Dubai Duty Free reports record-breaking annual sales for 2024
The Salon Prive in the newly renovated Arrivals Shop in Terminal 3
Dubai Duty Free has announced record-breaking annual sales of Dhs7.901 billion (US$2.164 billion) for 2024, with particularly strong performance in the year’s final months. December proved exceptional with sales reaching Dhs821.944 million (US$225.190 million), representing a 2% increase compared to December 2023. The company’s 41st anniversary celebration on December 20, featuring a 25% discount, generated sales of Dhs59.993 million (US$16.436 million) in just 24 hours. Confectionery emerged as December’s standout category, showing a 29.46% increase over the previous year.
Perfume led the category sales with Dhs1.50 billion (US$411 million) in sales in 2024
Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi stated: “We had a terrific November and December and the last week in December was particularly good with the staff really pushing hard to get beyond 2023’s record year. Despite all the major renovations and refurbishments that took place, I am very happy with the way the year has turned out.”
The operation processed over 20,733 million transactions in 2024, averaging 56,649 daily, and sold 55.137 million merchandise units. Approximately 13.7 million customers shopped at their Arrivals and Departures stores throughout the year.
Dubai Duty Free arrivals shop, Terminal 3
Perfumes led the top-selling categories with Dhs1.50 billion (US$411 million) in sales, representing 19% of total revenue and showing 9.79% growth. Liquor followed with Dhs1.056 billion (US$289 million), accounting for 13% but showing a 6.6% decline. Cigarettes & Tobacco generated Dhs807 million (US$221 million), contributing 10% with 8.27% growth. Gold ranked fourth at Dhs779 million (US$213 million), while Electronics placed fifth with Dhs546 million (US$149 million), showing a 13% decrease.
Online sales reached Dhs197 million (US$54 million), comprising 2.5% of total sales. Departures sales totaled Dhs7.121 billion (US$1.951 billion), representing 90% of annual sales with 0.84% growth, while Arrivals sales reached Dhs537 million (US$147 million), accounting for 6.8% but declining 12.21%.
Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi says Dubai Duty Free sales in November and December were especially good
The company expanded its workforce to 6,030 employees from 54 nationalities. Cidambi noted: “In addition to adding to our diverse sales force this year we also strengthened our senior management team with the recruitment of 8 senior managers in key roles, which include 7 UAE Nationals. The new senior managers have integrated very well and are a key part of our 5-year business plan (2025-2029).”
Dubai Duty Free received 17 awards in 2024, including its 23rd consecutive Business Traveller Middle East Award for “Best Airport for Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East.”
Concourse C offers travelers enhanced retail and dining spaces, offering passengers a seamless and luxurious travel experience
Looking ahead, the company plans extensive renovations across its retail operations through 2026, including updates to Arrival shops in three terminals, Luxury Watches and Electronics shops in Concourse B, and Perfumes and Cosmetics shops in Concourse A. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is scheduled for February 16 - March 1, 2025.
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