Dubai Duty Free to donate anniversary day sales to charity

The announcement, which was made during the Tax Free World Association (TFWA) Exhibition in Cannes today, will result in a charitable donation of over one million dollars.

Commenting on the announcement, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai said: "The idea behind donating the daily sales proceeds to charity is very much in line with the Government of Dubai's generous support of worthwhile causes. It is also a good way for Dubai Duty Free to mark its twentieth anniversary and to thank all of those who have contributed towards the success of the operation over the past two decades."

Acknowledging the fact that the charity donation is probably a retailing first, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said: "Over the past twenty years, Dubai Duty Free has established a reputation for innovation, and as such, it is important to mark our anniversary in a unique way."

"One way would have been to hold a huge celebratory party, however, we decided against this and instead will give a number of charities and their beneficiaries a good reason to celebrate as a result of receiving such a significant donation."

The day's proceeds will be presented to a select number of charities, including The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, whose charitable work has included sending food and medicine to people suffering from wars or natural disasters. The Foundation has also set up mosques and schools in many Muslim countries and communities.

December is traditionally a high-sales month at Dubai Duty Free. Until recently October 10th held the daily sales record of US$1.4 million and that figure was surpassed when on October 24th, daily sales reached a new high of US$1.6 million.

"We will certainly encourage travellers to spend more on our anniversary day, as the more they spend, the more money will go to charity," added Mr. McLoughlin.

Dubai Duty Free is currently ranked No. 5 in the world after London Heathrow, Singapore, Amsterdam and Paris and as the operation prepares to celebrate its twentieth anniversary it can look forward to achieving record sales of US$350 million for 2003.