Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has recorded the highest sales in its most successful year to date. Last year, the retailer achieved US$2.3 billion in sales, an increase of 9.85 per cent year over year.
December became the highest-selling month on record, totalling US$252.8 million, a 12.2 per cent increase on December 2024.
DDF said the success was fuelled by the retailer’s 42nd anniversary celebrations, which brought a 25 per cent discount on December 20.
“Our 2025 performance is due to the focus, resilience and dedication of the team under difficult conditions, combined with great support from our suppliers and brand partners,” Ramesh Cidambi, MD of Dubai Duty Free, said.
“They have worked together to increase customer engagement and spend, and helped deliver sales while breaking records in 10 out of twelve months this year.”
Growth in sales exceeded passenger traffic by an estimated 5 per cent, DDF added.
DDF is one of the largest travel-retail operators in the world. Now employing over 5800 people, the operation recorded over 21 million sales transactions during the year – an average of 58,212 transactions per day – with 56.796 million units of merchandise sold.
In December, all of DDF’s major regions recorded passenger growth. Russia saw the highest increase at 25.7 per cent, followed by Europe (including the UK), Africa, and the Middle East.
