Abu Dhabi border sales make successful start

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Abu Dhabi Duty Free's first foray into land border retailing had its official opening last Tuesday at the Al Ghuaifat border post where travellers to Saudi Arabia can now do their last-minute shopping. Abu Dhabi Airport Catering and Duty Free (ADDF) managing director Mohammed Mounib said that in the first nine days before the official opening, the duty free shop posted sales of Dh170,000 ($46,000) and proved its worth.

Mounib commented: "Around 1.5 million people per year pass through the land between UAE and Saudi Arabia, either inbound tourists visiting the country or residents going for Haj and Umra, or travelling overland to their home countries for vacations. This a new departure for us and we have put a great deal of time and effort into perfecting the smallest details." The outlet is forecasting a Dh15m ($4.1m) turnover in the first year of operation. Residents of nearby Ghuaifat and Sila'a can also shop at the facility for all products other than tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free has invested Dh5m ($1.4m) in the duty-free oasis, which includes a car park and cafe for motorists and travellers, the first centre of its kind in the Middle East.

The officially opening was made by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Civil Aviation (DCA). A delegation from Saudi Arabia and local customs officials also attended the opening ceremony. After opening the store, Sheikh Hamdan said the idea of setting up the border shop was adopted in view of the increase in the number of passengers using land transport at Al Ghuaifat every year. "We conducted a market survey, the results of which supported the idea of opening the outlet at the border," he said.

The Civil Aviation Department chairman confirmed that if the Al Ghuaifat project proves successful, the department may plan to build other locations, especially at the Oman border post.