Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is one of the biggest, most profitable travel retail operators in the world, with a sales turnover of more than $2 billion last year.
They run duty free operations in Dubai airport, and till now, travelers and shoppers from India had to convert INR into USD or Euro/Dirham (or 16 other currencies) to be able to do shopping.
But not anymore.
From now on, Indian currency will be accepted across Dubai Duty Free, which means that Indian shoppers need not convert rupees into any other currency.
This is a big win for Indian rupees, and makes it a formidable force to reckon with.
Dubai Duty Free Will Accept Indian Currency
Dubai Duty Free has announced that from now on, they will accept Indian currency as a legitimate currency for shopping.
A spokesperson from Dubai Duty Free said, “Yes, we have started accepting the Indian rupee,”
More than 90 million passengers passed through Dubai airports last year, and out of them, 12 million are Indians: This is a crucial decision taken by the management of DDF, since it will now help more Indians to shop seamlessly.
This also means that dependence on currencies such as the dollar and euro has now ended.
Which Currencies Are Now Accepted At Dubai Duty Free?
INR becomes the 17th currency to be accepted inside Dubai Duty Free shopping complex.
These are the currencies which are now accepted there: US Dollars, Euro, Sterling Pounds, Kuwait Dinars, Singapore Dollars, Qatar Riyals, Saudi Riyals, Omani Riyals, Bahrain Dinars, Hong Kong Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar, Swiss Francs, Malaysian Ringgit, Chinese Yuan and Scottish Pound.
However, USD and Euro are the main currencies, besides Dirham which most of the passengers used till now.
But now, since INR will be accepted, shopping experience for Indians can become seamless.
Moreover, Indians will also save a considerable amount of time, in currency exchange fees.
Why Dubai Duty Free Is An Important Shopping Destination
Dubai Duty Free was founded in 1983, and instantly became the world’s one of the most preferred international shopping destination.
Out of 90 million passengers, who visited Dubai airport and subsequently Dubai Duty Free last year, 12 million were Indians, and they accounted for 18% of all shopping done.
Spread over 38,000 sq feet, Dubai Duty Free employs 6000 employees from 47 countries. Indians account for the second-largest nation in terms of employees.
Dubai Duty Free is present across three terminals of Dubai International Airport and at Al Maktoum Airport.