The Dubai Duty Free announced robust performance for its half-year sales, reporting 4.118 billion dirhams during the first six months of 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.34%, surpassing the previous year’s record sales by 208.95 million dirhams.
This positive outcome follows a significant rise in sales throughout April and May, as well as the first half of June, bolstered by a considerable increase in traveler numbers coinciding with the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the early start of the summer travel season.
Among the top-selling goods in the first half of the year, fragrances, tobacco products, gold, and sweets occupied the top four positions, with total sales reaching 744.24 million dirhams, contributing 18% to the market’s overall revenue and achieving a 5% growth compared to the same period last year.
Sales of tobacco ranked second, showing a year-on-year growth of 12.24% and totaling 439.91 million dirhams. Gold jewelry recorded sales of 416.90 million dirhams, making up 10.12% of total revenue with a 6.14% increase. Confectionery items secured the fourth spot with impressive growth of 62.70%, achieving sales of 412.52 million dirhams and contributing 10% to overall revenue. Additionally, cosmetics saw a notable growth of 3.36%, amounting to 201.51 million dirhams and accounting for 4.89% of total earnings.
Key markets for travelers also experienced positive sales results in the first half, with Europe witnessing the highest increase at 16.89%, followed by the Middle East with an 8.15% rise. The Russian region grew by 4.41%, and the Indian subcontinent by 1.02%. These figures indicate a continued recovery in travel across various global destinations.
Ramesh Kidambi, the CEO of Dubai Duty Free, remarked, “We are pleased with our record performance in the first half of 2025, and while we await final traveler numbers for June 2025, we expect the average spending per traveler to be higher compared to June of last year.
This performance reinforces Dubai’s established position as a leading global travel hub.”
He added, “We are optimistic about achieving similar record results in the second half of the year, with preparations underway for the opening of three additional luxury stores in the (A) concourse of Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport.”
Dubai Duty Free received the award for “Best Duty-Free Shopping Market in the Middle East.”
The organization targets sales of 8 billion dirhams in 2025.
Dubai Duty Free sales surged 12.5% in May, reaching 724.7 million dirhams.