Dubai Duty Free has announced October sales of AED805.6 million ($220.7 impressive), marking its eighth record month out of ten in 2025.
The October figure surpassed the previous October record of AED692 million ($189 million) set in 2023. The month recorded the third-highest monthly sales in Dubai Duty Free’s history, following the all-time record of AED821.4 million ($225 million) achieved in December 2024.
October sales growth outstripped passenger traffic by at least 10 per cent, achieving a 19.31 per cent increase over October 2024. Final passenger numbers for October will be released by Dubai Airport later this month.
Dubai Duty Free records third-highest monthly sales in company history
“A big thank you goes to our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for his unwavering support to our operation. Thanks also to the team at Dubai Duty Free for their extraordinary hard work and dedication in meeting the needs of an ever-increasing number of passengers,” Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said in a statement.
Year-to-date sales reached AED6.88 billion ($1.885 billion), representing an 8.72 per cent increase or AED552 million ($151 million) over the same period last year.
Perfumes generated AED139.9 million ($38.3 million) in October, maintaining their position as the top-selling category. Gold ranked second with AED97.2 million ($26.6 million), fuelled by the Diwali season and the appeal of the metal as both a luxury and cultural purchase.
Dubai Chocolate drives Dubai Duty Free confectionery to record AED78 Million sales
Liquor recorded sales of AED96.7 million ($26.5 million). Confectionery achieved its highest ever sales at AED78 million ($21.4 million), driven by the continued success of ‘Dubai Chocolate‘.
This subcategory totalled AED34 million ($9.3 million) with 428,000 pieces sold, equivalent to 71 tons across nine brands in October. Tobacco recorded AED74 million ($20.3 million) in sales.
Fashion boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Cartier performed well with sales up 43.5 per cent over October 2024. The increase can be attributed in part to the opening of Louis Vuitton and Cartier boutiques in September in Concourse A.
The second Louis Vuitton boutique, spanning 280 square metres, has become a destination for travellers seeking premium fashion. The second Cartier boutique of 140 square metres has made an impact since its debut in late September.
Dubai Duty Free reports strong growth across all airport locations in October
REKLAIM, Dubai Duty Free’s pre-owned luxury concept store, recorded sales of AED2.2 million ($605,000) in October. Transactions included the sale of an Audemars Piguet watch priced in excess of AED200,000 ($54,794) in Concourse A and two Hermes Birkin handbags, each in excess of AED120,000 ($32,876), purchased in Concourse D and the Emirates First-Class Lounge, respectively.
Concourse A reported a 27.4 per cent increase, Concourse B rose 21.5 per cent, Concourse C increased 21.9 per cent, Concourse D grew 11.2 per cent, and Terminal 2 was up 13.1 per cent. Arrivals recorded an 18.3 per cent increase despite competition within the airport.
Sales to passengers travelling to Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, the Far East, and Australasia all rose by more than 20 per cent. Russia recorded an increase of 14.2 per cent, while Africa was up 18.5 per cent. The Indian sub-continent showed the smallest growth among the regions, with sales up 6.62 per cent.
Dubai Duty Free approaches its 42nd anniversary on 20 December, with 2025 shaping up to be another record year in its history.
