Dubai Duty Free opened for business on December 20th 1983 and over the past 28 years has grown to become the single largest airport retailer in the world.Its founding principal of providing travellers with a first class retail experience in a shopper-friendly environment and a diverse range of products still holds true to this day.Employing over 4,000 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing in the Middle East.2011 has been a phenomenal year for Dubai Duty Free and sales are expected to reach Dhs5.3 billion (US$1.45 billion) by the end of December, which represents a 15% over last year and this is quite an achievement.To date Dubai Duty Free has received more than 200 awards which bear testimony to the operation's retail success. Awards presented this year include the Global Traveler Award for 'Best Duty Free Shop', the DFNI Asia Pacific award for "Middle East Travel Retailer of the Year", the Business Traveller ME Award for 'Best Airport in Duty Free Shopping' and the 'Brand of the Year' award. The retailer was also honoured at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award. More recently, the operation was presented with the 'Retail Company of the Year' by the Arabian Business Achievement Awards.Currently operating some 18,000 square metres of retail space at Dubai International Airport, the operation will grow by a further 8,000 square metres with the opening of Concourse 3, which is due to open late 2012, will be dedicated to Emirates Airline.In addition, Dubai Duty Free is preparing to open its first hotel, the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, in 2012. The five-star property will be managed by Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, and is located on the grounds of the Aviation Club in Garhoud.MISSION•On behalf of the Government of Dubai, to operate the retail operations at Dubai International Airport and other affiliated areas.•To provide customers with first class customer service, excellent value for money, a wide range of quality products and a world ? class shopping environment.•To be recognized as the one of the best airport retailer?s in the world.•On behalf of the Government of Dubai, to manage the Aviation Club complex and affiliated facilities, established to provide the best in sports and entertainment.•To promote Dubai as the sports, leisure and business capital of the Middle East, through its various operations and promotional activities.
