Qatar’s leading retail and leisure destination Place Vendome, which has seen a robust 64% year-on-year growth in visitors in 2024, concluded a string of new leasing transactions with international brands in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

During the past quarter Place Vendôme has sealed 18 deals equating to 5,112sq m of space, brands include Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, New Balance, URTH Cafe, Bursa Kebap, Evi, Joe & The Juice, Ray Ban and Hour Choice, diversifying its tenant line-up.

Luxury retail has attracted visitors as Qatar positioned itself as a destination for leisure and retail and the luxury retail sector continues to drive the growth of the retail market in the country.

In addition to these key retail and leisure brands, Place Vendôme will also enhance its service offering with the arrival of Al Kharashy Medical Centre, which will open a 613sq m facility in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.

In the three years since its launch, Place Vendôme has cemented its position as Qatar’s most visited luxury retail destination, having attracted 16.5mn visitors during 2024, representing a 64% increase year-on-year.

Shane Eldstrom, chief executive officer of United Developers, said Place Vendome has been experiencing an upturn in leasing activity at the start of 2025 and some positive sentiment emerging from retailers.

"This recent tranche of deals underlines Place Vendôme’s growing status as Qatar’s leading retail and leisure destination and we are focused on our mission to accommodate both new and existing brands within our evolving ecosystem," he added.

Place Vendôme, a multibillion Qatari riyal mixed-use development in Lusail City, is a project of United Developers, a group of four Qatari investors who partnered to align their expertise in retail, real estate, construction and contracting. United Developers envision Place Vendôme as a groundbreaking example of the entrepreneurship, vision and energy of Qatari commitment to the nation’s development.

The project broke ground on March 17, 2014 and opened its doors to the public on the April 15, 2022. The 1.15mn sq m development hosts two five-star luxury hotels, Le Royal Méridien and Palais Vendôme, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Le Royal Méridien Residences, a mall featuring up to 560 different retail outlets with an exclusively luxurious wing dedicated to top designer labels, and a central entertainment component showcasing constant attractions.

The hotels and residences are operated by Marriott International, delivering a luxurious and authentic experience that aligns with the Place Vendôme brand.

Qatar's prime location, combined with the growing luxury retail sector, has made it one of the most sought-after retail destinations, Knight Frank, a London-based global real estate consultancy and estate agency, said, adding mall operators and developers could benefit the most by providing greater choices.