Dubai Duty Free announced its highest-ever annual sales in 2025, totaling approximately $2.378 billion, a 9.85% increase compared with 2024, making 2025 an exceptional year in the retailer’s history.

This strong performance followed 10 record-breaking months out of 12. December was the strongest month, with sales reaching $252.81 million, the highest monthly figure in Dubai Duty Free’s 42-year history, up 12.27% compared with December 2024. This result was further supported by the 25% discount on December 20, celebrating the retailer’s 42nd anniversary, when sales hit $18.8 million.

Ramesh Cidambi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Duty Free, said the exceptional performance was driven by the team’s efforts, cooperation with suppliers and business partners, and a focus on enhancing customer engagement and spending.

He also praised the continued support of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and a senior Dubai government and aviation official).

Performance of key product categories

The main categories contributing to sales growth during the year were:

• Perfumes: $438.668 million, ranking first

• Alcoholic beverages: $290.605 million

• Gold: $245.604 million

• Tobacco: $242.081 million

• Confectionery: $231.640 million, driven strongly by sales of “Dubai Chocolate”

Dubai Duty Free. (Agencies)

Online sales amounted to approximately $62.6 million, which is equivalent to 2.65% of total sales, while the market recorded more than 21 million sales transactions during the year, averaging 58,212 transactions per day. 

Sales channels and traveler markets

Departures lounge sales amounted to $2.14 billion (90.60% of total sales), while arrivals lounge sales reached $149.9 million (6.35%).

Most major regions recorded sales growth in December, with the strongest increase coming from travelers arriving from Russia, followed by Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and the Indian subcontinent.

The past year also witnessed the opening of new stores and redeveloped retail designs at Dubai Duty Free, alongside the introduction of innovative retail concepts. These included luxury boutiques for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier, a Royal Salute Whisky store, and a range of limited editions and special promotions that enhanced the shopping experience.