Shop before you fly! A Complete Guide to the Dubai Duty Free
With its annual sales turnover exceeding USD 2 billion, Dubai Duty Free is one of the largest travel retail operators in the world. Established in 1983, this shopping destination offers a plethora of beauty products, technology gadgets, lifestyle goods and gift items. Here’s our guide to the Dubai Duty Free.
DUBAI DUTY FREE – AN OVERVIEW
This popular duty free shop is spread over a combined total of 40,000 sqm of retail space across the two airports, giving travellers plenty to explore and shop. The Dubai Duty Free Stores are located in both the Dubai International Airport and the Al Maktoum International Airport.
While the stores are all located in Dubai airports, the Dubai Duty Free head office is located in Umm Ramool.
- Contact: +971-4-505-3555
WHAT CAN YOU BUY FROM DUBAI DUTY-FREE?
Shopping at duty-free shops is the favourite pastime for most when it comes to things to do at Dubai International Airport. Here’s a list that can help you have the best shopping experience at Dubai Duty Free!
BEAUTY, FASHION AND LIFESTYLE
Whether it’s last-minute makeup shopping, a perfume you’ve wanted for a while or the perfect accessories to go with your favourite clothes – you can find it all at the Dubai Duty Free. Housing some of the best ladies’ fashion, makeup, luggage and skincare brands, they have everything you need to stay on trend without the fear of paying additional duties and taxes.
The most prominent beauty and lifestyle brands at Dubai Duty Free include:
- Dior
- Lancôme
- Givenchy
- Gucci
- Estée Lauder
- Aigner
- Burberry
- Coach
- Clarin’s
- NARS
CLOCKS, WATCHES AND GIFTS
For those of you who are specifically looking for watches or gift items, there is an extensive variety of both at the DDF. You can buy souvenirs like miniature Burj Khalifa figurines, vintage Arabic lamps, magnets, mugs and even intricate hookah pipes as keepsakes for yourself or as gifts for others. Some of the top brands are:
- Gifts From Dubai
- Fay Lawson
- Crystocraft
- Camel Caravan
You will also find great deals on Dubai Duty Free watches from top brands, including:
- Chopard
- Tag Heuer
- Fossil
- Casio
- Tissot
CHOCOLATES AND CONFECTIONARY
The food category at DDF mainly comprises of a selection of chocolates for all occasions. You can find everything from Cadbury and Toblerone to Lindt, Bateel, Patchi and Godiva here.
TOBACCO AND LIQUEUR
Two of the highest-selling product categories at Duty Free include tobacco in the form of cigars and cigarettes, and liquor. Alcohol and tobacco users can find most of their favourite brands at the Dubai Airport Duty Free shops. These Dubai Duty Free alcohol and tobacco brands include:
- Great & British
- Dunhill
- Davidoff
- Benson & Hedges
- Absolut
- Glenfiddich
- Johnny Walkers
- Jack Daniels
TECH PRODUCTS
Dubai Duty Free stores are also particularly popular for technology products. People choose to purchase mobile phones, tablets, cameras, flash drives, drones and tech gadgets from here. There is also an electronics section in Dubai Duty Free where you can find everything from hair styling gadgets and medical equipment to shavers, trimmers and epilators. The brands available here include:
- Sony
- GoPro
- Bose
- Audiofly
- Apple
- Samsung
JEWELLERY
Duty Free also has an extensive collection of jewellery. The sleek and practical designs of Aigner, the bold and beautiful charms of Pandora and the sparkling glamour of Swarovski – you can find it all under the same roof. Those of you who want to buy jewellery can explore some popular brands, including:
- Damiani
- Liali
- Swarovski
- Pandora
- Frey Wille
TOYS
If you want to buy toys, there are a bunch of options for that too. From dolls and soft toys to action figures, cars and even things for creative play, this place has you covered. You can purchase toys and items from brands like:
- LEGO
- Hasbro
- Marvel
- Explora
- Disney
- Crayola
While there are a ton of things to buy from DDF, it is important that you check the duty free allowance in your destination country. The allowances vary from one country to another and are subject to change depending on the country’s trade and economic policies.
DDF CONTACT
Besides offering top-of-the-line products to its customers, Duty Free prides itself on providing excellent customer care.
For any form of feedback and queries, call on the toll-free Dubai Duty Free contact number: 800-4443. You can also email them at customer.service@ddf.ae.
FAQS ABOUT DUBAI DUTY FREE
ARE THERE ANY DISCOUNTS AT DDF?
Yes, Dubai Duty Free offers tons of promotional discounts on a variety of products. You can check their official website for the offers.
WHAT IS DUTY FREE RAFFLE?
Dubai Duty Free lottery is one of the longest-running campaigns where you can win exciting prizes.
CAN I RETURN OR EXCHANGE AN ITEM PURCHASED FROM DUTY FREE?
Yes, you can. You can request an exchange or return on an unused item within 6 months from the date of purchase. But note that only products with original packing and purchase receipts can be exchanged or returned.
That’s all, folks! So now you know that a visit to Dubai Duty Free is a great way to kill time during long layovers or while you wait for your flights to take off. Please make sure you are not carrying any item from the list of banned food items in Dubai at the airport.
Of course, the Dubai Airport lounges offer the utmost level of comfort to make your wait comfortable. However, if you find yourself stuck in a layover for too long, it’s best to check in to a hotel near the Dubai Airport. That way, you wouldn’t exhaust yourself too much.
Dubai is a shoppers’ paradise. If you’re looking for options other than the Dubai Duty Free stores, the malls in Dubai make exceptional shopping destinations.