Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is the company responsible for the duty-free operations at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. DDF became the largest airport retailer in the world in terms of sales in 2012.
Founded in 1983, Dubai Duty Free recorded first-year sales of US$20 million and has grown into one of the biggest travel retail operator in the world with a sales turnover of US$1.85 billion in 2016.
Now employing almost 6,000 people, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow. Dubai Duty Free currently operates some 36,000 sqm of retail space at Dubai International Airport and 2,500 sqm at Al Maktoum International that will grow in line with the massive development plans of Dubai South, which ultimately cover some 80,000 sqm of retail.
In addition to its retail operation, Dubai Duty Free operates a Leisure Division which includes The Irish Village, Century Village, Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and The Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Meanwhile, The Irish Village, which was named as the world's Best Irish Pub in 2016 (outside Dubai), opened its second home at Riverland located in the new Dubai Parks and Resorts.
While the successful running of the shop floor is a major focus for Dubai Duty Free, the operation is highly committed to promoting Dubai through a series of high level sporting events including the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.
