Dubai Duty Free accept first industry award of 2002

The award, which was presented by HRH Prince Faisal of Jordan signifies another achievement for Dubai Duty Free which continues to be the holder of all three major international industry awards*.

Commenting on this latest recognition, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation said: "This award represents another extremely positive start to the year, which began with the announcement of record sales of US$244 million for Dubai Duty Free. We are looking forward to achieving further record sales and gaining wider industry recognition in the coming 12 months."

The Awards ceremony, which was the social highlight of the two-day Middle East and Africa Duty Free Symposium, was held in Jordan's capital in the presence of HRH Prince Faisal and other senior government officials.

Accepting the award from HRH Prince Faisal on behalf of Dubai Duty Free, Managing Director Colm McLoughlin said: "The Middle East, which has a 4% share of global duty free sales, is expected to be one of the major growth areas for the duty free industry in the next decade. This award highlights the continued role of Dubai Duty Free as a major driving force in the industry and I would like to thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his support and all 970 staff at Dubai Duty free who have contributed towards the operation's success."

The conference, which attracted industry representatives from all over the world, featured a series of industry topics ranging from post September 11 airport security issues to in-flight duty free sales of the future.

A presentation on the latest industry statistics provided delegates with an insight into future global sales, which are expected to reach US$25 billion by the year 2010. Middle East sales for duty free, which reached US$758 million in 2001, are expected to reach US$2 billion by the year 2010.

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