Get Ready for 38 Days Of Unmissable Deals, Citywide Experiences and Out of this World Events

Get ready for the event of the year as the highly anticipated Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns today (Friday 8th December) for its 29th edition – an epic citywide showcase of out-of-this-world shopping, culinary and experiences.  

Running for an impressive 38 days until 14th January 2024, this year’s DSF is set to ignite the winter season with an unparalleled array of exciting promotions, awe inspiring events and spectacular activities for everyone, every day, in every corner of Dubai. From magical winter markets, unique pop ups and live sporting events to captivating performances, family activations, outstanding gastronomy and the return of Dubai Lights with daily drone shows, DSF promises to be an extraordinary celebration, catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of its residents and visitors from around the globe.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy the best that Dubai has to offer this winter. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store…

An out-of-this-world opening week with new and returning events 

An exciting addition to the DSF roster, Sole DXB is the region’s coolest lifestyle and street-culture festival. Taking place at Dubai Design District (d3) from 8th to 10th December 2023, this edition will be packed with sports tournaments, DJ sets and live performances, including headliner Busta Rhymes and an impressive line-up of rap artists featuring Jadakiss, Tobe Nwigne, Big Daddy Kane, ODDISEE, Soulja and the first female Turkish trap rapper, Lil Zey. Plus, there will be many more activations, workshops, and programmes with designers, creatives, speakers and brands from across the region.

Also taking place from 8th to 10th December is the extraordinary Slava’s Snow Show at Dubai Opera. Enchanting audiences with its enduring magic, the show will dazzle and delight audiences in its whimsical world of wonder. Other first weekend highlights include: the Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival – the ultimate racing event of the season; The Big Football Weekend – a three-day extravaganza featuring an exciting quiz, exclusive meet up with football manager Sam Allardyce and traditional British Roast Dinner at The Coterie Social; EarthSoul Fest at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre – the UAE’s first and premier eco-conscious music festival where music, art and sustainability unite; and a series of pop-ups including the Icons Exhibition – a premier fashion showcase boasting an extensive array of kaftans, abayas, winter wear, and exquisite jewelry accessories.

Another not-to-be missed performance is Handel’s Messiah – the crowning achievement of the renowned composer George Frideric Handel, which will be performed by the Astana Opera Orchestra and The Festival Chorus, conducted by Rob Johnston, on 13th December 2023. There will also be the first ever edition of Canteen X, a spin-off of the much-loved Etisalat Beach canteen, at Mushrif Park. Taking place between 15th and 31st December 2023 from 4pm to 1am, check out this exclusive free culinary experience, with over 20 homegrown foodie brands to explore. The event also features an outdoor market with family-friendly entertainment, including inflatables, trampolines, and gaming zone. Visitors can also watch films on a large screen in the parking area, with the option to tune in with their radio frequency and order food from the comfort of their cars.

Running throughout DSF  

Taking place from 10th December 2023 until 14th January 2024 is the awe-inspiring Dubai Lights DSF Drone show. Presented by Emarat Petroleum, prepare to be captivated by a mesmerising display in which a breathtaking story will unfold in the night sky above Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, every evening at 8pm and 10pm. Offering another spectacular experience, Dubai Lights will run until 14th January 2024, transforming the city into a vibrant canvas of creativity and artistry with unique installations at various locations. This year, Dubai Lights introduces the world-renowned inflatable duo, The Anooki, who will light up Al Seef, Hatta, Etisalat MOTB, and d3.

There will also be Dubai Neon at Al Seef, where neon lights will transform the marketplace and Dubai Souk into a dazzling world of positivity and inspiration with uplifting messages and enlightening quotes, while 40 Dubai Creek Abras create an awe-inspiring display of colour, captivating visitors of all ages with its beauty. Meanwhile, Modesh and his friend Dana will be the star attraction at City Centre Mirdif, with the Modesh Inflatable standing over 10 metres tall creating a spectacular visual display for people passing by. What’s more, Amazon Wonder at Palm West Beach will feature life-size installations of Amazonian parrots plus stunning artworks of flowers and leaves from the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

Explore Dubai’s outstanding selection of outdoor markets and not-to-be-missed retail and foodie experiences, including The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall. Running from 4pm to 10pm until 30th April 2024, it invites visitors to experience a whole host of food trucks, unique shopping finds, and family-friendly activities. Until 14th January, you can also catch out-of-this-world acts and performances at some of the top shopping centres in the city. Featuring dance, music, acrobatics, beatboxing, drumming, theatre, aerial shows, water shows, and more by homegrown and internationally beloved stars alike, don’t miss out on these incredible showcases taking place at City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, Nakheel Mall, Khawaneej Walk and Last Exit, Al Seef, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Bluewaters, and Palm West Beach.

Of course, DSF would not be complete without incredible deals, discounts and promotions from some of the city’s best known and loved brands. In addition, various loyalty programmes such as the Amber Millionaire, are offering exclusive deals and opportunities to earn points for their members. By spending AED 300 or more at any of the 18 participating brands in the DSF Lucky Receipt, shoppers could be one 324 winners of prizes such as Apple watches and iPads, gold bracelets, homeware item and kitchen appliances, beauty hampers, perfumes and much more between 8th and 25th December 2023.

There is also the chance to win big with Tickit, a first-of-its-kind rewards programme offering members an effortless and instant way to earn and redeem points. Shop using your debit or credit card linked to your Tickit account from 8th December 2023 to 14th January 2024 and win daily prizes. Additionally you will get a chance to enter the draw where one lucky winner will win the grand prize of 100,000 Tickit points worth a whopping AED 100,000 in the DSF Golden Tickit. To enter the grand prize draw, spend AED 200 or more during DSF. Make sure your UAE-issued Visa or MasterCard – either debit or credit card – is linked to your account to complete your entry into the prize draws.

Offering even more chances to win, there will also be a series of raffles, including: the DSF Mega Raffle, which will give away brand-new cars to winning ticket holders every day from 9th December 2023 to 14th January 2024 as well as a huge AED 500,000 cash prize to one lucky winner at the end of DSF; Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG), where you can shop, spin and win with draws taking place on 16th, 23rd and 30th December 2023, as well as 6th and 13th January 2024; and the Dubai Jewellery Group, with up to 25 kilos of gold up for grabs at raffle draws every other day until 14th January 2024. 

Coming soon… 

Get ready for an extraordinary lineup at the Coca-Cola Arena this DSF. On 22nd December 2023, Chris Brown will take to the stage with his incredible talent, while on December 30th, Sean Paul and T.I. will ignite the arena with their electrifying performances. Sing, dance, and groove to their greatest and most popular hits, as these iconic artists create an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Michael McIntrye will also perform his side-splitting comedy live on 13th January 2024.

A treat for automotive enthusiasts everywhere, the Emirates Classic Vehicles Festival will transform City Walk into a showcase of timeless vehicles down through the eras of automotive history from 15th to 24th December 2023. Additionally, the Dubai Police Carnival will take place from 4th to 8th January 2024, also at City Walk, bringing many incredible performances and showcasing music through the ages, along with an impressive line-up of vehicles for visitors to view.

DSF’s flagship event, Etisalat MOTB, returns this year from 5th to 14th January 2024 at Dubai Design District (d3), the epicentre of creativity and design in Dubai. Bringing together a range of local and international brands, food trucks and live entertainment, this alternative concept will be the perfect spot to enjoy Dubai’s exceptional winter weather, with something for all ages to enjoy. There is also Tunes DXB from 5th to 14th January 2023 and the second largest 24-hour race grid in the world from 12th to 14th January 2023, where international drivers will steer GT and touring cars at the Dubai Autodrome, testing their skill and stamina on the 5.39km circuit – to give you just a smaller taster as to what’s coming up.

Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Jumbo and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Enoc, Etisalat by e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.

Experience exceptional entertainment and adventures for all, every day, in a city like no other, with the 29th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. Running from 8th December 2023 to 14th January 2024, get set to see the city at its best during the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy Dubai’s perfect winter weather. Adventures are waiting to be discovered in every corner – from enchanting experiences to out of this world entertainment –  each and every day, for 38 days. And of course, Dubai Shopping Festival promises the very best in retail experiences – with sales, discounts, pop-up markets featuring homegrown exclusives, high street favourites, the ultimate in luxury and a variety of retail offerings, with something for everyone

To explore all that Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer, check out Visit Dubai and @CelebrateDubai, @DiscoverDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.