Dubai Duty Free
Founded on 20th December 1983, Dubai Duty Free is one of the biggest single travel retail operators in the world, currently operating around 40,000 sqm of retail space across Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports.
Now employing over 5,800 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing, and it continues to grow.
Dubai Duty Free expands on all fronts; it has a wide range of products and services and is one of the greatest travel retail success stories. With strong marketing and a series of innovative promotions to help drive business, Dubai Duty Free also maintains a high profile through a range of sponsorships, which focus mainly on sporting events. It has become a major player in Dubai’s economy by becoming a world-class tourist, business, and shopping haven.
In addition to the retail division Dubai Duty Free operates a Leisure Division which includes The Irish Village both in Garhoud and Studio One Hotel, the Creekside Hotel Dubai and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, home to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Through its own Dubai Duty Free Foundation, the airport retailer is committed to empowering people of determination and for many years have championed inclusive initiatives that help them integrate into society and increase their role in the community.
Dubai Duty Free has adopted the internationally recognised ‘sunflower symbol’, which identifies individuals with hidden disabilities.
Dubai Duty Free encourages all travellers and customers to look out for the sunflower symbol and support a culture of compassion and understanding within the travel retail environment.
Key features of the autism-friendly initiative include awareness and identification, transaction support, staff standards and communications and operational consistency. As part of this initiative, Dubai Duty Free frontliners will wear sunflower pins on their uniform to signify their readiness to assist customers with hidden disabilities. Dedicated counters across retail areas will also display the sunflower symbol, providing clear visibility and easy access for those requiring extra support. Additionally, a sensory kit will be available for travellers wearing a sunflower lanyard, which discreetly indicates the need for additional assistance. To ensure consistent implementation, each shift will have a designated ‘Autism Champion’.
