Dubai’s travel-retail powerhouse celebrated its 42nd birthday on 20 December with a one-day 25 per cent discount that generated US $19 million in sales, a 15 per cent jump on last year’s record. Perfumes, watches and liquor led category growth, while online ‘Click & Collect’ orders surpassed 13,500.
Terminal 3 at Dubai International contributed the lion’s share, but Al Maktoum International sales grew 50 per cent—an early indicator of rising traffic at the secondary hub ahead of its mega-expansion. Concourse D posted a notable 9 per cent gain, reflecting stronger transfer flows from European and African carriers.
![Dubai Duty Free racks up US $19 million in 24-hour anniversary sale, signalling robust passenger spend]()
Travellers heading to Dubai who need to verify visa requirements can streamline the process through VisaHQ’s UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), which offers fast online applications, real-time status updates and personalised alerts—useful tools for corporate mobility managers coordinating last-minute trips around peak holiday periods.
Why it matters for mobility managers: higher passenger spend often foreshadows capacity squeeze. DXB expects to cross 96 million travellers this year; security queues and retail-induced dwell times will lengthen if staffing levels do not keep pace. Companies should remind travellers to arrive at least three hours before departure during the December-January peak and to use Smart Gate e-border channels where eligible.
For tax-free reimbursement policies, note that the 25 per cent discount period has ended; receipts dated 20 December will show lower pre-VAT values, which may affect per-diem calculations. The bumper takings also illustrate why airport-based concession agreements in the UAE remain attractive for global brands seeking exposure to high-spend Gulf and transit passengers. Expect renewed negotiations for prime retail space in early 2026.
Terminal 3 at Dubai International contributed the lion’s share, but Al Maktoum International sales grew 50 per cent—an early indicator of rising traffic at the secondary hub ahead of its mega-expansion. Concourse D posted a notable 9 per cent gain, reflecting stronger transfer flows from European and African carriers.
Travellers heading to Dubai who need to verify visa requirements can streamline the process through VisaHQ’s UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/), which offers fast online applications, real-time status updates and personalised alerts—useful tools for corporate mobility managers coordinating last-minute trips around peak holiday periods.
Why it matters for mobility managers: higher passenger spend often foreshadows capacity squeeze. DXB expects to cross 96 million travellers this year; security queues and retail-induced dwell times will lengthen if staffing levels do not keep pace. Companies should remind travellers to arrive at least three hours before departure during the December-January peak and to use Smart Gate e-border channels where eligible.
For tax-free reimbursement policies, note that the 25 per cent discount period has ended; receipts dated 20 December will show lower pre-VAT values, which may affect per-diem calculations. The bumper takings also illustrate why airport-based concession agreements in the UAE remain attractive for global brands seeking exposure to high-spend Gulf and transit passengers. Expect renewed negotiations for prime retail space in early 2026.
