Dubai Duty Free Reports Record Half-Year Revenue Of AED 4.118 Billion In 2025

Dubai Duty Free has reported a remarkable increase in sales for the first half of 2025, achieving a turnover of AED4.118 billion (US$1.128 billion). This figure represents a 5.34% rise compared to the same period last year, surpassing the previous record by AED208.95 million (US$57.24 million). The growth was driven by increased travel during Eid and the early summer season.

Perfumes led sales with AED744.24 million (US$203.90 million), making up 18% of total revenue and showing a 5% increase from last year. Liquor sales followed at AED513.37 million (US$140.65 million). Cigarettes & Tobacco experienced a notable 12.24% growth, reaching AED439.91 million (US$120.52 million).

Gold contributed significantly with sales of AED416.90 million (US$114.22 million), accounting for 10.12% of total revenue and marking a 6.14% increase from the previous year. Confectionery saw impressive growth, achieving AED412.52 million (US$113.02 million), which is a 62.70% rise over last year, representing 10% of total revenue.

Sales at Terminal 3 rose by 6.37%, while Terminal 1 saw a 5.25% increase in the first half of the year, reflecting positive spending trends across terminals. All major passenger regions showed positive sales figures, with Europe leading at a 16.89% increase, followed by the Middle East at 8.15%. The Russian region grew by 4.41%, and the Indian subcontinent saw a modest rise of 1.02%.

Cosmetics also performed well, increasing by 3.36% to reach AED201.51 million (US$55.21 million), contributing to nearly 4.89% of total revenue.

Future Outlook and Expansion Plans

Dubai Duty Free remains optimistic about the second half of the year, anticipating continued strong performance as they prepare for a busy summer and final quarter of the year.

Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi expressed satisfaction with the results: "We are very pleased with our record performance for the first half of 2025...This performance is a testament to our team’s hard work and the strength of Dubai as a global travel hub." He also mentioned plans to open three luxury boutiques in Terminal 3 Concourse A featuring Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier.

The company is poised for further growth as it continues to leverage Dubai's status as an international travel hub while enhancing its retail offerings to meet diverse customer needs.

With inputs from WAM