A Year of Unprecedented Growth
In 2023, Dubai Duty Free achieved a remarkable milestone, recording sales of nearly Dh7.9 billion ($2.16 billion), a 24.4% annual increase and a 6.4% rise from 2019, the pre-pandemic benchmark year. This significant growth was attributed to the continued increase in passenger traffic and a thriving December, marking the retailer’s 40th anniversary. A noteworthy 8.4% year-on-year sales increase in December, boosted by a special sale on December 20, contributed substantially to this record-breaking figure. The company celebrated more than 20 million sales transactions, averaging nearly 55,000 daily, with approximately 55.2 million units of merchandise sold.
The Role of Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport, renowned as the world’s busiest hub for international traffic, played a crucial role in this success. The airport recorded its highest quarterly traffic since 2019, with 22.9 million passengers in the third quarter, contributing to a total of 64.5 million passengers in the first nine months, a 39.3% increase from the previous year. Dubai Airports is expecting even more impressive numbers in the fourth quarter and the following year. By 2025, the airport’s annual passenger traffic is projected to surpass its 2018 record of 89.1 million travelers, with expectations of reaching the 100 million mark soon after.
Future Prospects and Enhancements
Dubai Airports forecasts surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with an anticipated 86.8 million travelers, revising an earlier projection of 85 million. Dubai Duty Free is poised to capitalize on this growth by continuing to enhance its retail operation. This includes major refurbishment plans for Concourse B, expected to be completed early in the year. Further renovations are planned for three arrival shops in the first quarter of 2024 and Concourse A, with works beginning in the second quarter and expected completion by early to mid-2025.
Leading Sales Categories and Global Reach
Perfumes remained the best-selling category in 2023, accounting for 17% of the total sales. Other top categories included liquor, gold, cigarettes and tobacco, and electronics. The majority of sales occurred in departure areas, with online sales also making a significant contribution. Dubai Duty Free’s global reach is evident from its top five source markets, which include India, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. The company also reported a substantial increase in its workforce, growing by 18% to around 5,500 employees by the end of 2023.
This exceptional performance of Dubai Duty Free in 2023 underscores the resilience and growth of Dubai’s aviation and retail sectors, signaling a robust recovery and promising future prospects.
