Dubai Duty Free November Sales Surge Past $240M Milestone

Dubai Duty Free has broken all sales records with AED876.56m (US$240.16m) in November 2025. This achievement stands as the highest monthly sales in the retailer’s 42-year history. The company’s sales soared 16.77% higher than November 2024, making November 2025 the strongest among nine record-breaking months this year.

The Dubai airport’s duty-free operations reached new milestones as daily sales averaged AED29.21m (US$8m), up from AED26.51m (US$7.26m) in December 2024. November 29th emerged as 2025’s highest-grossing day with sales of AED37.55m (US$10.28m). The year-to-date sales have climbed to AED7.75bn (US$2.13bn), showing a 9.57% growth compared to last year.

Strong performance in all product categories drove this success. Perfume sales hit $362 million, a 10% jump from 2023. Liquor sales reached $258.37 million while tobacco sales grew 8% to $200.52 million. Gold sales increased by 2% from last year to $194.57 million, and electronics claimed the fifth spot with $134 million in sales.

Dubai Duty Free Sets New Monthly Sales Record

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“November has been an extraordinary month for us and a defining moment in our 42-year history. Crossing the US$2 billion mark by November 15th and setting a new all-time monthly sales record is a great achievement.” — Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free reached a historic milestone with its November 2025 performance. The retailer broke its previous record of AED821m (US$226m) from December 2024 and set a new monthly sales record. This success came as part of nine record-breaking months in 2025 that showed steady growth throughout the year.

The company’s sales exceeded US$7.34bn by mid-November, which shows remarkable commercial success. Sales peaked at AED37.55m (US$10.28m) on November 29th, making it 2025’s highest-performing day.

“November has been an extraordinary month for us and a defining moment in our 42-year history. Crossing the US$7.34bn mark by November 15th and setting a new all-time monthly sales record is a great achievement,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free.

The company’s performance remained strong with year-to-date sales reaching AED7.75 billion – a significant 9.6% increase from 2024. These results demonstrate high consumer confidence and successful retail strategies at Dubai Airport’s commercial outlets.

The growth continued despite tough trading conditions. Sales decreased in major fashion brand boutiques while renovation work progressed in Arrivals shops at all three terminals.

Product Categories Drive Revenue Growth

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Dubai Duty Free achieved record-breaking numbers in November, with several product categories leading the charge. Perfumes managed to keep their top spot by generating AED160.58m in sales. New and exclusive fragrances helped boost sales by 13.29%.

Confectionery became the star performer with an unprecedented 42.93% jump to AED83.29m, setting a new record for this category. Dubai Chocolate products made up 42.86% of all confectionery sales at AED35.69m through nine brands. The Patchi pistachio kunafa bar, made exclusively for Dubai Duty Free, proved popular with 223,300 pieces sold for AED15.63m.

Liquor sales reached AED103.59m, showing a 4.55% increase, while Gold sales hit AED87.67m with an impressive 16.68% growth. Tobacco sales rose to AED85.99m, up by 11.44%. This increase came in part from the rising popularity of heat-not-burn products.

Electronics revenue jumped by 13.60% to AED67.22m. The iPhone 17 launch played a major role, bringing in AED26.73m from 5,216 units. The global iPhone 17 launch in September had already added AED9.7m in just 12 days.

Dubai Chocolate’s performance in 2025 has been remarkable. The brand sold 1.2 million bars in the first quarter, generating AED80.78m.

Regional and Terminal Sales Show Broad Momentum

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“It takes a huge effort to break sales records month after month, and yet that is what our operation has achieved this year.” — Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free’s operations saw robust growth in all regions during November. Russian shoppers led this surge with a remarkable 27.60% increase. European sales grew by 23.57%, while the Middle East’s numbers rose by 18.09%. African markets added 16.53% to the growth story. The Americas contributed 15.36%, and the Far East showed a 14.28% uptick. China’s market specifically grew by 16.67%. The Indian Sub-continent rounded out the growth figures with a 6.32% increase.

Shoppers from the Americas, Africa, and Russian-speaking regions showed strong purchasing power. Their spending exceeded AED800 per person, making them the top three regions for individual customer spend.

The terminal’s performance numbers painted an impressive picture. Concourse A’s sales surged by 37.89%. Al Maktoum International Airport’s departure area showed stellar results with a 46.78% increase. The arrival shops maintained strong performance with a 14.27% growth despite stronger competition within the airport.

Cidambi highlighted Africa’s growing importance: “Africa is becoming increasingly important in Dubai Duty Free’s passenger mix. If Europe generates a billion dirhams, Africa will do half. It is a significant market”. The continent’s smooth connectivity and growing purchasing power are revolutionizing its position in travel retail.

Dubai Duty Free broke all records with its stellar November performance, showing its retail strength in global travel retail. Sales reached AED876.56m (US$240.16m) for the month, setting a new benchmark that reflects the retailer’s steady growth through 2025. Daily sales averaged AED29.21m, showing strong commercial momentum across product lines and terminals.

These numbers tell the story of Dubai’s rise as a world-class retail destination. Perfumes still hold the top spot in sales, while confectionery stole the show with a 42.93% jump in revenue. International travelers have picked up on exclusive products like Dubai Chocolate and specialty items such as the Patchi pistachio kunafa bar.

Russian shoppers led the pack with a 27.60% increase, while European and Middle Eastern customers followed close behind. Management sees promising signs in African markets, which could become the next big growth area.

Each terminal posted impressive results. Concourse A saw sales climb by 37.89%, while Al Maktoum International Airport’s numbers shot up by 46.78%, making it Dubai Duty Free’s rising star.

These remarkable November figures prove Dubai Duty Free’s power as a global retail leader after 42 years in business. The retailer showed its strength by adapting to challenges like boutique renovations and fierce competition. The airport retail sector ended up reinforcing its role as a key player in Dubai’s economy and worldwide appeal.