Dubai Duty Free Achieves Record Sales in July 2025 – Set to Close Strong Year in Airport Retail, What You Need to Know


Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has reported impressive results for July 2025, marking a milestone in its retail performance. With sales reaching AED638.8 million ($175 million), the company achieved a 5.86% growth year-to-date, bringing the total to AED4.734 billion ($1.30 billion). This increase represents a significant improvement from the previous year and reinforces DDF’s dominant position within the airport retail space. The growth in July surpasses the previous record of AED602.8 million ($165 million) set in 2023, marking a 9.7% increase.
Top 10 Sales Months in History
The July performance places DDF in the top 10 sales months in its history. Out of the seven months so far this year, five have seen record-breaking sales, indicating a strong and consistent upward trend. Despite a modest passenger growth rate of 2.3% for the first half of the year, DDF has managed to drive impressive sales figures, signaling the resilience and effectiveness of its retail operation. This growth comes as Dubai International Airport (DXB) reports continued improvements in overall passenger traffic, though expected numbers for 2025 remain cautious.
A Strong Year for Dubai Duty Free
Ramesh Cidambi, the Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating that they were pleased to report another strong sales month in what was shaping up to be an exceptional year. He highlighted that the impressive performance reflected the resilience of their retail operation and the ongoing demand for world-class shopping experiences. He also mentioned that the nearly 10% sales growth in a month when passenger traffic remained relatively flat was a testament to the team’s dedication and product offering.
Record Performance in Key Product Categories
In terms of product performance, categories such as perfumes, liquor, gold, tobacco and confectionery led the charge. Perfume sales showed a notable 10.3% increase, while liquor saw a slight 1.7% rise. Gold, one of the most prominent categories, grew by 15.5%, reflecting a sustained appetite for luxury products. Confectionery sales also surged, experiencing an impressive 57% year-on-year increase.
Luxury Products Continue to Drive Sales Growth
The luxury sector has continued to play a pivotal role in DDF’s success. High-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier saw exceptional growth, particularly in the company’s CA and CB fashion boutiques. These stores achieved an 11.36% increase over the previous year, reflecting continued global demand for luxury goods at Dubai’s airports.
Success of REKLAIM
Another standout performer has been REKLAIM, DDF’s pre-loved luxury boutique, which launched in December 2024. In just over seven months, the boutique has generated AED14.3 million ($3.9 million) in sales, with AED1.6 million ($445K) coming from July alone. Rolex watches have been a key contributor, with a total of 176 units sold, 16 of which were sold in July.
Future Outlook for Dubai Duty Free
Dubai Duty Free’s continued success in 2025 is attributed to its commitment to innovation, digital engagement and maintaining a diverse product range. In an increasingly competitive retail environment, the company’s ability to outperform industry expectations highlights its robust strategy and solidified reputation in the global airport retail market.
As DDF enters the latter half of the year, it remains on track to achieve one of its strongest years yet, positioning itself as a leading player in the global travel retail industry. The team’s continued focus on high-quality customer service, product variety, and luxury offerings ensures that Dubai Duty Free will remain a top choice for travelers looking to indulge in premium shopping experiences.
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