6.88 billion dirhams in Dubai Duty Free sales in 10 months

Dubai Duty Free announced that its monthly sales continued to achieve record levels, recording unprecedented numbers last October, amounting to 805.6 million dirhams ($220.7 million), two months before the curtain falls on the 2025 season.

Total Dubai Duty Free sales since the beginning of the year to date amounted to 6.88 billion dirhams ($1.885 billion), an increase of 8.72%, or the equivalent of 552 million dirhams ($151 million) compared to the same period last year.

The market continued to maintain its steady growth momentum in eight out of 10 months, with October ranking first among the eight months that achieved record numbers in 2025, as its sales exceeded the previous record recorded in October 2023, amounting to 692 million dirhams.

October also recorded the third highest monthly sales in the history of Dubai Duty Free, after the historic record of 821.4 million dirhams ($225 million) recorded in December 2024.

Perfumes maintained their top spot on the list of best-selling goods, achieving 139.9 million dirhams in October, followed by gold jewelry in second place, recording 97.2 million dirhams, driven by the Diwali season and the enduring appeal of the precious metal as a luxury commodity with cultural and traditional value at the same time.

Other main commodities, within the list of the four best-performing commodities, continued to drive October sales, including candy and sweets, which recorded their highest sales ever, achieving 78 million dirhams, supported by the continued success of the “Dubai Chocolate” product. This sub-commodity also achieved the highest individual sales, with total sales reaching 34 million dirhams, after selling 428 thousand pieces, equivalent to 71 tons distributed among nine brands during the month of October.

The performance of luxury fashion stores had a noticeable impact in boosting October sales, after their sales jumped 43.5% compared to October 2024.

All Dubai Duty Free outlets in various locations recorded an outstanding performance, as sales in Hall (A) increased by 27.4%, followed by Hall (B) by 21.5%, and Hall (C) by 21.9%. While Terminal D achieved an increase of 11.2%, Terminal 2 achieved 13.1%, while the (Arrivals) gates recorded a growth of 18.3%, despite the strong competition within the airport.

While continued momentum was observed in sales across major regions and markets, as sales to passengers heading to Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and the Pacific countries increased by more than 20%.

Russia recorded an increase of 14.2%, while sales to Africa jumped 18.5%, and as for the Indian subcontinent, the growth rate reached 6.62%.

As the duty free market approaches its 42nd anniversary on December 20, all expectations indicate that 2025 will be another distinguished year in its journey.