October 1, 2025
Dubai Duty Free achieves record September sales of AED 671.79 million
September 2025 now ranks as a top 10 month historically for Dubai Duty Free, following monthly records already achieved this year
Dubai Duty Free recorded sales of AED 671.79 million (US$184 million) in September 2025, marking the highest September performance in the company’s history. The figure represents an increase of AED 71.29 million (US$19.53million) or 11.87 percent compared to September 2024’s previous record of AED600 million (US$165 million).
September now ranks as an overall top-10 month for Dubai Duty Free, following monthly records already achieved in January, February, April, May, July and August this year.
Sales growth of 11.87 percent was achieved against passenger growth of approximately 4.2 percent, meaning sales growth outperformed passenger growth by about 7.6 percent.
Luxury and electronics drive performance
“September’s record sales is a significant moment for Dubai Duty Free and a testament to the incredible efforts of our team and the loyalty of our customers,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free. “Achieving AED672 million in a single month and outperforming passenger growth highlights the strength of our retail offering, and we remain committed to continuously enhancing the customer experience.”
Year-to-date sales reached AED 6.075 billion (US$1.664 billion), up 7.45 percent or an increase of AED 421 million (US$115 million) over last year.
Category highlights show broad growth
Confectionery led category gains with a 57.7 percent increase. Fashion boutiques grew 21.5 percent, tobacco 6.9 percent, perfumes 5 percent, gold 21.9 percent, electronics 10 percent, Millennium Millionaire 20.5 percent, Finest Surprise 32.9 percent, watches 5.1 percent, liquor 2.3 percent and precious jewelry 3.8 percent.
Dubai Chocolate contributed AED 27 million (US$7.4 million) in sales with350,000 pieces sold in September. Including confectionery, the top 10categories grew 12.1 percent. Excluding confectionery, they increased 8.2 percent.
The newly opened Louis Vuitton boutique in Terminal 3, Concourse A, launched September 4 and contributed 36 percent to overall fashion revenues in Concourse A. A new Cartier boutique opened September 25 in the same concourse.
Electronics gained momentum following the September 19 launch of the Apple iPhone 17. Despite limited supply, the launch drove AED 9.7 million (US$2.7million) in sales over 12 days.
Gold sales rose 21.9 percent compared to September 2024, reflecting strong demand and rising global prices. Gold increased from approximately US$2,700 per ounce in September 2024 to approximately US$3,700 per ounce in September 2025.
Dubai Duty Free’s pre-loved luxury boutique REKLAIM generated AED 3.5 million (US$1 million) in sales during September. A standout transaction included the sale of a Patek Philippe watch for AED 253,386 (US$69,420) in Concourse D.
Regional sales show positive growth
All major regions recorded increases in visitors to Dubai Duty Free. Africa is up 14.85 percent, Europe is up 17.85 percent, the Indian Sub-continent is up 12.75 percent, the Americas is up 16.1 percent, the Russian region is up 7 percent and the Middle East is up 4.3 percent, despite a 3.8 percent decline in Saudi Arabia. The Far East grew 12.3 percent, with China up 11.3 percent, and Australasia rose 12.6 percent.
