UAE. Dubai Duty Free has launched its Chinese Year of the Rooster campaign with an array of themed celebrations at Dubai International Terminal 3 Concourses B and C.
Chinese New Year begins on 28 January, earlier than usual.
The launch was attended by Dubai Duty Free management and staff, headed by Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin, along with guests from the Chinese Consulate in Dubai. The latter included Consul General Ms Lingbing Li and Vice Consul General Xuliang Ma, UnionPay representatives and Chinese media.
A traditional Lion Dance performance welcomed guests in Concourse B and later Concourse C where the ceremonial ribbon- and cake-cutting took place.
Dubai Duty Free has 581 Chinese staff among its 5,900 employees.
McLoughlin said: “This is the most significant festival on the Chinese calendar and celebrated not only in China but around the world. China is a very important market for Dubai Duty Free and every year we try to come up with innovative promotions and activities to provide our Chinese customers with a memorable shopping experience during this festive period.”.
Consul General Ms Lingbing Li said: “We are delighted to join Dubai Duty Free in celebrating the Chinese New Year at Dubai International Airport. Chinese New Year remains one of the most important occasions for the Chinese, and Dubai Duty Free acknowledges the significance of this holiday to its customers through traditional festivities and offering special initiatives.”
Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is launching a Scratch & Win promotion in cooperation with Union Pay International. It offers customers a chance to win either a ½ ounce 24karat rooster gold coin or Dubai Duty Free gift cards valued from AED30 to AED108 (US$8-29)
Other Chinese-themed promotions were rolled out across Dubai Duty Free, offering the most popular products for Chinese consumers. Traditional Chinese imagery in red and gold, which signifies good fortune and joy, along with the Rooster emblem were installed, while some DDF Chinese staff were dressed in traditional costume to add to the atmosphere.
The Chinese New Year launch celebrations included a Millennium Millionaire draw and Finest Surprise draw conducted by the DDF team and the Chinese Consul General and consulate members.
Mahmood M H Hassani, a UAE national from Dubai, won US$1 million in the Millennium Millionaire draw.
Following the draw, two winners were announced in the Finest Surprise Promotion. Bini Shanil, a mother of two from India living in Sharjah, won a Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe. Ziad Al Amin, a Dubai-based British national won a Ducati Monster 821.
Also present at the celebration were Dubai Duty Free Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Cidambi (below centre); Executive Vice President-Corporate Services Salah Tahlak (third from right); Executive Vice President-Commercial Nic Bruwer (second from right); and other DDF senior officials as well Mr Lei Jin, Commercial Counselor and Mr Xiaopeng Wei, Consular Attaché from the Chinese Consulate.
