Travel retail Dubai Duty Free (DDF) kickstarted its 40th anniversary celebrations with a dramatic skydive above the city.

A professional skydiver from Skydive Dubai ascended to 5,500 feet above Skydive Dubai Palm Dropzone. 

He then descended at 60mph, unfurling a 3x5m red banner bearing DDF’s 40th Anniversary logo. The design also features the line ‘Celebrating 40 years of retailing service’.

The skydiver flew over 80 DDF employees gathered to watch the skydive in a ‘40’ formation, headed by joint COO Salah Tahlak. Everyone looked up and raised their own small flags. 

“This is really an exciting way to kick off our milestone 40th anniversary celebrations and this is just the beginning,” said Colm McLoughlin, DDF Executive Vice Chairman & CEO.

“Plans are in place to make this a memorable occasion for all our customers, partners, suppliers and employees.”

Once he had landed, the skydiver folded the banner and handed it over to Tahlak before a good photo. 

A professional skydiver accompanied the jump to capture the moment. See the film below. 

Last month, McLoughlin spoke to TRB on the organisation’s four decades of achievement ahead of its milestone anniversary later in December.