
The “Dubai Chocolate” segment fuelled confectionery sales.
Dubai Duty Free has announced a landmark performance for November 2025 with sales reaching AED876.56m (US$240.16m).
This figure marks the highest monthly sales in the retailer’s 42-year history, and is a +16.77% increase over November 2024. Average daily sales also hit a new record at AED29.21m (US$8m), compared with AED26.51 million (US$7.26 million) in December 2024.
This result positions November 2025 as the strongest of the nine record-breaking months this year, and surpasses the previous all-time monthly record of AED821m set in December 2024.
In another historic milestone, Dubai Duty Free crossed the US$2bn sales mark by mid-November, reflecting exceptional commercial momentum throughout the year. 29 November also marked the highest sales day of the year, with sales soaring to AED37.55million.
Dubai Duty Free hails ‘a defining moment in its history’
Year-to-date sales have reached AED7.75bn, an increase of +9.57% compared with the same period last year. Growth in sales exceeded passenger traffic by an estimated 10% (final pax numbers for November will be released this month).
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi commented: “November has been an extraordinary month for us and a defining moment in our 42-year history. Crossing the US$2bn mark by 15 November and setting a new all-time monthly sales record is a great achievement.

In another historic milestone, Dubai Duty Free crossed the US$2bn sales mark by mid-November, reflecting exceptional commercial momentum.
“It takes a huge effort to break sales records month after month, and yet that is what our operation has achieved this year. I want to particularly thank our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, for his unwavering support to our business; the success of our company over four decades would not have been possible without his guidance and leadership.”
Dubai Duty Free also recorded growth in high-value transactions during November. Transactions valued at less than AED500 increased by +1.35% in number and 6.94% in value, contributing 25% of total sales. In comparison, transactions above AED500 grew by +15.16% in number and by +20.54% in value, accounting for the remaining 75% of sales.
Product categories and highlights
Fragrances continued to lead all categories with AED160.58m in sales, a +13.29% increase, supported by a strong focus on new and exclusive launches. Liquor followed with sales of AED103.59m, a +4.55% increase, boosted by an expanded selection of premium and exclusive offerings. Gold came in third with sales of AED87.67m, a +16.68% increase.
The tobacco category recorded AED85.99m, marking a +11.44% increase, partly driven by diversification and the growing demand for heat-not-burn products (sticks and devices).
Confectionery registered a +42.93% rise to AED83.29m in November – an all-time record high for the category. The “Dubai Chocolate” segment alone generated AED35.69m in sales, equivalent to 80.59 tons across nine brands, and accounted for 42.86% of total confectionery sales.

A strong focus on new and exclusive launches helped fragrances to lead all categories with AED160.58m in sales.
Leading the segment was the Patchi Pistachio Kunafa Bar, produced exclusively for Dubai Duty Free, which sold 223,300 pieces worth AED15.63m in November, representing nearly half of all sales within the segment. Dubai Duty Free plans to build on this momentum for 2026, ensuring travellers continue to enjoy exclusive, regionally inspired products alongside global premium brands.
Electronic sales rose by +13.60% to AED67.22m, driven by record iPhone 17 sales totalling AED26.73m, equivalent to 5,216 units sold.
Luxury Fashion continued its upward trajectory, growing +40.32% in November. The category averaged 381 transactions per day, with the average transaction value rising +10.17%.

The luxury fashion category continued its upward trajectory, growing +40.32% in November.
The opening of Louis Vuitton and Cartier boutiques in Concourse A in Q4 resulted in incremental sales, while the luxury boutiques in Concourse B continued to see substantial growth.
Terminal-wide, performance was robust. Concourse A saw sales surge by +37.89%, while Arrivals climbed +14.27% despite competition within the airport. Al Maktoum International Airport departures posted an impressive +46.78% increase.

Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi described November as “an extraordinary month”.
All regions posted positive growth in November. Sales to travellers departing to Europe increased by +23.57%, while the Russian region rose +27.60%. Africa grew by +16.53%, the Americas by +15.36%, and the Middle East by +18.09%.
Asia increased by +14.28%, with China specifically up +16.67%. The Indian sub-continent grew by +6.32% and Australasia by +1.01%.
Passengers travelling to the Americas, Africa and Russian-speaking regions continued to outspend those travelling to other parts of the world, representing the top three regions in terms of spend per unique shopper, with sales exceeding AED800 per shopper.
Dubai Duty Free is now preparing for the festive travel rush during Christmas and New Year celebrations and its upcoming 42nd Anniversary on 20 December, when customers will enjoy the now traditional series of special offers and celebratory discounts across the operation.
Cidambi concluded: “As we approach our 42nd anniversary, we are thrilled to welcome passengers with engaging experiences, exclusive promotions, and the exceptional service that defines Dubai Duty Free.”
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