July 14, 2025 — Dubai, UAE & Online
The Cigar Academy, a leading global platform for premium cigar education, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Dubai Duty Free to provide specialized training for its team of cigar specialists. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in elevating cigar knowledge and customer service standards in one of the world’s busiest travel retail hubs. This collaboration was made possible with the support of The Leaf Master, the leading importer of premium New World cigars in the UAE, whose facilitation helped bring both parties together.
Through this partnership, Dubai Duty Free’s cigar retail staff will receive expert-led education via The Cigar Academy’s online learning platform. The training program is tailored to the unique needs of global travelers, focusing on product knowledge, humidor management, pairing recommendations, and customer engagement. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to premium service and global standards in luxury retail.
“We are honored to support Dubai Duty Free in its pursuit of world-class cigar service,” said Thomas Gryson, Co-Founder of the The Cigar Academy. “Our mission has always been to empower cigar professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. This partnership extends that mission to an international retail setting.”
The training will be delivered digitally through The Cigar Academy’s innovative e-learning system, ensuring accessibility, consistency, and certification. It reflects a broader trend among luxury retailers investing in specialist knowledge to meet the expectations of discerning clientele.
Dubai Duty Free emphasized that this collaboration ensures our staff are not only well-versed in our extensive cigar portfolio, but also confident in delivering an exceptional customer experience, backed by globally recognized expertise
This partnership is a testament to The Cigar Academy’s growing role as the trusted platform for industry-standard cigar education, and Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to raising the bar for retail excellence.
For more information, please visit www.thecigaracademy.com or contact thomas.gryson@thecigaracademy.com & ricardo.carioni@thecigaracademy.com
