DDF’s half-yearly turnover exceeded last year’s record by $57.24 million.

Sales at Dubai Duty Free (DDF) grew 5.34% in the first six months of 2025 year-on-year to total Dhs4.118 billion/$1.128 billion.

The result owed much to strong returns in April, May and early June, spurred by increased travel during Eid and the early summer holiday season.

Perfume turnover hit Dhs744.24 million/$203.90 million, comprising 18% of revenue, followed by liquor at Dhs513.37 million and cigarettes and tobacco at Dhs439.91 million.

Confectionery revenue was up 62.7% to Dhs412.52 million, accounting for 10% of total sales.

Meanwhile, gold sales climbed 6.14% to Dhs416.90 million and cosmetics turnover grew 3.36% to Dhs201.51 million.

Duty free sales in Terminal 3 jumped 6.37%, with revenue at Terminal 1 up 5.25%.

Regionally, Europe witnessed the strongest growth (+16.89%), followed by the Middle East (+8.15%), Russia (+4.41%), and the Indian subcontinent (+1.02%).

“We are very pleased with our record performance for the first half of 2025,” commented Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director, DDF. “While we await the final passenger numbers for June 2025, the spend per passenger is likely to be better than last year June. This performance is a testament to our team’s hard work and the strength of Dubai as a global travel hub.”

H1 was characterised by the completion of the refreshed arrivals shopping offer at three stores (see link below), with plans for further enhancements through the rest of the year.

Accounting for 10% of total revenue, confectionery netted Dhs412.52 million/$113.02 million in sales in H1, with growth rocketing 62.7% versus the same period in 2024.

“We are looking forward to an equally busy second half of the year, added Cidambi. “Plans are very much in place for the opening of three luxury boutiques in Terminal 3 Concourse A including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier.”

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