Abu Dhabi Duty Free to launch 48-hour arrivals concept

Tina Milton

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Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) is preparing to launch what it claims is the only 48-hour arrivals shop in the region at Abu Dhabi International airport

Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) is poised to introduced what it claims is the only 48-hour arrivals shop concept in the region at Abu Dhabi International airport.

The 150sq m (1,614sq ft) shop, which will be situated in the area near the main car park, is due for completion within 90 days and is set to become the only landside duty -free shop to permit travellers to take advantage of their duty-free allowance for up to two days after arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company commercial director Mohamed Mounib said: “One of the clear advantages of the shop is that if a passenger does not make use of their duty-free allowance when initially coming through the airport, they will be able to do so for up to two days after arrival.”

Software operational at the shop will track all passenger allowances and will be able to confirm each traveller’s eligibility for duty-free goods. This system will also apply if a passenger only claims half of their duty-free allowance on arrival – enabling them to make multiple returns to claim the remainder of their allowance within 48 hours.

The company is keen to clarify that total allowance rules will still apply and passengers cannot “double” their duty- free purchases through this system by buying their permitted amounts, for example of liquor and tobacco, and then returning in two days to repeat those purchases.

ADDF is also looking to create another 48-hour arrivals shop in the downtown area of Abu Dhabi City next year.