Revenues at Abu Dhabi Duty Free pass the Dh1 billion mark

Indian, Chinese and Emirati travellers were the biggest spenders at Abu Dhabi airport, together accounting for 36 per cent of sales.

Record visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi and the introduction of new shops at Abu Dhabi International Airport helped revenues at Abu Dhabi Duty Free exceed Dh1 billion for the first time last year.

The duty free retailer, which operates under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Airports, yesterday announced that revenues were up 10.5 per cent compared with 2013.

The retailer does not disclose profit figures.

Indian, Chinese and Emirati travellers were the biggest spenders at the airport, together accounting for 36 per cent of sales.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free reported an increase in average ­passenger spending compared with 2013, giving no further details.

"This significant milestone confirms that we are providing passengers with the diverse services and offerings they expect at a major international airport," said Ali Al Mansoori, the Abu Dhabi Airports chairman.

“To achieve an increase in average spend per head amid refurbishment works and new store installations is always challenging, however we continue to align our range of products more closely to the passenger demographic.”

Beauty and fragrance product sales, which increased 9.7 per cent last year, were the largest money spinner for the duty free operator, accounting for 31 per cent of total revenues.

Other key growth segments across outlets included Rolex watches, sales of which increased by 36.6 per cent, other timepieces, up 15.5 per cent and cigars, 13.2 per cent higher last year. During 2014 two new multi-category Duty Free shops opened – a 53 square metre fragrance boutique in Terminal 3, and a refurbished core duty free store on the Terminal 1 Upper Level, together with branded food and beverage offerings from CNN and the Montreux Jazz Cafe.

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) last week announced that tourist numbers across the emirate grew to 3.49 million last year – a year on year increase of 25 per cent, with Indian visitors making up the largest contingent of foreign tourist. Abu Dhabi Duty Free is planning significant further developments for those travelling through Abu Dhabi, notably including Abu Dhabi International Airport’s ­Midfield Terminal Building (MTB).

The MTB is being built to cater to more than 30 million passengers a year, providing 28,000 sq metres of space for duty free shopping, dining, relaxation and entertainment.

The new development is expected to grow the Abu Dhabi Duty Free business to sales in excess of Dh1.5bn each year.

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