Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has announced first-quarter 2025 sales of Dhs2.06 billion/US$565 million.

The result, which DDF says lifts its performance above the corresponding quarter in 2024, was driven by a strong February in which it set a new monthly sales record of Dhs709 million/$194 million.

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, commented: “We are pleased with our sales, especially in February, when daily sales averaged Dhs25.3 million/$6.93m and aligned with passenger growth. Our dedicated staff deserve much of the credit for consistently hitting sales targets.”

The top-performing categories were perfumes, liquor, tobacco, gold and confectionery. Perfumes led the pack with Dhs371 million/$102m, contributing 18% of total revenue.

Dubai Chocolate craze lifts sales

Liquor followed with Dhs258 million/$71m, while tobacco recorded an 11% increase over last year, generating Dhs220 million/$60 million. Gold sales reached Dhs212 million/$58 million, contributing 10% of total revenue. Confectionery grew 57%, reaching Dhs207 million/$57 million, and also contributed 10% of revenue.

Cidambi highlighted the success of the ‘Dubai chocolate’ ranges, which significantly boosted confectionery sales.

Speciality brands like Fix Dessert Chocolatier, Locali, I Love Dubai, Bateel and Al Nassma collectively generated Dhs80.4 million/$22 million, with over 1.2 million chocolate bars sold in the first quarter.

Perfumes led Q1 2025 sales with Dhs371 million/$102m, contributing 18% of total revenue.

The recently renovated arrivals shops also contributed to growth, with sales hitting Dhs125 million/US$34 million.

“The refurbished shops in Terminals 1 and 2, along with Terminal 3’s upcoming shop, are enhancing our Arrivals business, particularly in the liquor category,” added Cidambi.

Looking ahead, Dubai Duty Free plans to further enhance its retail offerings in 2025, including new luxury boutiques in Concourse A featuring brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Chanel.

READ MORE: Dubai Duty Free unveils major redesign of Arrivals shops