Dubai’s whisky paradise
Joe Bates with the latest from travel retail
Joe Bates with the latest from travel retail.
Store focus: Dubai.
Dubai Duty Free is now the second largest dutyfree location after London Heathrow with annual sales of more than $2billion.
Whisky, easily the best-selling spirits category, is a popular purchase among ex-pat workers from Europe and the sub-continent who reside in Dubai.
While respected blends dominate the sales mixâ the top five selling whiskies are Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, William Grantâs, J&B and VAT 69 respectively â the 94-brand assortment offers a good choice of malts, bourbons and Irish whiskeys.
Spirits prices are on a par with leading European airports, but look out for regular deals on leading brands, which often include free gifts.
Super-premium whiskies are growing in importance, Chivas Regal Stone of Destiny ($399/£223.50) and Royal Salute 100 Casks ($199/£111.45) proving particularly popular .
Collectors should look out for regular limited edition offers from the Dead Whisky Society, a Dubai-based firm specialising in rare stocks of malt whisky from abandoned distilleries.
Dallas Dhu 1975 is the current rare malt of the month priced at $212 (£118.75).
Stocks are limited to 200 bottles, but new deals on other âdeadâ malts should be appearing in the coming months.
Whisky is sold in the two Food Plus Zones in the departure lounge of Terminal 1, and at the arrivals stores of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Tel: + 9714 216 .....
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By Joe Bates
Section : Travel retail
Page number : 55
