Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is on track to surpass its $2 billion annual sales target for 2024 after recording $1.94 billion in revenue by the end of November. The strong performance was buoyed by a robust November, which brought in $205.67 million, making it the fifth-best month in the company’s history.
November 30 set the highest daily sales record for the year at $8.46 million, while November 29 followed closely with $8.24 million, marking it as the third-highest daily total in 2024. The retailer now looks to December, traditionally its strongest month, to close the year with exceptional results.
Despite challenging trading conditions, including lower sales in boutique fashion brands and ongoing refurbishment projects in all three terminals’ arrivals shops, DDF achieved significant gains. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, highlighted the team’s focus on narrowing the gap between budgeted and actual passenger spending, which played a crucial role in this year’s performance.
“I am very happy with the sales performance in November, which was against tough trading conditions. Thanks to the continuous effort of our entire team, I look forward to another great month in December as we head into a busy holiday season and expect to close the year with excellent results,” said Cidambi.
Perfumes remained the top-performing category, generating $362 million in sales, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase. Liquor followed with $258.37 million, while tobacco saw an 8% increase, reaching $200.52 million. Gold sales grew by 2%, totaling $194.57 million, and electronics rounded out the top five categories with $134 million in revenue.
As the busy festive season approaches, DDF is gearing up for its 41st anniversary on December 20. To mark the occasion, the retailer will offer a 25% discount on a wide range of products both in-store and online, providing shoppers with a pre-Christmas treat and further fueling the momentum for a record-breaking year.
