Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and DFS Abu Dhabi have introduced a major initiative that is set to benefit industry charity Hand in Hand for Haiti. The companies called the move “an industry first for duty free”. 

It involves a new dedicated raffle programme with all proceeds being donated to the project, and all costs are being covered by ADAC and DFS. This will run in addition to the raffle programme that operates on a monthly basis at Abu Dhabi, whereby passengers can win AED1 million, kilos of gold and luxury cars. 

In the first raffle, passengers passing through Abu Dhabi International Airport have the opportunity to win the latest 2012 model Volkswagen Tiguan. With the draw due to take place in Q1 2012, tickets cost AED50 (US$13.62) and the uptake since introduction have been significantly above expectations, said ADAC. 

ADAC Senior Vice President Commercial Dan Cappell said: “Passenger response has been fantastic, with travellers understanding the importance of the cause and very happy to participate in addition to buying their tickets for the ongoing promotions. This is a win-win for all parties but most importantly for the children who now go to the school in Haiti that the industry has made possible.” 

Cappell added: “Corporate social responsibility is an integral aspect of ADAC’s and DFS’s DNA structure and our intent is to evolve this mechanic with other charities being benefactors in the future. What the industry has achieved in Haiti is truly remarkable and the drive, passion and commitment from [Hand in Hand for Haiti Steering Committee members] Ed Brennan, Olivier Bottrie and Martin Moodie have been incredible. ADAC are very proud to contribute and expose the foundation to all our passengers travelling to and from Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi International Airport and to benefit the foundation financially.”