Days before the end of 2018, Dubai Duty Free achieved one of its longtime annual earnings goals of more than US$2 billion. The organization achieved the milestone in the early hours of Dec. 29.
Dubai Duty Free achieved the milestone when a Danish couple purchased a Nikon D5300 SLR camera at 12:43 a.m. The camera is worth just less than $550. Once the Christensen couple was identified, Dubai Duty Free awarded them a gift certificate worth $2,000.
“2018 has been a good year for Dubai Duty Free, and we have been building up towards the US$2 billion sales figure all year. We have been tracking the sales figures hour by hour over the past couple of days and it is fantastic to have achieved this figure before the end of the year,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and CEO, Dubai Duty Free.
The couple was flying through Dubai en route between Copenhagen and Sydney as part of their wedding anniversary. It is the first time the couple visited or flew through Dubai.
Following reaching the milestone, McLoughlin acknowledged the teamwork and effort that goes in to reaching a milestone of this caliber. Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 35th anniversary on Dec. 20. During its first year of business in 1983, the organization recorded $20 million in sales.
Have you ever shopped at Dubai Duty Free? Does this milestone surprise you? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 9, 2025L’Ermitage Beverly Hills Debuts New Rooftop Terrace, Lobby Lounge
Summer in Los Angeles is special: Travelers flock to the city to seek out luxurious experiences, celeb sightings, and to hit up classic and well-known hot spots. This summer is extra special for L'Ermitage Beverly Hills, which welcomes new additions and spaces.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
June 2025
Jun 8, 2025Emerald Cruises Unveils 2027 Expansion
Emerald Cruises makes bigger and bolder moves in the coming years with a major expansion. The cruise line debuted two sleek new superyachts as well as the brand’s first-ever river ship on the Seine River, slated to launch in 2027. Emerald Raiya and Emerald Zara join the fleet in 2027, sailing the Seychelles, Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean. Both ships will offer spacious, all-suite accommodations; an expansive Sky Deck with private cabanas and swim-up marina platform; open-air fitness area; multiple dining venues; Elements Spa; and more. Each yacht accommodates 128 guests.
June 2025
Jun 7, 2025Escape to Lewes, a Chill Beach Town Where Local Cocktails and Craft Beer Flow Freely
Sandwiched between the Jersey Shore and the tiny state’s on-the-beaten-path beach destinations like Rehoboth, Bethany and Dewey, Lewes is easy to miss. But it’s definitely worth more than a drive by for its calm beaches, oceanfront state park, World War II history ... and liquid culture.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
Daily
Jun 6, 2025Have a “The Devil Wears Prada”-Inspired Afternoon Tea at This London Hotel
Heading to London with plans to catch a performance of The Devil Wears Prada on stage at Dominion Theatre? Be sure to make reservations for an afternoon tea at The Bloomsbury, perfectly positioned in the theater district. The hotel partnered with Dominion in the conception of a themed afternoon tea and cocktail menu, using the show as inspiration.
Daily
Jun 4, 2025Take a “The Sound of Music”-Themed Getaway at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
Lovers of the iconic film The Sound of Music and the fascinating story of the von Trapp family have Salzburg on their travel radar this year to celebrate the movie’s 60th anniversary. The city is already a year-round destination for its food, culture and beauty, where film fans regularly enjoy themed tours and visits to film sites. Next year, though, attractions will expand with the opening of The Sound of Music museum.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
Jun 4, 2025The Peninsula London Debuts New Peninsula Academy Offerings
The Peninsula London recently launched three bespoke experiences, part of the brand’s Peninsula Academy program. Exclusive to hotel guests, these journeys highlight uniquely London experiences, as led by expert guides.
ShareThis