Dubai Duty Free opened for business on December 20th 1983 and has grown to become one of the leading airport retailers in the world with sales turnover of Dhs5.9 billion (US$1.6 billion) in 2012.
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 6000 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing in the Middle East.
To date, Dubai Duty Free has received around 300 industry awards which bear testimony to the operation's retail success including the 2012 Frontier Awards for 'Best Airport Retailer of the Year' which was won by the operation for an unprecedented sixth time; the 'Best Airport in Duty Free Shopping' presented at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, the Global Traveller US magazine Award for 'Best Duty Free Shop' and the 'Superbrands Awards for Excellence in Branding' received from Superbrands Council.