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When “Dubai Shopping Festival” comes to mind, many picture crowded malls, endless racks, and the pursuit of bargains. The assumption is straightforward: it’s purely about shopping, nothing more.
The reality, however, is something entirely different. The festival transforms the city into a stage of wonder and discovery. Fireworks illuminate the skyline, pop-up performances enliven the streets, immersive installations invite exploration, and curated culinary experiences turn every corner into a moment to savour. It’s an event that surprises, captivates, and redefines everything you thought a shopping festival could be.
With so much on offer, knowing where to begin is essential. You may not experience it all, so choice becomes key. For 2025–2026, the focus is on selecting the events and experiences that leave a lasting impression; the moments that will linger long after the festival lights fade and the shopping bags are unpacked.
At a Glance:
Since its debut in 1996 to boost retail trade and position Dubai as a global shopping destination, the Dubai Shopping Festival has grown into a citywide celebration. Fashion, entertainment, and culture now merge across streets, malls, and public spaces, turning every corner of Dubai into a stage for discovery and delight.
From 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, the festival takes over the city with new retail openings, large-scale installations, and a calendar of performances that keep Dubai in constant celebration.
If you’ve ever wanted luxury brands at fraction prices, the Dubai Shopping Festival offers discounts of up to 90% across fashion, electronics, and home goods. Shoppers can browse curated collections and exclusive deals at the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates, and the Ibn Battuta Mall.
At the same time, exciting mega raffles offer chances to win luxury cars, gold, cash, and more, with daily draws turning every purchase into a potential reward.
During the Dubai Shopping Festival, the city’s skyline transforms into a canvas of light and colour. Each evening, Dubai Festival City Mall hosts a fireworks display that reflects over the water, creating a vibrant spectacle.
At The Beach at JBR and Bluewaters Island, over 1,000 synchronised drones perform dynamic aerial shows, forming intricate patterns and animations in the night sky. These events are free to attend and offer a unique way to experience the city's festive atmosphere.
Timings:
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) transforms the city into a culinary playground. Pop-up markets like CanteenX and e& MOTB feature local and international vendors, gourmet street food, interactive workshops, and live entertainment, creating an immersive experience where visitors can taste diverse cuisines and meet the chefs.
For those seeking a more refined meal, DOORS Dubai at the Dubai Mall provides a sophisticated setting with panoramic views of the Dubai Fountain. Mediterranean elegance meets oriental flair here, offering a memorable dining experience with stunning views in the heart of the city.
DSF 2025–2026 offers experiences that turn every corner of Dubai into a discovery, a moment, and a story you can’t find anywhere else. Visitors can expect:
Also Read: Best Cultural Places to Visit in Dubai
After a day of installations, performances, and desert retreats, the evening will invite you to fine dining that captures the spirit and celebration of Dubai in every dish. DOORS Dubai, located in the heart of the Dubai Mall, provides the perfect conclusion.
Guests can indulge in a variety of dishes, from expertly grilled meats to fresh seafood, each prepared with precision and passion. Complementing the culinary offerings is the Mixology Lab, where masterful bartenders craft bespoke cocktails that elevate the dining experience. Reserving a table ensures a seamless and uninterrupted experience.
For those seeking something extraordinary, the Presidential Table elevates the evening: a personalised dining experience with bespoke service, a curated tasting journey, and the privacy to savour every course at your own pace.
It’s a natural extension of the festival’s spirit; immersive, indulgent, and unforgettable.
The festival runs from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, bringing six weeks of shopping, shows, and citywide celebrations.
Most highlights, including fireworks and drone shows, are free; however, concerts, dining events, and premium experiences may require advance booking.
Tickets, priced around AED 100, are sold at ENOC, ZOOM, Global Village, and kiosks, with prizes ranging from luxury cars to daily cash rewards.
Fireworks light up Festival City Mall nightly, with New Year’s Eve displays across Al Seef, Hatta, Bluewaters, and JBR, while drone shows dazzle twice daily at Bluewaters and The Beach.
Street-food pop-ups like CanteenX capture the festival’s energy, while DOORS Dubai offers refined dining with panoramic fountain views at the Dubai Mall.
Discover IMAGINE, the Festival City light show in Dubai with water, fire, and projection nightly. Free entry, top views, family fun, and dining nearby.
Celebrate Christmas in Dubai with festive brunches. Discover top venues, seasonal menus, family-friendly options, and refined dining at DOORS Dubai.
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