Record December Fuels Dubai Duty Free to Historic $2.38bn Sales Milestone in 2025

Ten record-breaking months and the strongest December ever underscore Dubai Duty Free’s most successful year in its 42-year history

Dubai Duty Free has closed 2025 on a historic high, recording its strongest performance since operations began more than four decades ago. A record-breaking December propelled the airport retailer’s annual sales to an unprecedented $2.38 billion, marking a 9.5 per cent increase over 2024 and cementing 2025 as a landmark year for the business.

The retailer reported December 2025 sales of $252.8 million, the highest monthly total ever achieved in its history. The milestone capped a remarkable year that saw Dubai Duty Free register record sales in ten separate months, reflecting sustained passenger traffic growth and strong consumer confidence across Dubai’s aviation hubs.

Located across Dubai International Airport’s concourses, including the flagship shopping complex in Concourse C, Dubai Duty Free continues to benefit from the emirate’s position as one of the world’s busiest international travel gateways. The consistent flow of global travellers, combined with a diversified retail offering, has been central to the company’s success.

Perfumes remained the top-performing category in 2025, reinforcing Dubai Duty Free’s long-standing reputation as a global leader in fragrance retail. Liquor ranked second, followed by Gold, Tobacco and Confectionery, rounding out the top five best-selling categories for the year. Together, these segments accounted for a significant share of total revenue, highlighting the continued appeal of luxury, gifting and indulgence purchases among travellers.

The record-setting performance reflects not only strong sales volumes but also the retailer’s ability to adapt to evolving passenger preferences, optimise product mix and enhance the shopping experience across its locations. Strategic merchandising, premium brand partnerships and a focus on customer engagement have all contributed to the sustained momentum.

With 2025 now marked as the most successful year in its 42-year history, Dubai Duty Free enters the next chapter from a position of strength. The exceptional December performance stands as a testament to the resilience of travel retail and Dubai’s enduring role as a global aviation and shopping hub, setting a high benchmark for the years ahead.