Dubai Duty Free makes million-dollar gesture

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Dubai Duty Free is to donate an entire day's sales to charity to mark its 20th anniversary on December 20 this year

Dubai Duty Free is to donate an entire day's sales to charity to mark its 20th anniversary on December 20 this year. Managing director Colm McLoughlin announced the gesture at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes today (October 26). December is traditionally a high-sales month in Dubai, with revenues expected to surpass $1m on December 20. Already this month the company has set a new daily sales record of $1.7m.

McLoughlin said: ?It's important to mark our anniversary in a unique way. One way would have been a huge celebratory party. However, we decided against this and instead will give a number of charities a good reason to celebrate.?

Among the charities to benefit is the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, whose work includes sending food and medicine to people suffering through war and natural disasters. Five Dubai charities will be the main beneficiaries, but McLoughlin also pledged $25,000 to support the charity nominated by Raven Fox for its annual ball, which takes place next March. The charity will be named shortly.

The pledge to donate a day's sales to charity is unprecedented in the duty-free industry.

Commenting on the announcement, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: ?This is a good way for Dubai Duty Free to mark its anniversary and to thank all of those who have contributed towards the success of the operation over the past two decades.?