Dubai Duty Free launch 'Fly Buy Dubai'

The book was launched at a special gathering today at Magrudys' Bookshop in Jumeirah.

The book provides a fascinating insight into the origins of the duty free industry, which began in 1947 at Shannon Airport in Ireland, and links the history of Ireland from that time to the history of the UAE.

Named after one of Dubai Duty Free's early advertising campaigns, Fly Buy Dubai, traces the origins of this award-winning operation which began as a result of a six month consultancy agreement between the Dubai Government and Aer Rianta (the Irish Airport Authority).

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, headed-up that ten man team from Aer Rianta in 1983 and has remained in Dubai along with fellow team member, George Horan, the current Deputy Managing Director. The team had six months in which to set up and operate the duty free operation which was located in the basement of the former airport building.

Present at the book launch in Magrudys', Mr. McLoughlin, noted:

"It has been a remarkable 25 years and our success is due in no small part to the freedom and support that we have been given by the Government of Dubai and especially by H. H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports.

He added, "I am delighted that we have published Fly Buy Dubai as, in addition to being a great read, it is an historical record of a fascinating time in Irish and UAE history. I think that Graeme did a great job in researching and putting this book together and my thanks to all of those who contributed towards its publication."

Graeme Wilson spent the best part of two years writing Fly Buy Dubai and conducted over 100 interviews with government and industry representatives as well as interviewing many of Dubai Duty Free employees including a number of the operation's 'Pioneers'. In what is a remarkable example of staff retention, Dubai Duty Free has retained 60 of its original 100 employees who are affectionately known as the 'Pioneers'.

The duty free industry began in Shannon Airport in 1947 when Irishman, Dr. Brendan O' Regan decided to entice transatlantic travelers by selling a small selection of Irish handicrafts. The business grew beyond all expectations and is now a global business worth over $30bn.

Dubai Duty Free began operations in December 1983 and in its first full year of business announced sales of $20m. This year, the operation will reach sales of $1bn and on its 25th anniversary day, a new daily sales record is expected to be achieved as the operation offers 25% discount on a wide range of products. Dubai Duty Free currently employs over 3,500 staff and operates in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport.

'Fly Buy Dubai' is currently on sale at Dubai Duty Free and Magrudys' Bookshops.