Dubai Duty Free reclaims title as world’s No.1

Dubai Duty Free has reclaimed its position as the world’s largest single airport operation, generating sales of US$1.8 billion in 2013.

Sales analysis by independent researcher Generation Research showed Dubai Duty Free accounted for 5.19% of global duty free business and nearly 3% of the wider duty free and travel retail global business last year.

Overall, global duty free and travel retail sales reached a record high of US$60 billion – up 7.5% on 2012.

Duty free sales in airports represented US$34.67 billion, with ferries, border shops and airlines accounting for the rest.

“We are obviously delighted to regain the number one spot for the fourth time and to note that our business, along with the duty free business across the Middle East, continues to grow significantly,” commented Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free.

“This is a dynamic part of the world in terms of airport retail and the continued investment in airport infrastructure reflects that.

“At Dubai Duty Free, our expansion plans continue in line with the development at Dubai International Airport (DIA), where our retail operation will reach 33,000 square meters with the opening of Concourse D next year.

“Meanwhile at Al Matoum International 9AMI, our operation of 2,500 square meters will grow in line with the massive development plans of Dubai World Central.”

The value of airport-based duty free sales in the Middle East rose 10% over the whole of 2013 to US$3.9 billion, with Dubai Duty Free generating nearly half of airport sales in the region at 45.73%.

Furthermore, the research also showed positive sales growth for Dubai Duty Free in 2014 predicting end of year sales of US$1.9 billion.

Dubai Duty Free was also named the world’s largest single airport operation in 2008, 2009 and 2010.