Dubai Duty Free's Million-Dollar-A-Day Month

While sales were buoyant across the board, certain categories showed strong increases over the same month last year. Sales of Electronic goods reached almost Dhs14 million (US$3.9 million) and showed a 35% increase over sales in July last year. Perfume sales reached Dhs13.4 million (US$3.7 million) and showed the same percentage increase of 35% over last July. Buoyed by the demand for the latest best-sellers, including the successful launch of the fifth series in the Harry Potter series, book sales at Dubai Duty Free have increased by 126% over the same period last year.

Commenting on the record July figures, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: "Our first half year sales figures were up 16% on the previous year and we are absolutely delighted that this trend is continuing into the second half. We are aiming to close the year with sales of Dhs1.3 billion (US$360 million) and with monthly figures like this, we are very much on track. This is a great reflection of the commitment from everyone at Dubai Duty Free."

In December this year, Dubai Duty Free celebrates its twentieth anniversary. During this time, the operation has grown from an annual turnover of US$20 million to become the fifth largest duty free operation in the world with sales of Dhs1.1 billion (US$306
million) in 2002.

The operation currently employs over 1,000 staff who represent 31 different nationalities and speak a total of 36 languages.