Dubai Duty Free reported sales of AED 2.06 billion (USD 565 million) for the first quarter of 2025, driven by a record-breaking February, which alone contributed AED 709 million (USD 194 million).
February marked the company’s strongest monthly performance to date, achieving average daily sales of AED 25.3 million (USD 6.93 million).
“We are extremely satisfied with our Q1 performance, particularly in February when daily sales averaged AED 25.3 million, mirroring the rise in passenger numbers. Much of this success is due to our committed team who consistently deliver on sales targets,” stated Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free.
Top-performing categories included Perfumes, Liquor, Tobacco, Gold, and Confectionery. Perfumes generated AED 371 million (USD 102 million), accounting for 18% of total revenue, while Liquor recorded AED 258 million (USD 71 million) in sales. Tobacco sales rose 11% year-on-year to AED 220 million (USD 60 million). Gold posted a slight increase to AED 212 million (USD 58 million), comprising 10% of total earnings. Confectionery entered the top five for the first time, soaring 57% year-on-year to AED 207 million (USD 57 million), also making up 10% of revenue.
The sharp rise in chocolate sales was largely driven by Dubai-branded products. “Our ‘Dubai’ chocolate lines were key contributors, with brands such as Fix Chocolate, Locali, I Love Dubai, Bateel, and Al Nassma selling over 1.2 million bars and generating AED 80.4 million (USD 22 million) in Q1,” added Cidambi.
Arrivals shop sales reached AED 125 million (USD 34 million), following renovations in Terminals 1 and 2.
Dubai Duty Free plans further expansion in 2025, including luxury boutiques in Concourse A featuring Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Chanel. Upcoming events include the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials in the UK on 11–12 April and the UAE Nationals Cup on 3 May.
