Your guide to Dubai Shopping Festival 2025/2026
Dubai has another reason for excitement over the end of the year – it’s our very own Dubai Shopping Festival 2025/2026! This year’s edition of the spectacular shopping and entertainment extravaganza promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
Let’s take a look at everything last year’s retail celebration offered.
ABOUT THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL
Popularly known as DSF, the Dubai Shopping Festival runs for six epic weeks and features exclusive discounts from the region’s biggest shops, malls, stores, brands and retailers. You can find exclusive Dubai Shopping Festival offers on electronics, apparel, perfumes, jewellery and more, making it one of Dubai’s highly anticipated annual events.
The festival’s first edition was held in 1996 when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum conceived it.
Over the years, multiple world records have been set at DSF, such as records for the world’s longest chain, the world’s most extended sofa, the largest bowl of biryani and the largest shopping bag. In 2013, the first-ever moving train fashion show was held inside the Dubai Metro!
Retailers often begin preparing several months ahead of the festival’s schedule to welcome millions of delighted shoppers. Apart from the bargains, there are fireworks, concerts, fashion shows and promotional billboards all over the city as part of DSF events.
DSF 2025/26
The 31st edition of the highly awaited shopping festival will include everything from epic drone shows to fireworks and exciting shopping deals from over 800 malls across the emirate.
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL DATES
This year, DSF will run from December 5th, 2025, to January 11th, 2026. This means you don’t have to wait long to enjoy the amazing discounts, deals, and everything else the mega event offers.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL
DRONES LIGHT SHOW PRESENTED BY EMARAT
Dubai Shopping Festival is well known for its spectacular fireworks displays and light shows. Like last year, the immensely popular DSF Drones Light Show will take place at Bluewaters and The Beach JBR.
DSF Drones will showcase two spectacular productions this season. The first, “Dubai, City of Dreams”, running until mid-December, guides audiences through a stunning visual journey across Dubai’s iconic landmarks, blending immersive storytelling with striking aerial displays.
The second show, “Celebrations”, bursts with colour, energy and intricate formations, delivering pure joy and wonder for every viewer.
The shows, presented by Emarat are free. However, we recommend getting there early to secure a prime viewing spot.
- Dates: 5th December 2025 to 11th January 2026
- Timings: 07:00 pm and 10:00 pm every day
- Tickets: Free entry
- Venue: Bluewaters Island and The Beach JBR
FIREWORKS
Where can you watch the DSF fireworks? Here are the options:
- Hatta Wadi Hub: Every Friday and Saturday until December 31st 2025
- Dubai Festival City Mall: Until 11th January 2026
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL DEALS
It’s going to be a memorable winter! The DSF Sale Season will feature 25% to 75% discounts on numerous brands across 3,500 outlets.
This Dubai Shopping Festival also offers fantastic bargains at the city’s world-class hotels and resorts.
e& MOTB (Market Outside The Box)
The e& MOTB is one of the fun events of the Dubai Shopping Festival at the Dubai Design District. It is an open market where you can find clothing from local and international brands, jewellery, accessories and delicious food, with a host of food trucks around offering a variety of things worth trying.
The 13th edition of the market will be focusing on Gen Z and 100 years into the future. Get ready to explore popup markets with items like kids’ clothing, accessories and jewellery.
With 56 brands participating, this once-a-year open-air pop-up market is the place to discover the season’s freshest trends. Visitors can also explore The Bloc, featuring the latest collections from leading beauty labels. MAC Cosmetics has already been confirmed, with five more major names set to join the dedicated beauty zone.
Also on the cards are over 27 food outlets. Fun for the whole family!
- Price: Free parking and entry
- Date: 1st – 11th January 2026
- Timings: Monday – Thursday – 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Friday – 04:00 pm to 12:00 am | Saturday and Sunday – 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Location: Dubai Design District.
e& DSF NIGHTS
The second edition of DSF Nights will be taking place at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall. Each day offers a lot to look forward to, including music, food and games.
Here are some fun things you can jot on your calendar:
- Musical performances every Saturday.
- DSF fireworks show at start of celebration
- Meet and greets from characters from Sesame Street, Dora, Masha and the Bear, Trolls and PJ Masks.
- Dance showdown by Ubisoft
NORA FATEHI
The Morrocan-Canadian actress and dancer is famous for her contributions to Indian cinema. Catch her performance live at Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Date: 6th December
- Tickets: From AED 50
- Timings: Doors open from 07:00 pm
MAHMOUD EL ESSEILY AND NADER HAMDY
The second weekend concert of e& DSF Nights will feature these two Egyptian artists on stage. Both are known for some of the best Arab hits.
- Date: 13th December
- Tickets: From AED 50
- Timings: Doors open from 07:00 pm
DALIA AND MAHMOUD AL TURKY
Fans of Arab singers Mahmoud Al Turky and Dalia are in for a treat. Dalia, a Saudi singer-songwriter, fuses R&B, pop and Khaleeji roots. After signing with Warner in 2022, she’s expanded her regional impact with hits since her 2014 breakout. Her album “11:11” marks new artistic growth. Mahmoud Alturki, a rising Arabic artist, commands a strong digital following and growing regional presence.
- Date: 20th December
- Tickets: From AED 50
- Timings: Doors open from 07:00 pm
BADER ALSHUAIBI AND DISCO MISR
Welcome 2026 with fireworks, with performances by Kuwaita star Bader AlShuaibi and Disco Misr.
- Date: 31st December
- Tickets: From AED 69
- Timings: Doors open from 07:00 pm
SOLE DXB
If you’re a Dubai resident, you’re probably very familiar with this name. Sole DxB has become associated with Dubai’s hip crowd – a festival celebrating street culture and contemporary lifestyles.
It will be held in the Dubai Design District. You can expect DJ sets, music, street tournaments, food trucks, workshops, talks and more. Anticipated artists include Lil Yatchy, Pa Salieu, Zeyne and others.
- Date: 12th to 14th December 2025
- Timings: from 04:00 pm
- Tickets: From AED 299
- Venue: Dubai Design District
Other Concerts During Dubai Shopping Festival 2025
Fans can attend these concerts apart from those happening at Dubai Festival City Mall during DSF 2025:
- Franz Ferdinand: 13th December at Coca-Cola Arena
- The Yemeni Orchestra: 14th December at Dubai Opera
- Haney Shaker and Mai Farouk: 23rd December at Dubai Opera
- Sonu Nigam: 27th December at Coca-Cola Arena
- Halsey: 29th November at Coca-Cola Arena
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL RAFFLES
If you want to try your luck, you can buy a raffle ticket and win big, from cash prizes to a supercar!
There are many different types of DSF 2025-26 raffles that you can enter:
DSF Mega Raffle
You can enter the DSF Mega Raffle and stand a chance to win a Nissan like the Xterra and Kicks as well as AED 100,000 in cash. Plus this time every ticket holder will be entered into another prize draw for a chance to win AED 400,000 on the last day of the shopping festival.
You can enter the raffle this year by buying an AED 100 raffle ticket at any ENOC station, Zoom store, dedicated kiosks or Global Village. Raffle drawings take place daily. Winners are to be announced during the Dubai Shopping Festival at Global Village.
- Drawings: Everyday from 7th December 2025 to 11th January 2026.
DSF Auto Season
Gear up for adrenaline-filled action as DSF Auto Season returns in January 2026. Expect drifting competitions, high-speed races, classic car unveilings, parades and meetups. The season will showcase 4,000+ luxury and customised cars citywide, with simulators and fun activities for younger visitors.
SHOP TILL YOUR DROP
The fantastic malls in Dubai participating in the festival offer enticing deals, including up to 90% off, cash coupons and many presents. Let’s see which malls are part of the mega festival.
DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL
Dubai Festival City Mall, which runs parallel to Dubai Creek, is home to over 400 fashion and furnishing shops and stores (including IKEA). Sitting along Dubai Creek, the mall offers an excellent culinary experience. Enjoy quick bites at the food courts or indulge your craving for exquisite cuisines at fine dining restaurants.
MERCATO MALL
Shop at the shops of popular international brands, such as Lava and H&M, at Mercato Mall. You can also find family entertainment centres and gourmet restaurants.
WAFI MALL
Wafi Mall, inspired by ancient architecture, provides guests with the ultimate Arabian shopping experience, complete with Egyptian letters and carved figures at every turn.
DUBAI MALL
The Dubai Mall is simply unmissable during DSF. Find everything from branded stores like Zara and Prada to gourmet eateries and family attractions like Kidzania and Ice Rink.
MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Mall of the Emirates brings together the world’s largest indoor ski resort and stores like Harvey Nichols, Debenhams and Marks & Spencer to provide customers with a fun shopping experience.
CITY WALK
City Walk offers spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa and a variety of shopping experiences. The beautiful venue in Dubai allows potential shoppers to find anything from fashionable streetwear to unique fashion boutiques.
IBN BATTUTA MALL
Ibn Battuta Mall is known for its excellent tilework, a massive gold elephant and incredible architecture. The mall has outlets for notable brands from across the world.
DUBAI OUTLET MALL
Aside from fantastic savings on designer labels like Burberry and Marc Jacobs and electronics and perfumes, the Dubai Outlet Mall will also give visitors 50% off at select retailers.
DUBAI MARINA MALL
Dubai Marina Mall, which houses a variety of international retailers, provides affordable high-street fashion and beauty services. Visitors can also go next door to Pier 7, which has seven exciting food concepts.
BURJUMAN CITY CENTRE
BurJuman Centre allows tourists to shop at a selection of top merchants, including high-end designer labels like Beverly Hills Polo Club.
DUBAI FESTIVAL PLAZA
The Dubai Festival Plaza is a one-stop shopping destination for all visitors, with mouth-watering food options, a calendar of events and exciting offers.
THE OUTLET VILLAGE
Outlet Village is another fantastic mall with 1.5 million sq. ft. of retail space, three department stores, over 125 brands and premium food outlets.
Make the most of your day by visiting the neighbouring theme park attraction Dubai Parks and Resorts.
CITY CENTRE MIRDIF
City Centre Mirdif has over 430 retail options and innovative entertainment concepts like iFly, an indoor skydiving hotspot, a 12-lane bowling alley and more.
THINGS TO BUY IN DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL 2025-2026
Although Dubai is an epicentre for the most entertaining festivals, this one is the finest. If you’re wondering what to buy at the Dubai shopping festival, we are here to help!
GOLD JEWELERY
DSF is a fantastic place to buy gold jewellery for various reasons, including intricate designs and low costs. Some excellent items to buy in Dubai include diamonds, stones and precious metals.
PERFUMES AND COSMETICS
Discover an exquisite selection of luxury brands like Bvlgari, De Beers, Chanel, and Burberry, all offered duty-free! Don’t miss the exciting discounts during the Dubai Shopping Festival for fantastic deals on your favourite fragrances!
WATCHES
Diamond-encrusted timepieces are a pipe dream, but you can pick one from your favourite collection at the Dubai Shopping Festival. You may get branded pieces at excellent prices through the Dubai Shopping Festival sale.
LEATHER ITEMS
The UAE is known for producing high-quality leather. Stock on unique and stylish leather goods from popular brands.
GADGETS
The good news is that the best brands and latest devices are available at low costs, including Apple, Sony, Bose, Cross Gold, Acer and Fujitsu. If you’re a gadget lover, these Dubai shopping festival deals will drive you insane.
SPICES AND DRY FRUITS
At Dubai’s shopping fair, pick up pricey exotic dried fruits and aromatic spices like saffron or black cardamom for great deals.
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE FREE THINGS TO DO DURING DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL?
Find the best activities in the city that don’t even cost a dirham. These include:
- Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market – 5th to 31st December 2025
- Winter District at Jumeirah Emirates Tower – 13th to 28th December 2025
- Winter City at Expo City Dubai – 6th to 31st December 2025
WHERE IS THE DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL HELD IN DUBAI?
The Dubai Shopping Festival isn’t held at one location – it is spread across the city as discounts and deals are offered throughout the entire emirate. Individual events are held in specific areas, such as Dubai Design District.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT THE DEALS AND DISCOUNTS AT DSF?
To stay in the loop about all the deals and discounts at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26, you can download the DSF app. It will keep you updated on all the available offers and discounts.
If you want to update your wardrobe, buy Christmas gifts or get other products at a bargain, now is the time to take advantage of the best sales offers in Dubai.
Which one of these DSF events are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to MyBayut for all the news on more fun events around Dubai.
The featured image is courtesy of Visit Dubai’s official website.
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