UAE. Generation Research has named Dubai International Airport as the world’s top duty free/travel retail location, based on Dubai Duty Free’s 2008 sales of US$1.1 billion.
The figure puts Dubai ahead of London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon airports, numbers two and three in the ranking, with sales of just over US$1 billion each, according to Generation.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, said: “For the past several years Dubai Duty Free has been listed amongst the top three airport retailers in the world in terms of sales. Therefore it is a great achievement to be placed at the top. Congratulations to the Dubai Duty Free management and staff for this achievement.”
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Dubai Duty Free’s US$1.1 billion in sales last year helped it become the world’s leading duty free retailer |
In 2008, the global duty free and travel retail business had sales of US$37 billion, noted Generation, an increase of +8.8% over the previous year, and airport duty free sales accounted for US$21.8 billion. With sales of US$1.1 billion in 2008, Dubai Duty Free accounts for 5% of the airport duty free business and 3% of the wider duty free and travel retail global business.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin said: “We are obviously delighted to achieve the number one spot based on our sales of US$1.1 billion. A lot of people have worked hard to ensure our success and I sincerely thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his unswerving support as well as our partners, suppliers and our staff who do a fantastic job. Thanks to all of our customers, who continue to shop at Dubai Duty Free.”
Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 25th anniversary in December 2008. With the opening of Emirates Terminal 3 last October, the retail operation doubled to 15,000sq m and its staffing levels rose to 3,500. In line with this expansion, the operation moved into its purpose-built Head Office and Distribution Centre in Ramoul, where the semi-automated warehouse covers some 27,000sq m.
Multi-Millionaire draw
In related news, a UK national has won US$5 million in Dubai Duty Free’s Multi-Millionaire prize draw. Piya Bahirwani, 35, purchased her ticket on a trip to Mumbai in April.
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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum draws the winner of the Multi-Millionaire Promotion in the company of Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin (centre), Dubai Duty Free Director-Corporate Communication Salak Tahlak (right) and Dubai Duty Free Manager-Events, Advertising & Media Sinead El Sibai (left) |
The draw was made yesterday at Dubai Duty Free’s new Head Office and Distribution Centre by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Colm McLoughlin.
The Multi-Millionaire draw, which was launched to coincide with the operation’s 25th anniversary and the opening of its new retail operation in T3 last year, was a one-off promotion to complement Dubai Duty Free’s Finest Surprise Luxury Car and its Millennium Millionaire promotions.
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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum officially inaugurates the Dubai Duty Free Head Office and Distribution Centre with Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Colm McLoughlin, Director-Corporate Communication Salak Tahlak, Manager-Events, Advertising & Media Sinead El Sibai and Public Relations Officer-Dubai Airports Ahmed Jassim (far left) |
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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum tours Dubai Duty Free’s 27,000sq m Distribution Centre with Colm McLoughlin |
The draw coincided with the official inauguration by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai Duty Free’s new Head Office and Distribution Centre. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to the office building, His Highness had a tour of the new facility. The complex is located 1 km from Dubai International Airport in Ramoul.
MORE STORIES ON DUBAI DUTY FREE
Dubai bucks traffic trend with double-digit growth – 21/07/09
Dubai Duty Free named again as “˜Superbrand’ – 02/07/09
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