Dubai is one of the most happening places globally. Millions of people land in Dubai each year for different purposes. Some might be coming here for the purpose of business. Others could be here for tourism, shopping and/or dining.
Let me emphasize this in the beginning itself: shopping and Dubai go hand-in-hand. This futuristic city has dozens of shopping malls, local markets and more. You can find plenty of things to shop for. But this article is about a special section of shopping in Dubai.
This is about shopping at Dubai Duty Free. Imagine a broad range of items to buy, from luxury to daily essentials, 24/7 accessibility and tax-free shopping. Sounds great, right? Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International (DXB) is an enchanting place to shop at any time of the day.
Can DXB hit the magic number soon?
Dubai International (DXB) has long been maintaining its position on the list of busiest airports globally. There is a possibility that DXB could hit the mark of 100 million passengers by the end of 2026, earlier than a forecast of 2027, because of robust tourism demand.
In fact, it is expected that the Dubai airport is going to handle 96 million passengers in 2025. The busy international hub handled 23.4 million people in the first three months of the year. January hit the highest monthly traffic on record at 8.5 million passengers.
In the first quarter of 2025, Indian maintained its position as Dubai International’s top destination country. But many people also came from Saudi Arabia, the UK, Pakistan, the US and Germany. Tourism is gradually becoming a bigger affair in Dubai.
Shop anytime, save all the time! Dubai Duty Free at DXB
Dubai Duty Free is one of the best places for shopping at Dubai International Airport. This place is home to a broad range of shops, offering a unique selection of products. It is also open 24/7. But the main highlight of Dubai Duty Free is the benefit of tax-free shopping.
From luxury items to daily essentials, Dubai Duty Free has great products for people of all preferences. Stores are also located across all terminals, making tax-free shopping more accessible for tens of thousands of passengers.
Dubai Duty Free is also famous for running amazing offers and promotions from time to time. It is recommended to keep an eye out for discounts and special deals during holidays and other important occasions. You can check the official platform for more details.
There are 5 important tips for a better Dubai Duty Free shopping experience.
- You should regularly check the official platform for the latest deals.
- You need to plan ahead. Essentially, be sure of your needs and start looking for discounts and special deals.
- It is recommended to check prices online before making a purchase.
- You can keep an eye out for real-time offers and promotions on Dubai Duty Free social media platforms.
- Use loyalty programs for better deals. Earn points and redeem them for discounts.
Dubai Duty Free shops and categories
Dubai Duty Free has products in a broad range of categories, including beauty, tobacco, liquor, technology, food, gold, fashion, toys, luggage, books and more. It is the ultimate destination for promising tax-free shopping in Dubai.
– Perfumes and beauty
Dubai Duty Free has a great collection of perfumes and beauty products. Some of the notable brands in this category include, Dior, YSL, Gucci, Estee Lauder and Dolce and Gabbana. From makeup and skincare to haircare, you can find it all here.
– Tech products
DDF is also a great place to shop some of the latest gadgets out there, including smartphones, tablets and accessories from some of the prominent brands. You can also find GoPros and gaming consoles, in addition to massagers and electronic toothbrushes.
– Foodies, please pay attention
Dubai Duty Free is also home to a premium selection of chocolates, candies and biscuits. You can find some of the notable global brands like Lindt and Patchi, and local delicacies too. Oh, did I forget to mention the viral OG Dubai chocolate from FIX Dessert Chocolatier?
– Ornaments
Gold is a significant part of shopping in Dubai experience. DDF is no exception. This place sells elegant necklaces, sparkling earrings and other great options – perfect for special gifts and stunning pieces.
– Fashion
Dubai Duty Free has incredible clothing options from top brands. Looking for something classic and sporty? Head to Lacoste. You can enter Tumi for high-quality travel and business attire. There is H&M for super affordable and trendy fashion for all ages.
Dubai Duty Free continues to record outstanding performance
May 2025 has been an exceptional month for Dubai Duty Free at DXB. The place recorded sales of Dh724.7 million. Last month is the second-highest sales month in the history of DDF for a non-December period.
In May, sales performance has been exceptional across all major product categories at Dubai Duty Free, especially confectionery. This category is up 81% at Dh73.9 million sales, boosted by the continued success of ‘Dubai Chocolate’.
Liquor sales increased to nearly 4% to Dh89.9 million and electronics recorded a stunning 5.4% increase at Dh41.7 million sales. Concourse B in Terminal 3 led the performance at a 17.5% increase. Concourse D in Terminal 1 came next at 10.7%.
Dubai Duty Free – Your one-stop destination for OG Dubai chocolate
The viral Dubai chocolate, made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier, has become a global sensation. No, I’m not exaggerating. The OG Dubai chocolate – essentially, gooey bars full of tasty green pistachio kunafa cream – is taking the internet by storm.
In fact, this viral FIX chocolate bar has become so recognisable on social media that many people from across the globe are planning trips to Dubai just to get their hands on the item. Tourists are ditching keychains and fridge magnets for local specialities.
Out of 25,000 respondents, 33% in the UAE, 31% in Mexico, 28% in South Korea, 15% in France and the US, 11% in Denmark and 8% in the UK are looking to purchase the OG Dubai chocolate. Here is the complete guide to purchase the bars online.
Viral Dubai chocolate makes a return to Dubai Duty Free
But if you are looking for an option to purchase the product in person, Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the best places. The original Dubai chocolate bar has officially returned to the busy hub.
The FIX Chocolate Dubai Duty Free pop-up is expected to remain in place throughout the summer season, at least until September. Located in Terminal 3 Concourse B, the FIX stand is offering residents and tourists in Dubai a chance to buy a last-minute dessert.
It had earlier been reported that a staggering Dh1 million is spent on the delicious pistachio-kunafa-filled treat daily at DXB, including dupes of the original. The rising passenger numbers at DXB is also expected to significantly help boost FIX Dubai chocolate sales.
Dubai Duty Free online shopping: Guide
Did you think that it is only possible to shop at Dubai Duty Free in person? No. Dubai Duty Free online shopping is also really popular. It is a seamless experience. You can search for products on the platform – all from the comfort of your home or hotel room.
- You need to create an account using an email address of social media account.
- Explore different products online.
- Select the items you are interested in purchasing and add them to the cart.
- Complete the purchase using secure payment options.
- Orders can be collected 90 minutes after placing them at different points in the airport.
The main benefits of Dubai Duty Free online shopping are easy accessibility (shop anytime, from any location), special online deals and quick collection as you can collect your order at the airport completely hassle-free.
You can also check if the product you desire to purchase is in stock at Dubai Duty Free. DDF has great return and exchange policies, making the experience better. You can also use the order tracking feature to stay updated on your purchase.
Dubai Duty Free Gift Card: Full of surprises
Dubai Duty Free offers a couple types of gift cards. One is pre-denominated (Dh50, Dh100 and Dh500). The other one is loadable – can be loaded one time and the customer can load any amount in the range of Dh30 to Dh35,000.
Dubai Duty Free Gift Cards can be purchased and redeemed or accepted as a mode of payment at all DDF shops located in Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport and other remote locations. There are some terms and conditions:
- Lost, stolen or damaged gift cards are not going to be replaced.
- The gift card is going to expire (in addition to the remaining credit) on the date printed at the back of the card (essentially, the last four digits (MM/YY).
- Gift cards are for personal use only.
- Dubai Duty Free Gift Cards cannot be used in connection to any marketing or other promotional acts.
- You may not consolidate or combine multiple DDF gift cards to purchase another card.
Dubai Duty Free opening hours and contact number
Perfect for tax free shopping in the Emirate, Dubai Duty Free is open 24 hours a day, on all days, ensuring passengers at Dubai International Airport enjoy the best there is in shopping at the busy hub.
You might be at the airport for a late night flight or an early morning departure. Dubai Duty Free is going to take care of most of your needs at great prices. For more details, you can check the official platform or call +971 45053555 or email here.
Dubai Duty Free stores are located at all 3 terminals at Dubai International Airport. Terminal 1 has multiple stores offering a broad range of products at great prices, Terminal 2 is perfect for quick purchases and Terminal 3 has a really extensive selection.
Dubai Duty Free: Frequently asked questions
1. Does Dubai Duty Free accept foreign currencies?
Yes. In addition to credit cards, DDF accepts 16 foreign currencies, including US Dollar, Euro, Sterling Pound, Singapore Dollar, Qatar Riyal, Omani Riyal, Bahrain Dinar, Hong Kong Dollar, Malaysian Ringgit, Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee, Canadian Dollar and more.
2. Can I return and exchange products at Dubai Duty Free?
You can return all goods in 6 months. But they should be in an unused condition, in its original packaging and alongside the purchase receipt.
3. Can I order and pay online and ship it to my address?
Pre-order and payment online is possible. But the items ordered should be collected during your period of travel at Dubai International Airport. For more information, contact Dubai Duty Free or check their official platform.
4. I purchased an item but it came out faulty. Is it possible to return it back if I stay abroad?
Items purchased from Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport (DXB) include 1 year local warranty against manufacturing defect. Faulty products can be returned through any of the representatives travelling soon or through registered post.
DDF also takes the responsibility in arranging return of faulty items, provided it has not crossed the warranty period.
5. Do I automatically get an entry ticket to the Millennium Millionaire and/or Finest Surprise if I shop something at Dubai Duty Free?
No. You need to purchase a Millennium Millionaire and/or Finest Surprise ticket to get into this contest. The ticket is accessible through the Dubai Duty Free shopping complex in the airport. You can also find it online on the official platform.
Isn’t it all so easy and seamless? Happy shopping!
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