Dubai Duty Free has achieved a monumental milestone, surpassing $2.2 billion in sales for the first time in its 42-year history. The breakthrough occurred on December 9, 2025, driven by exceptional performance in both low-value and high-value transactions. This achievement marks a remarkable year for the retailer, with new monthly records set in nine of the first eleven months of 2025.
Record-Breaking Performance
The impressive performance is highlighted by a significant boost in sales during the first nine days of December. Sales surged by 17.6% compared to the same period last year. In particular, the retailer recorded a record-breaking AED876.56 million ($240.16 million) in sales during November, further propelling it towards the $2.2 billion milestone.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, expressed his gratitude to the entire team for their hard work. “It’s a momentous occasion to cross the AED8bn mark for the first time ever in the company’s history,” he said. The milestone reflects the continuous dedication of the Dubai Duty Free team, working around the clock to achieve these results.
Strong Year-End Growth
Despite the ongoing global challenges, Dubai Duty Free’s growth has been impressive. The retailer has seen a 9.8% increase in overall sales compared to last year, which amounts to an additional AED710 million in revenue. This surge is particularly significant as it equals an entire month’s worth of sales.
The company is also preparing to celebrate its 42nd anniversary on December 20, with a special 25% discount across a wide range of products. This gesture is expected to drive further sales as the retailer enters the final stretch of 2025.
Continued Success in Low and High-Value Transactions
Dubai Duty Free’s success is not limited to one type of transaction. Sales from low-value purchases under AED500 grew by 1.35% in number and 6.94% in value, accounting for 25% of total sales. Meanwhile, high-value transactions over AED500 saw a more significant increase, rising by 15.16% in number and 20.54% in value. These transactions contributed the remaining 75% of the total sales.
