Aviation Industry Award presented to Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free

The award, which is unprecedented recognition of the integral role duty free plays in the travel business, was presented on behalf of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chief of Staff, UAE Armed Forces and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai.

Accepting the award in front of an audience of over 3,000, which included government representatives and senior executives from the aviation industry, Colm McLoughlin praised the support provided by the Government of Dubai over the past two decades.

"In the past twenty years, Dubai Duty Free has grown to be the fifth largest airport retail operation in the world. Our turnover has grown from US$20 million in 1984 to an anticipated US$360 million this year," said Mr. McLoughlin. "Our success is due to the hard work and dedication of a huge number of people and I would particularly like to thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his continuous support and also thank each and every one of our 1,200 employees who contribute towards our ongoing success."

The award coincides with Dubai Duty Free's 20th anniversary celebrations which will include a charitable donation of the daily shopfloor sales from December 20th, the anniversary date. On that day, customers can also avail of 20% discount on a huge range of merchandise.

Dubai Duty Free opened for business on December 20th 1983 with first day sales reaching US$45,000. Of the original 100 employees, 64 still remain with the company and are referred to as the 'Pioneers'.