UAE. Dubai Duty Free recently underlined its corporate responsibility credentials by honouring nearly 300 employees who have donated blood, with the goal to help maintain an adequate and safe blood supply for hospitals and patients in need.
Now in its 16th year, the Annual Blood Donation Campaign is a long-standing initiative by Dubai Duty Free through its Corporate Responsibility Department. It is conducted in partnership with the Dubai Blood Donation Center under Dubai Health.
Regular donors from across the Dubai Duty Free business were honoured for their “unwavering commitment to saving lives and setting an inspiring example of compassion and civic responsibility”, said the retailer. They were presented with certificates and commemorative souvenirs.
In addition, the Corporate Responsibility Department launched the Blood Donor Passport initiative, a tracking system designed to encourage repeat donations and reward donors for their commitment.
The event was attended by Dubai Duty Free Deputy Managing Director, Salah Tahlak, SVP – Finance Dr. Bernard Creed and SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security Zayed Al Shebli.
Salah Tahlak said, “We are extremely proud of our employees who have consistently donated blood since 2011. Their dedication reflects the strong humanitarian valued embedded in Dubai Duty Free’s culture. Through our annual blood donation drive, we aim not only to contribute to public health efforts but also to foster a spirit of solidarity and care within our organisation.”
Following the presentation and launch, the annual blood donation drive took place, with around 100 employees volunteering.
“We truly value our ongoing partnership with the Dubai Blood Donation Centre and thank all those who have contributed over the years. We remain committed to sustaining this initiative in the years ahead to make a lasting impact on our community,” added Tahlak.
From 2011 to 2025, the campaign recorded a total of 1,289 registered donors, resulting in the collection of 965 pints of blood across 15 donation drives. These vital contributions have helped support hospitals, emergency cases, and patients in need of life-saving treatments.
A company statement added, “Beyond the numbers, the campaign reflects Dubai Duty Free’s enduring values of compassion, responsibility and community service. Through this ongoing initiative, the organisation continues to make a meaningful impact, demonstrating how collective action in the workplace can save lives and strengthen the wider community.” ✈
