Dubai Obligation Free stated it achieved an all-time high regular monthly sale for December 2025, resulting in its highest-ever yearly sales in 42 years of existence.
In 2025, it clocked sales of AED 8 68 billion (US$ 2 38 billion), standing for a 9 85 percent boost over 2024 The 2025 performance was driven by 10 record-breaking months (January, February, April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December), however Dubai Responsibility Free saved the best for the last.
All-time high sales in December
December is typically a good month for Dubai Obligation Free, with greater airport web traffic as both inbound and outbound numbers increase during the Holiday duration. In 2025 December, sales reached AED 922 77 million (US$ 252 8 million), the highest ever before month-to-month sales, and a 12 27 percent rise over December 2024
December sales are also fuelled by Dubai Responsibility Free’s anniversary parties, and it used a 25 percent discount on 20 th December. It caused a shopping spree and a single-day sales of AED 69 097 million (US$ 19 million) in the 24 hours.
Dubai Obligation Free stated that the growth of its sales exceeded the growth of guest web traffic by an estimated 5 percent. Dubai Airport is anticipated to release its final passenger numbers for 2025 later this month. It highlights the efficiency of Dubai Duty Free’s approach designed to increase infiltration, boost conversion and general purchase value.
The operation recorded over 21 million sales transactions during the year– an average of 58, 212 sales deals per day– with an overall of 56 796 million devices of merchandise offered.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Task Free, commented: “It has actually been an absolutely historical year for Dubai Task Free. Our 2025 performance results from the focus, resilience and dedication of the team under tough conditions, incorporated with great support from our vendors and brand partners. They have interacted to boost customer involvement and invest and aided supply AED 8 68 billion in sales while breaking records in 10 out of 12 months this year.”
Perfumes are the most effective vendors
In 2025, the leading five selling groups for the year were Perfumes, Alcohol, Gold, Cigarette and Confectionery.
Customers purchased AED 1 601 billion (US$ 438 67 million) worth of Perfumes, accounting for 18 45 per cent of Dubai Obligation Free’s complete sales.
Liquor followed with sales of AED 1 061 billion (US$ 290 6 million), representing 12 22 percent of complete annual sales, with Gold recorded sales of AED 896 45 million (US$ 245 6 million) and contributing 10 33 percent towards overall profits.
Cigarette remained in fourth place with sales of AED 883 595 million (US$ 242 million) and 10 18 percent of complete revenue, adhered to by confectionery (AED 845 49 million/US$ 231 64 million sales) and 9 74 per cent of total yearly sales.
Confectionery performance was driven by ‘Dubai chocolate’, which marketed 719 heaps throughout 13 brand names, including 2 Dubai Responsibility Free exclusives: Patchi Pistachio Kunafa Bar and Habibe Chocolate.
Departures accounted for AED 7 86 billion (US$ 2 15 billion) of complete sales (90 6 per cent), while Arrivals sales got to AED 550 859 million (US$ 150 92 million), or 6 35 per cent of total annual sales. On-line sales touched AED 230 million (US$ 63 million), accounting for 2 65 percent of overall sales.
For the full year, amongst the major regions, Europe was the leading entertainer with development of 18 3 percent, complied with by Africa (up 14 percent), the Americas (up 11 6 per cent), the Middle East (11 3 per cent), Russia (up 9 9 percent) and both the Far East and the Indian sub-continent at around 5 percent.
Unique item launches, consisting of travel retail just and limited-edition collections, incorporated with a schedule of one-of-a-kind promotions and trademark campaigns, enhanced client interaction and commitment. Dubai Obligation Free estimates that exclusive items added about 12 per cent of total sales in the major categories.
