Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world’s largest single-airport retailer, has posted a new July sales record, generating AED 638.8 million ($175 million) for the month — surpassing its previous July benchmark of AED 602.8 million ($165 million) set in 2023. The figure marks a 9.7 percent increase compared to July 2024, or AED 56.5 million ($15.48 million) more in monthly sales.
With this milestone, July 2025 now ranks as the ninth-best month in DDF’s history, contributing to a strong start to the year. The retailer has now broken monthly sales records in five out of seven months so far in 2025. Year-to-date (YTD) sales have reached AED 4.734 billion ($1.30 billion), representing a 5.86 percent increase over the same period last year.
Notably, this revenue growth outpaces Dubai International Airport’s passenger growth of 2.3 percent during the first half of the year, signaling higher spend per traveler and strong retail momentum at DXB.
Read: Dubai Duty Free posts record $2.15 billion in annual turnover for 2024
Top categories and product trends
DDF’s strong July was bolstered by robust performances across its top-selling product categories:
- Perfumes: +10.3 percent
- Liquor: +1.7 percent
- Tobacco: +2.2 percent
- Gold: +15.5 percent
- Confectionery: +57 percent
Other standout categories included:
- Watches: +18.4 percent
- Precious jewellery: +16.8 percent
“We are delighted to report another strong sales month in what is already proving to be an exceptional year. This outstanding performance reflects the resilience of our retail operation and the continued demand for world-class shopping experiences. Achieving nearly 10 percent sales growth in a month when we estimate passenger traffic remained relatively flat is a testament to our team’s dedication and product offering,” Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free, said.
Luxury segment drives growth
Luxury spending remained a key driver, with DDF’s CA and CB Fashion Boutiques —home to prestigious brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier — delivered exceptional results in July, with growth of 11.36 percent over the same period last year. The performance highlights sustained demand for high-end fashion and accessories among international travelers.
“Given the recent media reports outlining the difficulties facing global luxury brands, we are happy to buck that trend in our luxury boutiques, where we are seeing continued demand for select brands,” added Cidambi.
Pre-loved luxury gaining traction
Another highlight in DDF’s luxury portfolio is the continued success of REKLAIM, the retailer’s pre-owned luxury boutique launched in December 2024. Strategically located in Concourses A (including the Emirates First Class Lounge), B, and D, REKLAIM offers authenticated pre-owned watches and handbags from elite global brands.
Since its launch, REKLAIM has generated AED 14.3 million ($3.9 million) in total sales, including AED 1.6 million ($445,000) in July alone. Leading the way is Rolex, with 176 watches sold to date, including 16 in July.
Positioned for a record year
DDF’s continued success comes amid intensifying competition in the global travel retail market and increasing pressure from domestic luxury retailers. However, its consistent investment in product innovation, digital engagement, and experiential retail positions DDF to potentially close 2025 as one of the strongest years in its 41-year history.
“This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the unwavering support from our chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. We have succeeded in enhancing penetration and spend levels while maintaining business focus, despite a highly competitive and uncertain environment,” added Cidambi.
With more than AED 4.7 billion already recorded in sales and robust momentum in both traditional and emerging segments, Dubai Duty Free remains a benchmark for excellence in global airport retailing.
