🎉 What Is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is one of the biggest annual retail and entertainment events in the world, held every winter in Dubai since 1996. Organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this month-long event transforms the entire city into a shopper’s paradise packed with huge discounts, daily raffles, cultural events, live concerts, fireworks, and family fun zones.
What makes DSF unique is that it’s not limited to just malls the entire city participates. From traditional souks and pop-up markets to luxury fashion outlets and mega-malls, deals and entertainment are everywhere. Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or you’re a resident, DSF is your chance to shop smarter and experience the city in full celebration mode.
Key Dates & Overview
- Festival Period: 15 December 2025 – 29 January 2026 (tentative)
- Hosted by Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (under Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism), DSF brings together citywide shopping, culture, and entertainment.
Tickets & Entry Info
- DSF itself is free you don’t need a ticket to enjoy mall sales, street activations, or outdoor shows.
- Some attractions require entry tickets, e.g. Global Village charges around USD 8 (≈ AED 29) per person.
- DSF mega raffles and promotions (like “Spend & Win” or “Scan & Win”) can be entered via purchases or raffle tickets (AED 100) available at ENOC ZOOM kiosks and Global Village.
How to Get There
| Venue | Directions |
|---|---|
| Global Village | 45 min from central Dubai; reachable by taxi, tour buses, or metro plus shuttle service. |
| Major DSF Malls | Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Festival City Mall, City Walk, etc. all centrally located with metro stations nearby. |
Tip: Use the Dubai Metro for fast access to most DSF venues; traffic gets heavy during December and early January.
DSF Highlights
- Unbeatable Discounts – Genuine storewide sales ranging from 25% to 75% off across fashion, electronics, home decor, and jewellery.
- Mega Raffles & Prizes – Daily draws include luxury cars, gold, travel vouchers, and up to AED 1 million prize value during select retail promotions.
- Live Events & Fireworks – Expect opening weekend concerts, nightly fireworks, fashion parades, and family shows across malls and public spaces.
- Family & Cultural Fun – Global Village with country pavilions, traditional food, amusement rides, and street performance zones.
What to Buy
- Gold & Jewellery – Festival discounts make it the best time to buy gold and diamond jewellery in Dubai.
- Electronics & Gadgets – Tax-free pricing and DSF deals offer major savings at stores like Carrefour, Lulu, and tech brands.
- Luxury Fashion – Malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates showcase high-fashion labels with deep discounts.
- Souvenirs & Handicrafts – Explore Global Village and Al Seef markets for ceramics, textiles, spices, and traditional arts.
Planning Tips (Smart & Save)
- Book your hotel and flights early: Prices surge during DSF due to demand.
- Use the official DSF app or websites to track deals, locations, and raffle entry codes.
- Shop early in the month for the widest stock; January often sees final clearance sales.
- Use public transport or shared services to avoid traffic delays around mall complexes.
- If using our affiliate booking link below, you can access curated DSF tours and discounted attraction passes easily.
Final Thoughts
DSF is more than just a shopping sale it’s a citywide celebration combining retail thrills, cultural experiences, and entertainment for every age group. Navigating venues is easy with clear tickets and transport info, and with our affiliate link, you get a seamless, value-packed DSF experience.
