The key to your tax-free shopping in Dubai, the profitable and reputable Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International (DXB) has just released its latest sales numbers and things are as interesting as they can be. Heading straight into the final months of this year, Dubai Duty Free October 2025 sales numbers of AED 805.6 million exceed the earlier October record set back in 2023 at AED 692 million. Isn’t it incredible?
The more amazing part is October also recorded the third-highest monthly sales in the history of Dubai Duty Free. This is a strong indicator of retail performance and highlights the importance of some last-minute shopping in Dubai for tourists from different parts of the globe.
The recent October 2025 sales increase also outstripped passenger traffic by a minimum of 10%. Year-to-date sales reached AED 6.88 billion, representing a sizeable 8.72% increase or AED 552 million in the same period last year.
Key highlights from Dubai Duty Free October 2025 sales performance
Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International (DXB) is famous for its tax-free shopping experience. This place is open 24/7 and houses a broad range of items to purchase, from super luxury to daily essentials. There is a possibility of the airport hitting the magic number of 100 million annual passengers by the end of 2026. So, you can definitely expect Dubai Duty Free to be in for a lot more serious business than today.
In October 2025, perfumes continued to dominate as the best performing category, generating AED 139.9 million. Gold came second at AED 97.2 million. This precious metal stayed in the limelight for its luxury and cultural importance (as you might expect, Diwali came last month). Liquor noted sales of AED 96.7 million.
The Confectionery category recorded its highest sales in history at AED 78 million. This spike is highly supported by the fame of Dubai Chocolate. The Original Dubai Chocolate has become so famous across the globe that people are planning trips to Dubai for it. This special milk chocolate bar containing gooey pistachio kunafa cream is taking the internet by storm and is accessible at Dubai Duty Free, too. The original piece has also attracted a lot of dupes. In fact, the subcategory of ‘Dubai Chocolate’ noted the highest individual sales at AED 34 million as a staggering 428,000 pieces are sold in October (equivalent to 71 tonnes across nine brands).
In the luxury fashion category, brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci and Cartier remain strong contributors. The increase in sales is notable, especially coming after the opening of Louis Vuitton and Cartier boutiques in September in Concourse A. Standout transactions include AED 2.2 million sales from REKLAIM.
Explore More: Shopping in Dubai: Ultimate guide to top souks in Dubai in 2025
DXB’s Dubai Duty Free to note another record year in history
The bustling Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International is fast approaching it’s 42nd year in operation on December 20, 2025. You can definitely expect another record year in its storied history. In October, all locations performed strongly, including Concourse A up 27.4%, Concourse B up 21.5%, Concourse C up 21.9%, Concourse D up 11.2% and Terminal 2 up 13.1%. These numbers are incredible.
Shopping in Dubai is an experience in itself. It is one of the best things to do in Dubai all year round. The annual Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-2026 is approaching fast, scheduled from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. This retail festival is incredibly special and brings into focus Dubai’s most indulgent offerings.
The key to your tax-free shopping in Dubai is Dubai Duty Free (DDF). From beauty and technology to gold and books, this place has it all you might need for some last-minute retail session before jetting back home or getting into the city for a more indulgent experience. DDF also supports online shopping, letting you shop from the comfort of your home or hotel room.
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