Dubai Duty Free has set a new sales record, reporting all-time high revenue of AED805.6m ($220.7m) in October 2025 — its eighth record-breaking month out of ten this year.
The October total surpassed the previous record of AED692m ($189m) achieved in October 2023, marking a 19.31 per cent year-on-year increase and making it the third-highest monthly sales figure in the retailer’s 42-year history.
The highest remains AED821.4m ($225m) set in December 2024.
Dubai Duty Free sales
According to Dubai Duty Free, the October performance exceeded passenger growth by at least 10 per cent, with final traffic figures due later this month from Dubai Airport.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said the milestone reflected the collective effort of the entire team and the support of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, in driving continued growth.
Year-to-date, Dubai Duty Free’s sales have reached AED6.88bn ($1.885bn) — an increase of AED552m ($151m) or 8.72 per cent over the same period last year.
Perfumes and gold lead sales amid Diwali demand
Perfumes remained the top-selling category in October, generating AED139.9m ($38.3m). Gold ranked second with AED97.2m ($26.6m), boosted by strong Diwali season demand and the metal’s enduring appeal among travellers.
Liquor contributed AED96.7m ($26.5m), while confectionery achieved its highest-ever sales of AED78m ($21.4m), driven by the continued popularity of “Dubai Chocolate”.
This subcategory alone generated AED34m ($9.3m) in sales, with 428,000 pieces sold, equivalent to 71 tons across nine brands. Tobacco also performed strongly with AED74m ($20.3m) in sales.
Luxury boutiques outperform with 43.5 per cent growth
Luxury fashion boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Cartier recorded a 43.5 per cent year-on-year increase in sales, following the opening of new Louis Vuitton and Cartier stores in Concourse A in September.
The 280sqm Louis Vuitton store quickly became a hub for premium travellers, while the 140sqm Cartier boutique made a strong debut. Dubai Duty Free’s REKLAIM pre-owned luxury concept store also reported AED2.2m ($605,000) in October, including the sale of an Audemars Piguet watch priced over AED200,000 ($54,794) and two Hermès Birkin handbags each valued above AED120,000 ($32,876).
Across locations, Concourse A led with 27.4 per cent growth, followed by Concourse C (21.9 per cent), Concourse B (21.5 per cent), Concourse D (11.2 per cent), and Terminal 2 (13.1 per cent). Arrivals also posted an 18.3 per cent increase despite competitive conditions.
Global sales performance
Sales to passengers bound for Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and Australasia all rose by more than 20 per cent. Russia recorded 14.2 per cent growth, while Africa was up 18.5 per cent. The Indian subcontinent showed more moderate expansion at 6.62 per cent.
As Dubai Duty Free prepares to celebrate its 42nd anniversary on December 20, 2025 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for the travel retail operator.
Sustained non-oil sector growth, rising international passenger numbers, and luxury retail expansion continue to position Dubai Duty Free as one of the strongest-performing airport retailers globally.
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