Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has announced another annual record result with sales turnover in calendar year 2005 rising by 19% to more than Dhms.2.1bn ($590m).

DDF?s ever supportive President of the Department of Civil Aviation, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: ‘It has been another remarkable year for Dubai Duty Free, which has retained its position as the third largest airport retailer in the world in terms of turnover.
The operation is continually reviewing and revising the retail offer and I congratulate the team at Dubai Duty Free on its ongoing achievements.’
DDF also set a new daily sales record on December 20 in its twentieth anniversary year, generating sales of Dhms.17.7m ($4.9m) over the 24-hour period. The month of December also set a new monthly record with sales topping Dhms.219m ($60m).
Commenting on the results, DDF Managing Director Colm McLoughlin said: ‘2005 was a fantastic year and one that saw a number of renovations and additions to the retail operation, including the opening of a new 650 square metre Arrivals Duty Free and a new Pharmacy. I would like to extend my thanks to HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his support and join His Highness in thanking all of our staff for their contribution towards the operation?s success this year.’
DDF reports that the total number of sales transactions in 2005 was close to 13m, which represents an average of 35,600 sales transactions undertaken every 24 hours, 365 days of the year.
The retailer added: ‘Individual categories which showed exceptional growth in 2005 include liquor, which rose by 25%, perfumes which grew by 29%, men?s fashion which grew by 85% and Gifts from Dubai, which was up 52%. The Arrivals Duty Free sales grew by 20% and this category now accounts for 8% of total sales.’
DDF added that in the past year it has continued to attract international media attention and was particular proud to have been the recipient of the Business Traveller UK award for ?Best Duty Free Shopping? in September last year, as well as winning the Middle East counterpart of the same award in May 2005.