Food and confectionery dominate Abu Dhabi sales

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As revealed yesterday by TRW, Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF) sales fell 20% in 2001 to $74m. This compared to a 3% drop in traffic across the year.

Food and confectionery accounted for 12% of sales, followed by liquor with 11%, tobacco and fragrances 10% each and gold with 9%.

ADDF managing director Mohamed Mounib said: "It's been a tough year for us and not just because of September 11. Gulf Air had its problems maintaining operations across its hub airports and has been troubled financially. Changes in traffic patterns have basically meant that we have had fewer passengers with long dwell times so our spend has suffered. Last year was the first time we have seen a drop in revenues."

But he pointed out that the fall in sales had come to just 5% in February to date - "an encouraging performance" - and with Gulf Air planning new schedules, he said prospects were bright for a good year ahead. At Abu Dhabi International airport, the range of new upper level shops should be complete by mid-March. The new area features branded outlets of about 25sq m (269sq ft) each.

The company continues to invest in infrastructure, and has just opened its UAE/Saudi border shop, with a 375sq m (4,035sq ft) retail area.