Dubai Obligation Free has set a brand new gross sales file, reporting all-time excessive income of AED805.6m ($220.7m) in October 2025 — its eighth record-breaking month out of ten this 12 months.
The October complete surpassed the earlier file of AED692m ($189m) achieved in October 2023, marking a 19.31 per cent year-on-year improve and making it the third-highest month-to-month gross sales determine within the retailer’s 42-year historical past.
The very best stays AED821.4m ($225m) set in December 2024.
Dubai Obligation Free gross sales
In response to Dubai Obligation Free, the October efficiency exceeded passenger development by a minimum of 10 per cent, with ultimate visitors figures due later this month from Dubai Airport.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Obligation Free, mentioned the milestone mirrored the collective effort of your complete group and the help of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Obligation Free, in driving continued development.
12 months-to-date, Dubai Obligation Free’s gross sales have reached AED6.88bn ($1.885bn) — a rise of AED552m ($151m) or 8.72 per cent over the identical interval final 12 months.
Perfumes and gold lead gross sales amid Diwali demand
Perfumes remained the top-selling class in October, producing AED139.9m ($38.3m). Gold ranked second with AED97.2m ($26.6m), boosted by sturdy Diwali season demand and the steel’s enduring enchantment amongst travellers.
Liquor contributed AED96.7m ($26.5m), whereas confectionery achieved its highest-ever gross sales of AED78m ($21.4m), pushed by the continued reputation of “Dubai Chocolate”.
This subcategory alone generated AED34m ($9.3m) in gross sales, with 428,000 items offered, equal to 71 tons throughout 9 manufacturers. Tobacco additionally carried out strongly with AED74m ($20.3m) in gross sales.
Luxurious boutiques outperform with 43.5 per cent development
Luxurious vogue boutiques together with Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Cartier recorded a 43.5 per cent year-on-year improve in gross sales, following the opening of latest Louis Vuitton and Cartier shops in Concourse A in September.
The 280sqm Louis Vuitton retailer shortly turned a hub for premium travellers, whereas the 140sqm Cartier boutique made a robust debut. Dubai Obligation Free’s REKLAIM pre-owned luxurious idea retailer additionally reported AED2.2m ($605,000) in October, together with the sale of an Audemars Piguet watch priced over AED200,000 ($54,794) and two Hermès Birkin purses every valued above AED120,000 ($32,876).
Throughout areas, Concourse A led with 27.4 per cent development, adopted by Concourse C (21.9 per cent), Concourse B (21.5 per cent), Concourse D (11.2 per cent), and Terminal 2 (13.1 per cent). Arrivals additionally posted an 18.3 per cent improve regardless of aggressive circumstances.
International gross sales efficiency
Gross sales to passengers certain for Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Center East, the Far East, and Australasia all rose by greater than 20 per cent. Russia recorded 14.2 per cent development, whereas Africa was up 18.5 per cent. The Indian subcontinent confirmed extra reasonable growth at 6.62 per cent.
As Dubai Obligation Free prepares to have a good time its forty second anniversary on December 20, 2025 is shaping as much as be one other record-breaking 12 months for the journey retail operator.
Sustained non-oil sector development, rising worldwide passenger numbers, and luxurious retail growth proceed to place Dubai Obligation Free as one of many strongest-performing airport retailers globally.
