The cornerstone of NTDE has always been its Tobacco Division. The company was effectively built on tobacco products since the opening of the first Smokers’ Centre retail outlet in the Emirates in 1971 dealing with tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and smoking accessories.

NTDE forged valuable links with Imperial Tobacco in the 1970s. Identifying further trends led to the introduction of Davidoff, manufactured by Reemtsma, Germany. In the 1980s NTDE formed an association with Japan Tobacco International as distributors for Hi-Lite and Mild Seven; an alliance which continues even today. 

The 1990s saw the successful launch of Seita brands (currently known as Altadis, France) Gitanes and Gauloises into the market. Further, with the merger of Reemtsma with Imperial Tobacco in 2003, the company enjoys a position as one of the top three suppliers in the UAE market. 

Today there are 32 Smokers’ Centre outlets throughout the UAE in prime retail positions such as shopping malls and major supermarkets, where the high customer traffic and visibility make them a well-known brand name in their own right.

There are more than 3,000 SKU’s of international brands stocked in each outlet including premium cigars from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, pipe tobacco and luxury smoking accessories from around the world. NTDE continues to look for further opportunities in this lucrative market with the opening of more Smokers’ Centres in new retail developments.

The tobacco division also serves 5,000 retailers across the UAE, including all major supermarkets, grocery stores, hotels and restaurants.

The company also supplies to the Duty Free market in the region and has a re-export department to neighbouring countries.