Hamish Smith is invited on a trip to Dubai that turns out to be bartender retreat in the UAE desert. The terrain wasn't the only changing landscape, he says.

China’s great reopening has injected much-needed optimism into the travel retail business at the start of 2023, but over in the Middle East Dubai’s duty free business has been dealt an unexpected regulatory blow.

Dubai has scrapped its 30% tax on alcohol sales for the rest of the year in an apparent bid to boost tourism, while also stopping the charge on personal alcohol licences, something residents who wish to drink at home are required to have.

London Essence has announced the launch of five of its mixers in the UAE, distributed by Dubai Refreshment Company.

Galaxy Bar in Dubai has been named this year’s Campari One to Watch by the World’s 50 Best Bars.

The Tax Free World Association (TFWA) and the Middle East Duty Free Association (MEDFA) have released the programme for the 2012 MEDFA Conference.

The world’s single largest travel retailer, Dubai Duty Free, has said a rise in the number of Chinese passengers is one of the main factors behind a strong 17% increase in liquor sales over the first nine months of 2011.

Rémy Cointreau has created a limited edition bottle for its Cointreau orange liqueur brand, especially for Dubai Duty Free.

UK spirits and liqueur agency, Mangrove, has announced plans for expansion into the Middle East and south Asia.