Dubai Duty Free named fifth largest duty free operation in the world

The figures, which were issued by the Swedish-based research company at the Trinity Forum Conference in London last month, place Dubai Duty Free among the top five duty free operations in the world along with London Heathrow, Singapore, Amsterdam and Paris.

Commenting on the new figures, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group said: "It is a great achievement for Dubai Duty Free to enter the top five duty free operations in the world. The figures are all the more impressive when you consider that Dubai International Airport, which handled 16 million passengers in 2002 and is 16th in the world in terms of international traffic, is in the same league in terms of duty free sales with airports such as Heathrow which handles over 60 million passengers a year."

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, was present at the Trinity Forum last month where the figures were made available and where he made a presentation case study on the operation.

He commented: "We had estimated that the 2002 sales figures would push Dubai Duty Free into the top league and are delighted to have that verified. What is very clear from the figures is that the spend per passenger at Dubai Duty Free, which is estimated at around US$34 per head (departing passengers only), is above the average spend in other airports which
have a much higher traffic flow. Given our sales figures so far this year, we think we can move even higher up the chart in 2003."

Sales for the first half of 2003 certainly seem to bear this out, with figures reaching Dhs592 million (US$165 million) and representing a 16% increase over the same period last year.

"Sales have bounced back to normal following a short term dip during the regional crisis and we are now looking ahead to ensuring that this year, which is our 20th year of operation, is one of the most successful ever," added Mr. McLoughlin.

Dubai Duty Free began operations in December 1983 and first year sales reached US$20 million. The operation currently employs over 1,000 staff and of the initial 100 staff employed in 1983, 64 still remain in service.