New data released yesterday by London Heathrow Airport’s Personal Shopping service has revealed that Qataris are the most style-aware nationality in the region and more likely to utilise the expertise of the airport’s professional stylists than any other group in the Middle East.

Over a third (39%) of those from the region who use Heathrow’s Personal Shopping service are Qatari, compared to 25% from the UAE, 13% from Saudi Arabia, 10% from Bahrain and 1% from Kuwait, according to a statement.

Some 32,000 Qataris used the Heathrow Personal Shopping service over the last year, spending an average of QR7,134 (£1,200) per visit.

Dana Jaber, a style expert for Heathrow’s Personal Shopping service, said: “Our Qatari customers have discerning tastes when it comes to fashion and in our experience, they tend to be among the earliest adopters of the latest trends. Heathrow offers some of the best British brands available and they take full advantage.

“Many of our Qatari customers request regular e-mails from our dedicated personal shoppers to ensure that they know in advance about the newest items before they arrive at Heathrow.”

With a team of expertly trained personal shoppers, all of whom have undergone two years’ intensive training and speak over 38 languages between them, Heathrow’s style experts help more than 55,600 customers each year, the statement points out.

The Personal Shopping service offers both male and female experts to ensure that customers can select the stylist they feel most comfortable with. Customers can pre-book an appointment with their preferred stylist before they even arrive at Heathrow by visiting www.heathrow.com/stylist

The team brings together a curated selection of products from over 400 outlets, offering customers the opportunity to browse recommended items in the privacy of an exclusive consultation suite. As part of the service, customers are given access to items that many luxury stores keep hidden behind their counters.

“Our Qatari customers – over 35% of whom are men – are often looking for the ‘hidden gems’ that aren’t readily available to the average shopper. We give our personal shopping customers unique access, in a private facility, to merchandise from brands like Oud Ispahan, Bvlgari and British classics, including Burberry and Jo Malone.” 

Popular products among Qataris include Bvlgari necklaces and rings, Prada shoes and handbags, Dior bags and Smythson wallets.

Over 80% of personal shopping customers use the service to spend their value-added tax refunds at Heathrow’s 400 outlets before they head home.