Dubai Duty Free records highest-ever January sales of Dhs858.21 million

Dubai Duty Free began 2026 on a high note, recording its strongest January performance on record, achieving Dhs858.21 million ($235 million), representing a 18.53 per cent increase over January last year and marking an outstanding start to the year.

January 2026 is now ranked as Dubai Duty Free’s third-highest sales month on record, surpassed only by December 2025 at Dhs922.77 million ($252.81 million) and November 2025 at Dhs876.56 million ($240.16 million).

The highest daily sale of the month was recorded on 31st January when sales reached Dhs35.6 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.”

Several categories delivered exceptional growth, led by Gold which recorded a 45.74 per cent increase, generating sales of Dhs104 million ($28.55 million), while Fashion was up 36.68 per cent, contributing nearly Dhs82 million ($22.53 million). Electronics grew by 36.61 percent with sales of Dhs65million ($17.74 million) and Precious Jewellery, delivered the highest percentage growth at 69.51 per cent. with Dhs28 million ($7.63 million) sales.

Other categories posting solid gains included Perfumes, up 13.61 per cent to Dhs147 million ($40.29 million) while Confectionery rose 15.35 percent to Dhs80.69 million ($22.11 million). Cosmetics gained 7.67 per cent to Dhs40 million ($10.97 million), Watches climbed 30.94 percent to Dhs33 million ($9.10 million), and Delicatessen grew 8.36 per ent to Dhs27.77 million (US7.61 million).

Sales of Dubai Chocolate reached Dhs36 million ($10 million) in January 2026, with 83 tonnes sold, compared to Dhs24 million ($6.59 million) and 42 tonnes in January 2025, reflecting continued expansion of this sub-category.

The Fashion boutiques performed exceptionally well, with sales in Concourse A and B up 56 per cent, with record average daily sales of Dhs3.4 million ($931,500) and a record average transaction value of Dhs8,820 ($2,416).

Region wise, Europe and Russia led sales growth with increases of 35 per cent and 36 per cent respectively, followed by a strong performance from Africa at 29 per cent, the Americas 22.5 percent, the Indian-subcontinent up 11 percent, the Far East at 10.5 per cent and the Middle East up 5.3 per cent.

WAM