Dubai Duty Free sales went up 27 per cent to Dh2.8 billion ($780 million), in the first nine months of 2008 against the same period a year ago, a report said.

Perfumes topped the list with sales reaching Dh401 million ($110 million),followed by gold which climbed 35 per cent to Dh330 million, according to the Gulf News report.

Electronics rose 19 per cent to Dh237 million while confectionery went up 36 per cent to Dh208 million.

'We have had a fantastic year so far and are looking ahead to the last few months as we prepare to open the new operation in Emirates Terminal 3,' said Colm McLoughlin, managing director of Dubai Duty Free.

'Dubai Duty Free has over 8,000 square metres of retail space coming on line in the coming weeks and we are very excited about the retail opportunities that the new terminal provides.'

Dubai Duty Free will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with a 25 per cent discount on a wide range of merchandise, he added.