Dubai Duty Free Teams Up with The Cigar Academy for Expert Cigar Training
Dubai Duty Free has partnered with The Cigar Academy to train its cigar retail team, boosting customer service and product knowledge.
In a move set to raise the bar for cigar retail service, Dubai Duty Free has entered a new partnership with The Cigar Academy, a leading global education platform dedicated to premium cigar expertise. This collaboration will provide Dubai Duty Free’s cigar staff with professional training through an innovative e-learning programme.
The initiative was made possible with the support of The Leaf Master, the UAE’s premier importer of New World cigars. The Leaf Master played a key role in facilitating the partnership. Together, these organisations aim to redefine the standards of luxury cigar retail in one of the world’s busiest travel markets.
The Cigar Academy’s training programme is fully digital and tailored to the needs of global travellers. The modules cover essential topics such as humidor management, cigar pairing advice, customer engagement and in-depth product knowledge. The goal? To create a more knowledgeable, confident, and service-oriented cigar sales team.
“We are honoured to support Dubai Duty Free in delivering world-class cigar service,” said Thomas Gryson, Co-Founder of The Cigar Academy. “This partnership brings our mission to an exciting international stage.”

Certification
Staff who complete the training will receive certification, further aligning with the luxury standards expected by Dubai Duty Free’s international clientele. The programme also reflects a growing trend in global retail—investing in specialist knowledge to meet evolving customer expectations.
A spokesperson for Dubai Duty Free added, “This collaboration ensures our team is well-prepared to advise and engage, offering an experience that matches the calibre of our cigar portfolio.”
With this alliance, The Cigar Academy cements its reputation as the go-to platform for professional cigar education, while Dubai Duty Free showcases its dedication to excellence and innovation in customer service.




