Post by : Rameen Ariff

Dubai Duty Free has once again set a new benchmark by recording its highest-ever sales for the month of October, reaching AED805.6 million (US$220.7 million). This milestone marks the retailer’s eighth record-breaking month out of ten in 2025, underscoring its consistent growth as the year nears its end.

The October 2025 sales figure surpasses the previous record of AED692 million (US$189 million) set in October 2023 and ranks as the third-highest monthly sales in the history of Dubai Duty Free. Only December 2024, with AED821.4 million (US$225 million), and December 2023 have outperformed this month.

Sales growth for October was an impressive 19.3% year-on-year, significantly outpacing passenger traffic, which grew by about 10%, based on preliminary data. Year-to-date sales have now reached AED6.88 billion (US$1.88 billion), representing an 8.72% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Perfumes continued to lead the sales charts, generating AED139.9 million (US$38.3 million), followed by gold, which posted AED97.2 million (US$26.6 million) in sales. The surge in gold sales was partially driven by Diwali festivities and the metal’s enduring cultural and luxury appeal. Liquor sales contributed AED96.7 million, while confectionery hit a record high of AED78 million, fueled by the popularity of “Dubai Chocolate,” which sold over 428,000 pieces weighing 71 tons. Tobacco rounded out the top five categories with AED74 million in sales.

Luxury fashion boutiques experienced a significant jump, with sales increasing by 43.5% compared to October 2024. Newly opened Louis Vuitton and Cartier boutiques in Concourse A were key contributors to this surge. Highlight purchases included an Audemars Piguet watch valued at over AED200,000 and two Hermès Birkin handbags each priced above AED120,000.

All airport concourses contributed to the remarkable sales growth, with Concourse A leading at +27.4%, followed by Concourses B (+21.5%), C (+21.9%), and D (+11.2%). Terminal 2 also posted a solid 13.1% increase. Notably, arrivals sales increased by 18.3%, indicating strong retail demand despite rising competition.

The sales growth was widespread across geographic markets, with passengers traveling to Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and Australasia each recording increases above 20%. The Indian subcontinent showed moderate growth of 6.6%, while Russia’s sales rose by 14.2%.

As Dubai Duty Free approaches its 42nd anniversary on December 20, 2025, the retailer is firmly on track for another record-breaking year. Its continued expansion and robust sales performance reaffirm its standing as one of the world’s leading travel retail operators.

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