UAE. Dubai Duty Free officially opened two Apple store programmes at Dubai International T3 on 14 June. The stores are said to represent the largest Apple experience in travel retail. The 86sq m and 70sq m units are located close to gates B15 and A12.
They offer the full Apple range including the iPhone, the iPad, the Apple watch, the MacBook range, Apple TV and Apple accessories.
The stores’ official opening in Concourse B was attended by senior executives from both Dubai Duty Free and Apple. The ribbon cutting was carried out by the retailer’s Executive Vice Chairman Colm McLoughlin and David Chisholm, Apple Director of Sales for Apple Middle East & Africa.
McLoughlin said: “With the Apple shop programme in Concourse B being the largest in any travel retail in the world, this is a very exciting development for Dubai Duty Free and our customers. They will enjoy the design, layout and products, along with a first class customer experience and product knowledge.”
Staff assigned to the stores by Dubai Duty Free and Apple have undergone extensive product training by Apple, noted the retailer.
Since the opening of the dedicated Apple shops sales of Apple products at the airport have climbed by +8%, a figure expected to grow further.
“Based on our current sales projections, we expect Apple sales to reach AED220 million (US$61 million) this year,” said McLoughlin.
