Abu Dhabi forecasts 10% growth

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Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) has made a bullish forecast for 2003 as the retailer aims to build on last year's solid growth

ADDF's revenue in 2002 reached $77.6m, a year-on-year increase of 4%; and it has predicted further growth of 10% this year, driven by renovation, marketing and expected increases in passenger numbers.

Spend per passenger at Abu Dhabi in 2002 stood at Dh121 ($33), making the airport one of the world's top duty-free locations in terms of passenger spend.

In a summary of its 2002 highlights, ADDF cited the introduction of 20 new 25sq m (269sq ft) shops on the upper tier of the airport's duty-free shopping complex. The units include branded outlets by Swarovski, Swatch, Lacoste, CK Jeans and Tie Rack, alongside stores selling books, toys, audiovisual equipment, gifts, luggage and leathergoods, outdoor wear and sportswear.

ADDF's results were also boosted by the opening of a border shop at Al Ghweifat, on the UAE side of the frontier with Saudi Arabia. The 375sq m (4,040sq ft) store sells a wide range of duty-free goods.