Dubai Duty Free reported exceptional sales of AED638.8 million (US$175 million) for July 2025, surpassing the previous record of AED602.8 million (US$165 million) set in July 2023. Year-to-date sales reached AED4.734 billion (US$1.30 billion), marking a 5.86% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly impressive given that passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport is expected to grow by only 2.3% during the same timeframe, indicating that the increase in sales is driven by higher spending per passenger rather than increased foot traffic.
The top-performing product categories included Perfumes, Liquor, Gold, Tobacco, and Confectionery, with notable increases in sales for luxury items. Perfume sales rose by 10.3%, while Gold saw a significant 15.5% increase. The newly launched pre-loved luxury boutique, REKLAIM, also contributed to sales, generating AED1.6 million (US$445K) in July alone. This performance reflects a strong demand for luxury goods despite challenges in the global luxury market, positioning Dubai Duty Free favorably against competitors.
Why it matters
The record sales highlight Dubai Duty Free's resilience and strong market position amid a competitive retail environment.