The first duty-free outlet at Dubai International Airport was established in 1983 with a promise to offer customers a wide range of top-quality merchandise from around the world and provide good value for money, convenience shopping and first-class service.
    Dubai's first professionally-run Duty Free shops were modelled on the pioneering concept at Shannon Airport in Ireland. Over the years, Dubai proceeded to show the duty-free world how airport shopping could become not only a major 'plus' for passengers, but also a major contributor to airport revenues.
    Dubai Duty Free's early promise of quality and value for money continues to be kept in the new millennium for the millions of passengers who use Dubai International Airport. Many specifically plan their flights to include a stopover at Dubai to take advantage of the vast range of internationally- branded duty-free bargains available in both the departure and arrival halls.
    The new Sheikh Rashid Terminal has 5,400 square meters dedicated to duty-free shopping - four times the size of the previous complex, which itself was rated one of the best in the world. This has allowed a dramatic increase in the range of goods available - and more business for more suppliers. Today, the range of goods comprises more than 65,000 different products.
    Suppliers worldwide have come to appreciate Dubai Duty Free's philosophy that a world-class shopping facility attracts passengers to the airport and that it gives them a premium outlet.
    To ensure that the overall product range meets all passenger demands, including both business and leisure travellers, as well as families with children, Dubai Duty Free works closely with its suppliers to bring in the very best brands at competitive prices.
    Investing more than $18 million on state-of-the-art shopfittings, Dubai Duty Free has not only maximized its increased shopfloor space in the new terminal, it has also introduced innovative new concepts in display and service, all in a customer-friendly atmosphere that makes shopping a pleasurable and rewarding experience.
    Dubai Duty Free's insistence on both quality of goods and quality of service is reflected in soaring sales figures. During the first year of operations in 1983, turnover was a modest US$ 20 million. Sales for the year 2000 are forecast at US$ 200 million, following a substantial 16 per cent growth in revenues in 1999. Sales figures are projected to rise to $300 million by 2003 as passenger numbers at Dubai international Airport continue to increase.
    In addition to the mainstay of product ranges, a number of boutique-style shopping areas have ben included in the new complex, along with other innovative concepts such as a gadget shop, a well-stocked children's clothing  area, and an exclusive La Casa del Habano offering the finest and most comprehensive range of Cuban cigars in the Middle East.
    The new complex, in the very center of the  new concourse, has been designed to emphasize Dubai Duty Free's customer-friendly approach and its desire to ensure that suppliers have the best exposure possible. The complex exudes a feeling of spaciousness, and the use of wood panelling, chrome and aluminum, along with extensive natural light, provides customers with a pleasant, uncrowded shopping environment. It is very much a place in which to spend time browsing - and friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to give product advice and to help customers make their choice.
    The variety of products means there is something for everyone, and through its buying policy, Dubai Duty Free ensures that goods are the latest and best available on the market. The choice now includes jewellery, watches, pens and lighters; a huge choice of liquor and tobacco products; electronics and computer software; video and computer games; books and toys; audio equipment, camera equipment and accessories; luxury leather goods; crystalware; sportswear and sports equipment; men's and women's fashionwear; men's and women's sunglasses; perfumes and cosmetics; confectionery and food in the popular Food Plus outlets; and a wide range of souvenirs from Dubai and the Arab world.
    In keeping with Dubai's reputation as the 'golf city' of the Middle East, the gold jewellery section offers the biggest range available at any airport in the world, and - hardly surprisingly - gold has always been a best-seller on the Dubai Duty Free shopfloor.
    Dubai Duty Free is fully prepared for a significant increase in the number of passengers who use the airport in the years ahead. It has recruited an additional 400 staff, all hand-picked and specially trained to provide expert advice and quality service, swelling the total number of staff to 1,100 together speaking a total of 23 languages.
    Both airline customers and Duty Free suppliers benefit from the innovative promotions mounted by Dubai Duty Free, since the promotions themselves attract air travellers to Dubai.