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Why is Dubai Duty Free

Why is Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free: The Ultimate Shopping Destination

Dubai has become a synonym for luxury, glitz, and glamour in recent years. The city has grown from a small desert settlement to a bustling metropolis attracting millions of visitors annually. One of the major contributors to Dubai’s success story is the Dubai Duty Free, which has revolutionized the airport shopping experience. In this article, we will explore the secrets behind the ever-growing popularity of Dubai Duty Free.

History and Growth of Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free was established in 1983, as a small retail outlet at the Dubai International Airport’s Departures Terminal. It started as a humble 226 square meter shop but has now evolved into a massive 38,000 square meter shopping space that caters to the needs of millions of passengers transiting through Dubai airport. Dubai Duty Free currently operates under the Dubai Duty-Free Corporation, which is a part of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD).

The growth of Dubai Duty Free is nothing short of incredible. In 2019, the duty-free retailer recorded sales of over $2 billion, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The company has expanded its operations to other locations such as Al Maktoum International Airport, and it has launched an online store that provides an easy and convenient shopping experience.

Dubai Duty-Free Shopping Experience

Dubai Duty Free is famous for the range of products and services it offers. From high-end luxury items to affordable and practical options, there is something for everyone. The shopping experience is designed to cater to all kinds of customers, from the occasional traveler to the serious shopaholics.

One of the unique features of Dubai Duty Free is the ‘Arrivals’ shopping area. Passengers who land in Dubai can purchase goods before they even clear immigration. This feature has been a game-changer, as it has enabled busy travelers to save time and shop conveniently.

Dubai Duty Free also has a vast collection of products that are exclusive to the retailer. Customers can find limited edition luxury watches, perfumes, and chocolates that are not available anywhere else in the world. The retailer has also partnered with many international brands, ensuring that customers enjoy a diverse range of products.

Dubai Duty Free Success Factors

Dubai Duty Free’s incredible success can be attributed to several factors, which include:

1. Location Advantage

Dubai’s geographical location plays a huge role in the success of Dubai Duty Free. The city is in a strategic location that connects Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it an ideal transit point for millions of passengers every year. Dubai airport is one of the busiest in the world and is a hub for many international airlines, making it an ideal location for a duty-free retailer.

2. Tax-Free Shopping

Dubai Duty Free is a tax-free retailer. This means that customers can purchase goods at significantly lower prices compared to retail stores in other countries. The absence of taxes on products such as tobacco and alcohol also adds to this cost-saving factor.

3. Competitive Pricing

Dubai Duty Free has built its reputation on providing quality products at competitive prices. The retailer manages to keep its prices low by sourcing products in bulk and negotiating better deals with suppliers. This has enabled Dubai Duty Free to offer up to 20% lower prices than retail stores in other countries.

4. Promotions and Offers

Dubai Duty Free offers regular promotions and offers to its customers. In addition to the tax-free benefits, customers can enjoy discounts and other freebies such as raffles and prize giveaways. These promotions are a major draw for customers who are looking for good deals and a more enriched shopping experience.

5. Customer-Focused Approach

Dubai Duty Free has a clear customer-focused approach. The retailer has invested in its staff by providing extensive training and development programs. The staff is trained to provide excellent customer service, ensuring that customers are satisfied with their shopping experience. This focus on customers has been a key factor in Dubai Duty Free’s growth over the years.

The Future of Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free’s future looks bright, with plans to expand its services beyond the airport. The company plans to open a shopping mall in Dubai that will offer a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The mall will be a new attraction for both locals and tourists, and it will further cement Dubai’s status as a world-class shopping destination.

As Dubai Duty Free expands, it is worth noting that the retailer has not lost sight of its core values. The company remains committed to providing quality customer service, competitive prices, and a vast range of quality products.

Conclusion

Dubai Duty Free has become a shopping powerhouse, transforming the airport shopping experience and providing customers with an unparalleled shopping experience. The retailer’s success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its location, tax-free shopping, pricing strategy, promotions and customer-focused approach. As Dubai Duty Free looks to expand its operations, it is clear that it will remain a key player in the retail industry, providing customers with quality products and services for years to come.


Dubai is a part of the United Arab Emirates; throughout the past few decades, Dubai has become one of the premiere locations for businesses and residences. The prospect of Dubai is that it will become one of the most important cities to gain prominence throughout the 21st century. Currently, however, Dubai holds acclaim for being one of the premiere locations for duty free shopping.

Dubai has a very large and rather impressive selection of items regarding duty free shopping. Furthermore, the Dubai duty free shopping market has become one of the largest economical juggernauts regarding the United Arab Emirates.

In the Dubai airport, there is a duty free shopping center which provides a plethora of quality products for individuals who are traveling through Dubai or who are staying there for some time. In one of the few duty free shops that are found in Dubai, travelers can purchase: jewelry, watches, handbags, perfume, sunglasses, clothing, food, books, cds, gifts, and even electronics like telephones and cameras.

The mission of the Dubai duty free shops is to provide quality services and products to individuals who are looking to save money while they are traveling. These shops help to provide the creature comforts that individuals look forward to while they are on business trips, vacations, or even just passing through.

Dubai duty free shopping also has a particular market regarding liquors, wines, champagne, and tobacco products that can be purchased without extra charges.