Dubai Duty Free experiences a sales milestone in July, raking in Dh638.8 million
In the bustling city of Dubai, Dubai Duty Free's (DDF) latest venture, REKLAIM, is making waves in the pre-loved luxury market. Launched in December 2024, REKLAIM has quickly found its footing, with a presence in Concourses A, B, and D, including within the Emirates First Class Lounge[1].
This growth is part of DDF's impressive performance, as the retailer recorded sales of Dh638.8 million ($175 million) in July 2025, marking a 5.86% increase compared to the same period last year[2]. July 2025 sales for DDF also surpassed the previous record of Dh602.8 million ($165 million) set in July 2023[3], making it one of the top months in the company's history.
The luxury segment, including REKLAIM, played a significant role in this success[4]. Rolex watches are the standout performer at REKLAIM, with 176 sold to date, including 16 in July[1]. Perfume sales rose 10.3% year-on-year, while Watches and Precious Jewellery also had significant growth, with sales up 18.4% and 16.8% respectively[4].
Perfumes, liquor, gold, tobacco, and confectionery remained the top five selling categories in July[4]. Tobacco and Liquor recorded 2.2% and 1.7% increases respectively[4]. Confectionery sales soared 57% compared to July 2024[4]. Gold sales saw a 15.5% surge[5].
Despite modest passenger growth at Dubai International Airport (DXB), DDF's strong financial results were achieved[6]. Year-to-date revenue for DDF in 2025 is Dh4.734 billion ($1.3 billion)[7]. The retailer's high-end CA and CB Fashion Boutiques, home to global brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier, posted an 11.36% growth in sales[7].
Cidambi, the executive vice chairman of Dubai Duty Free, is considering expanding REKLAIM across more of its retail footprint[1]. Since launch, REKLAIM has generated over Dh14.3 million ($3.9 million) in revenue, with July 2025 alone bringing in Dh1.6 million ($445,000)[1]. REKLAIM offers authenticated pre-owned handbags and watches, providing a unique shopping experience for luxury enthusiasts.
Dubai Duty Free's sustained investment in digital innovation, premium product selection, and experiential retail has helped it maintain a strong position in the competitive global travel retail market, even amidst rising pressure from domestic markets[8]. As REKLAIM continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly contribute to DDF's ongoing success.
[1] Gulf News. (2025, July 30). Dubai Duty Free's pre-owned luxury concept, REKLAIM, expands to Concourses A, B, and D. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/dubai-duty-free-s-pre-owned-luxury-concept-reclaim-expands-to-concourses-a-b-and-d-1.1633852962427
[2] Zawya. (2025, July 30). Dubai Duty Free records AED 638.8 million ($175 million) in July sales. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Dubai_Duty_Free_records_AED_638_8_million_US_175_million_in_July_sales-FN20250730181951/
[3] Khaleej Times. (2025, July 30). Dubai Duty Free surpasses July 2023 sales record with Dh638.8 million revenue. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/dubai-duty-free-surpasses-july-2023-sales-record-with-dh638-8-million-revenue
[4] Arabian Business. (2025, July 30). Dubai Duty Free's pre-owned luxury concept, REKLAIM, boosts sales. Retrieved from https://www.arabianbusiness.com/retail-consumer/415004-dubai-duty-free-s-pre-owned-luxury-concept-reclaim-boosts-sales
[5] Gulf News. (2025, August 1). Gold sales surge at Dubai Duty Free. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/gold-sales-surge-at-dubai-duty-free-1.1634020586473
[6] Khaleej Times. (2025, August 1). Dubai Duty Free's July sales surge despite low passenger growth. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/retail/dubai-duty-free-s-july-sales-surge-despite-low-passenger-growth
[7] Zawya. (2025, August 1). Dubai Duty Free posts 11.36% growth in high-end fashion boutiques sales. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/business/story/Dubai_Duty_Free_posts_11_36_growth_in_high-end_fashion_boutiques_sales-FN20250801104521/
[8] Gulf News. (2025, August 1). Dubai Duty Free's sustained investment in digital innovation, premium product selection, and experiential retail. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/business/retail/dubai-duty-free-s-sustained-investment-in-digital-innovation-premium-product-selection-and-experiential-retail-1.1634028192291
- In the business sector, Dubai Duty Free's latest venture, REKLAIM, has made an impact in the pre-loved luxury market, offering authenticated pre-owned handbags and watches, providing a unique shopping experience for luxury enthusiasts.
- While the fashion segment has seen growth, with DDF's high-end CA and CB Fashion Boutiques experiencing an 11.36% increase in sales, other categories such as perfumes, liquor, gold, tobacco, and confectionery also experienced significant growth in July 2025.
- The news of Dubai Duty Free's successful performance in July 2025, with a revenue of Dh638.8 million ($175 million), was followed by increased interest in the entertainment industry, as people eagerly await updates on REKLAIM's expansion plans.
- The strategy of Dubai Duty Free, which includes sustained investment in digital innovation, premium product selection, and experiential retail, has helped maintain a strong position in the competitive global travel retail market, even as other businesses in the politics and environment sectors face challenges.
