Dubai Duty Free began 2026 on a high note, recording its strongest January performance on record, achieving Dhs 858.21 million in sales. This represents an 18.53% increase over January last year and marks 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 Dhs 922.77 million. The highest daily sale of the month was recorded on 31 January when sales reached Dhs 35.6 million.
Several categories delivered exceptional growth, led by gold, which recorded a 45.74% increase, generating sales of Dhs 104 million. Fashion was up 36.68%, contributing nearly Dhs 82 million, while electronics grew by 36.61% with sales of Dhs 65 million. Precious jewellery delivered the highest percentage growth at 69.51%. with Dhs 28 million sales.
Other categories posting solid gains included perfumes, up 13.61% to Dhs 147 million, while confectionery rose 15.35% to Dhs 80.69 million. Cosmetics gained 7.67% to Dhs 40 million, watches climbed 30.94 % to Dhs 33 million, and delicatessen grew 8.36% to Dhs 27.77 million.
Sales of Dubai chocolate reached Dhs 36 million in January 2026, with 83 tonnes sold, compared to Dhs 24 million and 42 tonnes in January 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of this sub-category.
The fashion boutiques performed exceptionally well, with sales in Concourse A and B up 56%, with record average daily sales of Dhs 3.4 million and a record average transaction value of Dhs 8,820.