Source : WAM
Dubai Duty Free kicked off 2026 with a record-breaking January, posting its strongest performance ever for the month with sales reaching AED858.21 million (US$235 million). This represents an impressive 18.53 percent increase compared to January 2025 and signals a robust start to the year.
January 2026 now ranks as Dubai Duty Free’s third-highest sales month in its history, surpassed only by December 2025, which recorded AED922.77 million (US$252.81 million), and November 2025 with AED876.56 million (US$240.16 million).
The highest single-day sales total for the month was achieved on 31 January, when revenues hit AED35.6 million (US$9.76 million).
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi commented, “We are extremely pleased to begin 2026 with our strongest January performance ever, following a record-breaking 2025.”
Strong growth was recorded across several product categories, led by Gold, which rose by 45.74 percent to AED104 million (US$28.55 million). Fashion sales increased by 36.68 percent, contributing nearly AED82 million (US$22.53 million), while Electronics grew 36.61 percent to AED65 million (US$17.74 million). Precious Jewellery delivered the highest percentage growth, surging 69.51 percent to AED28 million (US$7.63 million).
Additional categories also posted solid gains. Perfume sales increased by 13.61 percent to AED147 million (US$40.29 million), Confectionery rose 15.35 percent to AED80.69 million (US$22.11 million), and Cosmetics climbed 7.67 percent to AED40 million (US$10.97 million). Watches recorded a 30.94 percent increase to AED33 million (US$9.10 million), while Delicatessen sales grew 8.36 percent to AED27.77 million (US$7.61 million).
Dubai Chocolate continued its strong momentum, achieving sales of AED36 million (US$10 million) in January 2026, with 83 tonnes sold. This compares to AED24 million (US$6.59 million) and 42 tonnes in January 2025, highlighting the continued expansion of the sub-category.
Fashion boutiques delivered an exceptional performance, particularly in Concourses A and B, where sales increased by 56 percent. These locations achieved record average daily sales of AED3.4 million (US$931,500) and a record average transaction value of AED8,820 (US$2,416).
From a regional perspective, Europe and Russia led sales growth, recording increases of 35 percent and 36 percent respectively. Africa followed with a 29 percent rise, while the Americas grew by 22.5 percent. The Indian subcontinent posted an 11 percent increase, the Far East grew 10.5 percent, and the Middle East recorded growth of 5.3 percent.
