Dubai Duty Free posted record H1 2025 sales of AED 4.1 billion, a 5.34% rise from last year. Perfumes, gold, tobacco, and confectionery led the surge, with Terminal 3 and European travelers driving growth. Renovated shops and upcoming luxury boutiques signal a strong outlook for the second half of the year.
Dubai, July 3, 2025 — Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has set a new benchmark in airport retail by posting record-breaking sales of AED 4.118 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 5.34% increase over the same period last year. This milestone was fueled by strong consumer demand across core product categories and ongoing expansion at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3.
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Perfumes led the revenue chart with AED 744.24 million in sales—contributing nearly 18% of the total. Beverages followed with AED 513.37 million, while tobacco and cigarettes recorded AED 439.91 million, up by an impressive 12.24% from 2024.
Gold remained a strong performer, generating AED 416.90 million with a 6.14% year-on-year increase. The most notable surge came from confectionery, which saw a remarkable 62.7% growth to AED 412.52 million, largely driven by seasonal gifting and festive travel.
Cosmetics also maintained steady growth, adding AED 201.51 million to overall revenue—an increase of 3.36%.
Sales growth was notably strong at Terminal 3, where revenue increased by 6.37%, followed by a 5.25% rise at Terminal 1. Regional performance saw European travelers leading the way with a 16.89% increase in spending. Other key growth regions included the Middle East (up 8.15%), Russia (4.41%), and the Indian Subcontinent (1.02%).
“This strong performance reflects the commitment of our team and the enduring appeal of Dubai as a world-class travel and shopping destination,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free. “We’ve seen a clear rise in per-passenger spending, especially during peak travel seasons such as Eid and summer.”
In the first half of 2025, Dubai Duty Free completed renovations across three Arrivals shops, enhancing the experience for incoming travelers. Looking ahead, the retailer is set to boost its premium offering with the upcoming launch of flagship boutiques by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier in Terminal 3’s Concourse A during the second half of the year.
As international travel continues to surge, Dubai Duty Free is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory. With strategic investments in luxury retail, a focus on high-demand categories, and continued passenger traffic growth, DDF is expected to deliver another record-breaking performance in the second half of the year—cementing its role as a global leader in airport retail.
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