Prime Highlights
- Dubai Duty Free recorded its highest-ever October sales at Dhs805.6 million ($220.7 million), reflecting strong passenger spending and festive demand.
- The retailer’s 2025 performance marks eight record-breaking months, setting the stage for another milestone year ahead of its 42nd anniversary.
Key Facts
- October sales rose 19.3% year-on-year, surpassing Dubai International Airport’s passenger growth by over 10%.
- Perfumes, gold, and beverages led sales, with confectionery hitting an all-time high of Dhs78 million ($21.4 million) driven by the “Dubai Chocolate” line.
Background
Dubai Duty Free made a record Dhs805.6 million ($220.7 million) in sales this October, its highest ever for the month and the third-highest in any month. This broke the previous October record of Dhs692 million ($189 million) from 2023 and marked the retailer’s eighth record-breaking month in 2025.
Sales in October rose 19.3 percent year-on-year, outpacing passenger growth at Dubai International Airport by more than 10 percent. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for his steadfast support,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free. “Our team remains committed to addressing the increasing demands of passengers.”
Perfumes led October’s sales with Dhs139.9 million ($38.3 million), followed by gold at Dhs97.2 million ($26.6 million), driven by Diwali purchases and cultural demand. Beverages brought in Dhs96.7 million ($26.5 million), while confectionery reached an all-time high of Dhs78 million ($21.4 million), led by the “Dubai Chocolate” line. Tobacco generated Dhs74 million ($20.3 million).
Luxury fashion sales surged 43.5 percent year-on-year, supported by new Louis Vuitton and Cartier stores in Concourse A. REKLAIM, the pre-owned luxury concept, reported Dhs2.2 million ($605,000) in sales, including high-value watches and handbags.
All airport concourses saw double-digit growth, with Concourse A leading at 27.4 percent. Passenger spending from most global regions rose above 20 percent.
With its 42nd anniversary coming up in December, Dubai Duty Free reported that 2025 is set to become another record-breaking year in its 40-year history.
