Dubai Obligation Free (DDF), the world’s largest single airport retailer, delivered one other standout efficiency for the month of July, posting gross sales of AED638.8 million (US$175 million) for the month and year-to-date gross sales of AED4.734 billion (US$1.30 billion), which is 5.86% up on the identical interval final yr.
This month-to-month milestone surpasses the earlier July document of AED602.8 million (US$165 million) set in 2023 and is 9.7% larger or AED56.5 million (US$15.48 million) greater than gross sales of AED582.26 (US$159.52 million) for July 2024. This locations July 2025 in ninth place amongst the High 10 months in Dubai Obligation Free’s historical past with the operator recording gross sales information in 5 months out of seven to this point this yr.
The year-to-date development of 5.86% is especially notable provided that passenger development for a similar interval is predicted to be lower than 3% (DXB introduced 2.3% passenger development from January – June).
“We’re delighted to report one other sturdy gross sales month in what’s already proving to be an distinctive yr. This excellent efficiency displays the resilience of our retail operation and the continued demand for world-class buying experiences. Reaching practically 10% gross sales development in a month after we estimate passenger site visitors remained comparatively flat is a testomony to our crew’s dedication and product providing,” stated Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Obligation Free.
The highest 5 product classes in July have been Perfumes, Liquor, Gold, Tobacco and Confectionery. Fragrance gross sales rose by 10.3% over the identical month final yr, Liquor gross sales rose by 1.7%, whereas Tobacco noticed a 2.2% improve. Gold gross sales rose by 15.5% and Confectionery noticed an unimaginable 57% improve from July final yr.
Different notable performers have been Watches with gross sales improve of 18.4% and Valuable Jewelry with a rise of 16.8%.
Luxurious Labels Present Energy
July’s gross sales surge was fuelled partially by a rising urge for food for iconic luxurious manufacturers.
Dubai Obligation Free’s CA and CB Trend Boutiques, residence to a number of the world’s most sought-after luxurious labels, delivered distinctive leads to July, with development of 11.36% over the identical interval final yr.
Flagship manufacturers reminiscent of Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier have been standout performers, reflecting sustained demand for high-end vogue and equipment at DXB.
“Given the current media experiences outlining the difficulties going through international luxurious manufacturers, we’re completely satisfied to buck that development in our luxurious Boutiques, the place we’re seeing continued demand for choose manufacturers,” added Cidambi.
Rise of Pre-loved Luxurious Manufacturers
Staying throughout the Luxurious sector, of specific notice is the rising momentum of DDF’s pre-loved luxurious boutique, REKLAIM, launched in December 2024. Positioned in Concourses A, together with within the Emirates First Class Lounge, Concourse B and D, REKLAIM provides a curated number of authenticated pre-owned watches and purses from top-tier luxurious manufacturers.
In simply over seven months REKLAIM has generated greater than AED14.3 million (US$3.9 million) in gross sales of which AED1.6 million (US$445K) was generated in July alone, a transparent testomony to its rising attraction amongst luxury-focused customers.
The stand-out performer was Rolex watches, with a complete of 176 offered for the reason that launch of REKLAIM, with 16 offered in July alone.
“The demand for pre-loved luxurious merchandise is rising and with the REKLAIM provide, we will present
“Pristine” wanted objects which may be troublesome to search out out there,” added Cidambi. “We’re increasing the REKLAIM provide all through the operation in response to the rising demand.”
Dubai Obligation Free’s success comes in opposition to a backdrop of rising competitors throughout the airport retail house in addition to from exterior sources, together with home retailers. With continued funding in product innovation, digital engagement, and experiential retail, Dubai Obligation Free is well-positioned to shut out 2025 as one of many strongest years in its 40+ yr historical past.
“This excellent achievement is a testomony to the onerous work and dedication of our whole crew and the unwavering help from our Chairman, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. We’ve got succeeded in enhancing penetration and spend ranges whereas sustaining enterprise focus, regardless of a extremely aggressive and unsure surroundings,” added Cidambi.