ODG, a leading consultancy and design agency based in the UAE, said it has won a major contract to design and project manage the entire duty free at the New Muscat International Airport in Oman.

The company (previously known as Open D Group, Retail Access and Sparkle), has been signed up for the project by Oman Sales and Services (OSS), a joint venture between national carrier Oman Air and Aer Rianta International Middle East.

OSS successfully won the 10-year duty free management contract amongst seven other international duty free operators.

The new Muscat International Airport, which is still under construction, is expected to handle over 12 million passengers each year in the first phase of construction. On project completion, this figure is set to reach 48 million.

The first phase is set to span 580,000 sq m with 7,000 sq m of retail space comprising perfume and cosmetics, liquor and tobacco, confectionery, fashion and accessories departments as well as a market and several exclusive speciality stores.

Philip Eckles, the global implementation director, Aer Rianta International, said the newly-rebranded Emirati group had supported OSS during the RFP (request for proposal) bid phase of the Muscat Duty Free tender by developing outstanding design.

"The world-class duty free store concepts developed were instrumental in our winning bid. Since the contract award, ODG has worked diligently and professionally with our project team to turn those concepts in to reality," he stated.

On the new design, Hugo Vanderschaegh, the general manager at ODG, said: "The concept takes its inspiration from the unique Omani landscape and culture. Passengers will also enjoy several interactive features and experiences that will enhance their journey in Muscat International Airport."

"With the launch of our new Intelligence and Digital divisions, we look forward to continue delivering ‘inspired designs that work’ to travellers around the world," he added.

A global retail consultancy agency headquartered in Dubai, ODG has offices in Hong Kong and Singapore and more than 60 associates. A multicultural and decentralised group, it delivers work in more than 25 countries through its network.-TradeArabia News Service