Dubai Duty Free announces an annual sales record of $2.15 billion
Dubai Duty Free (DDF) celebrated unparalleled success in 2023, achieving an all-time high in sales as passenger traffic at Dubai Airport surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Post-Pandemic Surge Propels Unprecedented Sales
The company recorded an extraordinary sales figure of AED7.88 billion ($2.15 billion) through over 20 million transactions, averaging 55,000 sales per day.
Substantial Growth and Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Figures
The total sales for the year marked a remarkable 24.39 percent increase from the previous year. More notably, it stood 6.4 percent higher than the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, showcasing Dubai Duty Free's resilience and robust recovery.
December Milestone and 40th Anniversary Celebrations
In December, Dubai Duty Free celebrated its 40th anniversary, setting a record for monthly sales of AED807.6 million ($220 million), or 8.37 percent more than in 2022. This helped Dubai Duty Free close the year on a high note. AED54.1 million ($14.73 million) in sales was a record for a single day thanks to the celebrations, which featured a one-day 25% discount on December 20.
Top-selling categories and shopper demographics
Perfumes emerged as the leading category, with total sales reaching AED1.366 billion, closely trailed by liquor at AED1.130 billion. Indian shoppers claimed the top spot among buyers, contributing AED973 million, followed by Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
Future Plans and Retail Enhancements
Dubai Duty Free outlined plans for continuous improvement, including major refurbishments in Concourse B, set to conclude early in the year. Scheduled renovations for three shops in the arrivals section in Q1 2024 and the refurbishment of Concourse A in Q2 2024 are also on the horizon. These endeavours align with the company's commitment to enhancing the retail experience and maintaining growth.
Dubai Duty Free expressed gratitude to Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and attributed its success to the unwavering support of its team, suppliers, media, and loyal customers over four decades.
