The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is set to return from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, transforming the city into a winter hub of shopping, entertainment, gastronomy, and culture.
Now in its 31st edition, the 38-day festival promises a variety of experiences, including nightly drone shows, concerts, retail offers, and raffles.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), DSF aims to showcase Dubai’s creativity, innovation, and community spirit.
DSF highlights
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said: “For more than three decades, the Dubai Shopping Festival has embodied the creativity, ambition and community spirit that define our city. The 31st edition builds on this incredible legacy, bringing together the world’s leading brands, artists and experiences for 38 days of retail excellence, entertainment and celebration. Each edition strengthens Dubai’s position as the world’s most exciting winter destination – a place where innovation, joy and togetherness come naturally.”
Entertainment and culture
DSF’s entertainment programme includes:
DSF Drone Shows (5 Dec–11 Jan): Free nightly performances above Bluewaters and The Beach JBR, featuring pyro-drone fireworks.
e& DSF Nights (5 Dec–11 Jan): Concerts, family entertainment, and live shows at Dubai Festival City Mall. Weekend concerts are ticketed, while waterfront shows are free.
Red Bull Tetris World Final (13 Dec): A global esports finale with a 4,000-drone Tetris display above Dubai Frame.
DSF x Hatta (5–31 Dec): Mountain experiences at Hatta Wadi Hub with Candlelight Concerts, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Cinema Dome.
DSF Auto Season (Jan 2026): Ten days of automotive events, including parades and showcases with over 5,000 cars and 100 brands.
The Big Bounce Dubai: The world’s largest inflatable theme park spanning 16,000sqm, with seven zones and the 2,325sqm Big Castle.
NYE Celebrations (31 Dec): Fireworks across Bluewaters, The Beach JBR, Hatta, and Souk Al Seef.
Retail experiences
Retail remains central to DSF, with over 1,000 brands across 3,500 outlets offering up to 75% off. Highlights include:
Signature promotions: Lucky Receipt, 12-Hour Sale, Shop, Scan & Win, Daily Surprises, and citywide seasonal sales.
Partner and mall campaigns: Life-changing prizes through Majid Al Futtaim, Skywards Everyday, Golden Tickit, Modesh x Blue Millionaire Rewards, and more.
Retailer group promotions: Exclusive offers such as AURA Millionaire, MUSE Gift Card bonuses, Amber Millionaire, and Beat the Clock at Rivoli.
Homegrown talent and luxury experiences: e& MOTB market at d3, pop-ups at Festival Bay and City Walk, and premium activations at DIFC, City Walk, and The Outlet Village.
Raffles
DSF raffles continue to deliver large rewards:
DSF Mega Raffle: Shoppers spending Dhs 200 or more can win a daily Nissan and Dhs 100,000, with a grand prize of Dhs 400,000.
Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group Raffle: Over Dhs 2.6 million worth of gold across weekly draws at more than 250 stores.
Additional promotions: ENOC and Dubai Shopping Malls Group extend raffle activities across malls and fuel stations.
Gastronomy
Food experiences are central to DSF, featuring:
Money Can’t Buy Experiences: Desert heritage journey at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa with 4×4 adventures, Al Hadheerah dining, and cultural performances.
e& MOTB: More than 80 food brands, trucks, and pop-ups under the Midnight Obsidian theme.
DSF x Hatta: Local and seasonal dining concepts.
Festival Bay and The Beach: Waterfront dining, chef takeovers, and music nights.
Al Seef and Global Village: Street-food markets with global cuisines.
Culinary experiences: MICHELIN-starred restaurants, celebrity chefs, and seasonal tasting menus.
Family-friendly events: Pop-up cafés, healthy activations, and beachside night markets.
Strategic partners
DSF 2025–2026 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners including Al-Futtaim Malls, Al Zarooni Group, AW Rostamani Group, DHAM, Emirates Airline, Enoc, e&, Majid Al Futtaim, Merex Investment, talabat, and more to be revealed.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
