The Dubai Duty Free Market recorded 461.3 million Emirati dirham ($125.5 million) in sales during the first half of 2001. This reflects a 22 percent rise compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.
Gold was reportedly the number one item of choice at the Duty Free Market, with sales totaling Dh 56.6 million, a 37 percent percent growth compared with last year, according to Al-Ittihad daily. Gold and jewelry account for around 14 percent of total sales. Electronics sales also rose by a dramatic 71 percent and ladies wear sales went up by 139 percent. Computers, audio-visual equipment and cellular phones were also leading categories for Dubai duty free shoppers this year.
The Dubai Duty Free Market, which employs some 870 workers, was recently chosen as the best Duty Free Market in the world. The award was based on a survey of the European Data & Research Limited Company, which interviewed nearly 50,000 travelers throughout 42 international airports.
Dubai Duty Free began operations in December 1983 and recorded a first full year turnover of Dhs72 million. The company reported that since opening for business in Shaikh Rashid Terminal on April 15th 2000, shopfloor sales have consistently increased culminating in a record turnover of Dhs800 million in 2000. — (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
