iPhone 17 Launch Fuels Record September Sales for Dubai Duty Free

Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has announced record-breaking sales for September 2025, reporting revenues of 671.79 million dirhams (approximately $184 million). This figure represents a significant nearly 12% increase compared to the same period last year, signaling a robust performance for the travel retailer.

While a 4.2% rise in passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport provided a foundational boost, Dubai Duty Free highlighted that the revenue growth substantially outpaced the increase in traveler numbers. This indicates that customers are spending more on average, reflecting a higher transaction value per passenger.

A key driver behind this surge was the global launch of the iPhone 17. The smartphone went on sale on September 19th, and in just its first 12 days of availability, Apple product sales through DDF generated 9.7 million dirhams ($2.7 million). This strong performance single-handedly propelled the electronics category to a 10% year-on-year growth.

Beyond electronics, other segments also showed impressive gains. The gold category experienced a remarkable nearly 22% surge in sales. This growth is attributed to sustained high demand from travelers coupled with a significant rise in global gold prices, which climbed from around $2,700 per ounce in September 2024 to $3,700 per ounce in September 2025. Furthermore, the confectionery segment was the top performer in terms of growth rate, skyrocketing by 57.7% year-on-year, led overwhelmingly by the popular Dubai Chocolate brand. This record month underscores the continued strength of retail in one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.

Source: Gulf News