Dubai Duty Free has reported record-breaking sales of AED 724.7 million (US$198.5 million) for May 2025, marking a 12.5% increase over the same month last year. This makes it the highest-performing sales month of the year so far and the second-best non-December month in the organisation’s history. The figure also ranks ninth among Dubai Duty Free’s all-time top 10 sales months, including traditionally high-volume December periods.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, credited the team’s dedication for the stellar results, stating:
“May continued the strong growth story of 2025, and I am especially happy that the increase in sales was seen in many of the major categories. As of May 31, our revenue has exceeded AED 3.5 billion (US$1 billion), reflecting a year-to-date growth of nearly 6.5%. These positive results are a direct reflection of the commitment and excellence shown by our entire team of staff.”
Boost in Traveller Spend and Product Sales
Dubai Duty Free stores recorded average daily sales of AED 23.3 million (US$6.38 million). The percentage of departing travellers making purchases increased to 28%, up from 26.3% in May 2024, while average spending per passenger rose to AED 171.5 (US$46.7), an AED 11 (US$3) year-on-year increase.
The company estimates that its sales growth outpaced passenger traffic growth by 7–8%, with passenger volumes averaging 242,000 per day.
Product category performance was strong across the board. The launch of “Dubai Chocolate” significantly boosted confectionery sales, which soared 81% to AED 73.9 million (US$20.2 million). Perfumes followed with AED 132.8 million (US$36.4 million), marking a 15% increase. Cosmetics sales rose 10.8% to AED 35.2 million (US$9.6 million), while cigarette and tobacco revenue increased by 14.4%, generating AED 77.6 million (US$21.3 million).
Gold sales reached AED 70.7 million (US$19.4 million), up 11.65%, and precious jewellery surged 31.75% to AED 20.2 million (US$5.5 million). Fashion recorded AED 71.3 million (US$19.5 million) in sales—a 4.7% rise. Liquor and electronics also grew, with AED 89.9 million (US$24.6 million) and AED 41.7 million (US$11.4 million) in sales respectively. Combined, these gains added over AED 80 million (US$22 million) in additional sales versus May 2024.
Terminal and Regional Sales Drive Growth
Among airport terminals, Concourse B in Terminal 3 saw the largest growth with a 17.5% year-on-year increase. Concourse D in Terminal 1 followed with a 10.7% rise, while Concourse A grew by 7.8% and Concourse C by nearly 1%. Terminal 2 Departures experienced the sharpest growth, climbing 20.8% from May 2024.
The Arrivals stores across all three terminals posted a combined 6.25% increase following recent renovations and refurbishments, contributing to the overall upswing.
Sales across passenger regions were equally positive. European travellers led with a 25.9% increase, followed by the Russian region at 14%. The Middle East also showed a 14% rise, while the Far East and Indian subcontinent recorded growth of 5.2% and 4% respectively, even amid some travel disruptions.
