QATAR. Qatar Duty Free has partnered with Cuban cigar manufacturer Habanos and leading distributor Phoenicia to host a major celebration honouring the 55th anniversary of renowned cigar brand Trinidad.

The partners used the occasion at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center to announce an agreement between Qatar Duty Free and Phoenicia Group to manage all cigar outlets at Hamad International Airport and to reveal the launch of a Casa del Habano pop-up shop, a first of its kind.

The 40sq m Casa del Habano pop-up recently opened in the North Node area of the airport. Travellers can explore an extensive selection of premium and vintage cigars, including the commemorative Trinidad 50 Aniversario, priced at US$365,000.

The partners said that their collaboration “positions Doha and Hamad International Airport as a premier destination for cigar enthusiasts, particularly from the GCC region”.

The Trinidad 55th anniversary celebrations began in February with the Festival del Habano in Havana. It continued with a spectacular evening in June at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Doha gala dinner, which took place on Saturday (7 December), blended “cultural vibrancy, artisanal craftsmanship and timeless Cuban elegance” in an immersive experience, said the partners.

The evening guided attendees through Trinidad’s storied journey, with captivating presentations, cigar unveilings and live performances. The evening included performances by Studio RAYY, Majiid and The Managers.

Phoenicia President Mohammad Zeidan addressed guests by speaking about the significance of this milestone in Trinidad’s history and hailing the support of Qatar Duty Free.

In a grand reveal, the highly anticipated Trinidad Robusto Extra was introduced to guests. This new addition to the Trinidad family was paired with Havana-inspired cocktails prepared by mixologists from Teddy’s Speakeasy.

The finale of the evening featured the regional launch of the Trinidad Cabildo, accompanied by a performance created exclusively for the reveal, with symphonies by the world-renowned Michel Fadel, joined for the first time with enchanting movements presented by America’s Got Talent 2022 winners, The Mayyas.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh said: “This partnership is all about blending the rich heritage of Cuban cigars with the world-class hospitality that Qatar Duty Free is known for. Together with Phoenicia and Habanos, we’re creating an experience that celebrates tradition while elevating what travellers can expect at Hamad International Airport.” ✈