company.
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The partnership will focus on exchanging expertise in retail operations, store management and product category management. Both companies will also explore opportunities for cooperation in merchandise sourcing, supply chains and franchising at travel retail outlets. These initiatives are intended to strengthen Oman Duty Free's operational capabilities, broaden its product portfolio and improve its competitiveness in the international travel retail sector.
The agreement also supports Oman Duty Free's plans to attract leading global brands to the country. Greater access to international retail networks and sourcing capabilities could help expand the range of products available to travellers at Oman's airports and other travel gateways.
China Duty Free International is part of China Tourism Group, a major organisation with business interests spanning tourism, travel services, hospitality and retail. Its growing interest in the Omani market is expected to create opportunities for further investment and partnerships in the country's tourism and retail sectors.
The collaboration comes as Oman seeks to strengthen its position as an international tourism destination and expand economic cooperation with China. Partnerships across travel, hospitality and retail are expected to support the development of tourism services and improve the visitor experience.
The agreement also aligns with the broader economic engagement between Oman and China during Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's state visit. The visit has resulted in several cooperation agreements covering investment, technology, industrial supply chains, digital economy and other areas.
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Through the MoU, Oman Duty Free aims to strengthen its international business relationships, access global retail expertise and explore new commercial opportunities. The partnership is also expected to contribute to the development of Oman's travel retail ecosystem and support efforts to attract more Chinese visitors to the country.