Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-2026

Dubai is planning its 30th anniversary of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which is going to change the perception of Dubai as a world-class retail and entertainment hub. We expect the 2025-2026 edition to be the most spectacular yet, turning the city into a vibrant party.

According to trends this year, activities will become even more immersive, such as drone shows with stories displayed at night and new activations at destinations like the Hatta mountains. Since it’s a milestone celebration, every visitor can expect special events. The Festival runs from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, promising the ultimate shopping, entertainment & luxury experience.

What is Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)?

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The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which commenced in 1996, is a city-wide event that takes place every year and has become an anchor in the Dubai retail calendar. The festival has three key points: big shopping discounts on a wide range of products, world-class entertainment for the whole family, and life-changing lotteries and raffles, making the city a lively destination.

When is Dubai Shopping Festival 2026?

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The 30th Dubai Shopping Festival will take place over 38 consecutive days, from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. The event is packed with the festival's signature events.

Key highlights to mark on your calendar include:

• Fireworks displays will take place every day at major points of the city.
• The DSF Drone Show is a breathtaking high-tech display that takes place at Bluewaters and The Beach at JBR, where hundreds of drones arrange themselves in beautiful 3D shapes in the sky.
• The Mega Raffle gives participants a chance to win incredible awards, including luxury automobiles and gold.
• The festival will feature major international and regional music artists in a series of concerts.

This packed schedule ensures there is something exciting happening every day of the festival.

Where is the Dubai Shopping Festival Held?

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The festival is a city-wide event that encompasses the most famous locations in Dubai and is not limited to one venue. In other words, the entire city becomes a shopping destination.

The Festival is held at several important locations, including:

• Main shopping centers in Dubai: Major malls like The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, and Dubai Festival City Mall attract both residents and tourists as they offer great deals and events.
• Global Village: A multi-cultural festival park offering shopping, dining, and entertainment from all over the world.
• Al Seef: A lovely place by the creek that combines heritage and contemporary style, organizing special markets and events.
• Hatta: The mountain enclave offers fun DSF things to do and outdoor activities.
• Traditional markets: Places like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk offer special promotions and a festive atmosphere as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

You can always find the festival's fun everywhere in Dubai.

What to Buy at DSF: Best Offers & Deals

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Shopping at the DSF offers unparalleled opportunities. With discounts ranging from 25% to 90%, there is something for everyone.

Almost every category has deals, but the most sought-after offers are found across these top categories:

• Designer Fashion and Apparel
• Electronics and Gadgets
• Gold and Jewelry

Shoppers can get luxury clothes and accessories at The Dubai Mall for great prices, and find competitive pricing on gold jewelry at the Gold Souk. You can find the latest gadgets at major electronics retailers in well-known malls like Mall of the Emirates. After a successful day of shopping, you can unwind at one of Dubai’s Best Buffets to Try. Look out for flash sales that offer even bigger markdowns of 75% or more for a short amount of time, often announced without much notice at malls like Deira City Centre. Furthermore, the Great Online Sale usually starts from December 1, so shoppers can grab deals from their hotel or home.

Entertainment & Shows: Fireworks, Drones & Concerts

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DSF is as much about entertainment as it is about shopping. The city is filled with shows that will keep both residents and tourists entertained. Fireworks displays take place every day at different locations in Dubai. The DSF Drone Show has become one of the modern highlights, where hundreds of drones perform a synchronized aerial ballet and tell fascinating stories against the backdrop of the city. In addition, an array of concerts featuring A-list international and regional singers will also make their presence felt during the festivities.

DSF: Lucky Draws, Raffles & Cash Prizes

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Among its most popular highlights are lucky draws and raffles, which can be life-changing. The most famous of these is the ‘Mega Raffle’, where people can win luxury cars, substantial gold, or huge cash prizes. Getting involved is usually pretty simple: you might receive a raffle ticket automatically when your spending at participating outlets surpasses a set amount, say AED 200. The lure of the raffles makes shopping trips a potentially transformative event for many.

DSF Tickets: Price, How & Where to Buy Online

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It is worth noting that there are no “tickets” for the Dubai Shopping Festival itself. You can enter the malls, pop-up markets, and general areas of the festival for free.

However, there are ticketed items at the festival:

• Concerts and shows featuring leading artists will be ticketed separately through official ticketing platforms.
• While most raffle entries can be earned through shopping, you can often buy tickets for major draws like the Mega Raffle. For example, a ticket may cost nearly 500 AED and can be bought via official online DSF channels or at several kiosks in major malls.

Always buy tickets from official sellers to make sure your ticket is valid.

Practical Tips for Visiting DSF

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Planning a little to make the most of your DSF experience will always help. Here are our best tips to help you navigate the festival:

• Schedule your visit beforehand, as the peak tourist season for Dubai is December and January. To enjoy the best rates and availability, it is recommended to book your flights and accommodation in advance.
• Shop on weekday mornings to avoid the biggest crowds. Keep a list of things you’re looking for to help you stay on track with the offers.
• Traveling from store to event can be tiring. For ultimate comfort, consider a luxury rental car. At Trinity Rental, we offer rent without deposit. Our fleet includes more than 80 cars with low mileage, including 2024 models, and we can deliver a car anywhere you need one.
• Make sure to check out the DSF social media channels for updates regarding flash sales and date-limited offers.
• Family Fun: If you are traveling with family, a visit to The Museum of Candy: Tickets, location, sneak peek and more can be a delightful break from shopping.

A dedicated manager will be at your service for any inquiry. With various ways to make the payment – cash, Visa, Mastercard, and even crypto – and a full tank of fuel as a gift, your journey is seamless. The rental includes an increased daily 250 km mileage, full insurance, and coverage for toll roads and VAT.