DUBAI: Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has been named the largest airport retail operation in the world, based on sales of $1.8 billion (Dh6.6 billion) in 2013 by Generation Research, according to a statement by the retailer on Sunday.
This is the fourth time that DDF makes it to the first spot in Generation Research’s annual report. It is ahead of Seoul Incheon, Singapore Changi and London Heathrow airport.
“We are obviously delighted to regain the No. 1 spot for the fourth time and to note that our business, along with the duty free business across the Middle East, continues to grow significantly,” stated Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of DDF.
Last year, global duty free and travel retail sales reached $60 billion, representing a 7.5 per cent increase over 2012.
In the Middle East, airport-based duty free sales reached $3.9 billion, marking a 10 per cent increase over the previous year. DDF accounts for 45.73 per cent of airport sales in the region.
The UAE ranked 7th, with a 4.1 per cent market share, among 25 countries for duty free and travel retail shopping.
