Dubai Duty Free (DDF) today inaugurated its Chinese New Year celebrations and announced the winners of its US$1m and Finest Surprise promotions.

A ceremonial cake cutting and traditional drum dance attended by Chinese officials led by the travel retailer’s Chinese staff clad in traditional dress took place at Concourse C’s Control Tower.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President and CEO, DDF thanked Chinese dignitaries and members of the Chinese media for attending its celebrations at Terminal 3’s Concourse B and Concourse C.

“Dubai Duty Free employs 814 Chinese nationals and Chinese passengers account for 17% of our business, so it is appropriate that we mark this most popular festival which is celebrated all over the world,” he said.

CNY-THEMED RETAIL

To celebrate the festival, DDF has rolled out a Chinese New Year-themed concept across all the concourses at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Offers include a 20% discount on top-selling Chinese cigarette brands such as Chunghwa and Panda and other promotions in the liquor, skincare and luxury watch categories to encourage passengers to purchase.

Alipay customers are also being offered the chance to grab a series of prizes over a 45-day period.

Acting Consul General Tan Li thanked DDF and added: “This occasion remains one of the most important occasions for the Chinese and Dubai Duty Free acknowledges the significance of this holiday to its customers through traditional festivities and offering special initiatives.”

The celebrations took place following the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws.

Dubai-based British national Neil H. won the $1m prize with ticket number 1927 in Series 291, while Abhishek Kathel won with ticket number 2582 in Series 292.

Two winners were also announced in the Finest Surprise draw. Dubai-based Indian national Leepika Ahluwalie took home an Audi R8 RWS V10 Coupe motorcar with ticket number 0380 in Series 1708, while 14-year old Indian national Farhan Jawed Khan won a BMW R 1200 GS Rallye Edition motorbike with ticket number 0323 in Series 356.

DDF celebrated its 35^th anniversary in December 2018 and recently surpassed $2bn in sales.