The annual extravaganza of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is like a delicious dessert everyone eagerly waits to indulge in after relishing all of Dubai’s year-round attractions. And the good news is that you can begin the countdown now, as the Dubai Shopping Festival 2024-25 will soon kick in for the 30th season!
Starting from December 6, 2024, and lasting until January 12, 2025, it is all set to take over Dubai for 38 days with a riot of vibrant activities and festivities. Discounts, raffles, mind-boggling leisure activities, live performances, and more – scroll down further to know everything lined up for the brand-new version of Shopping Festival Dubai.
Dubai Shopping Festival History
The Dubai Shopping Festival was launched in 1996 to boost tourism in Dubai, which until then entirely depended on its oil resources for the economy. The theme was ‘One World, One Family, One Festival.’ The first year saw a footfall of 1.6 million visitors from every corner of the world. During the first year, guests of DSF were welcomed on the red carpet and offered dates right at the airport. Since the first year, DSF has grown bigger and better. Each version of DSF arrives with a new theme, impressive attractions, and innovative ideas.
DSF 2024-25 is going to be the 30th year of the Dubai Shopping Festival, and one can surely expect something incredible and sensational on the table this time.
Dubai Shopping Festival Location
The Dubai Shopping Festival is not limited to one spot or mall. It is laid out across the whole city. Everyone is a part of this shopping festival, from the most prestigious malls to the modest traditional souks. The trending places to visit in Dubai during DSF are Global Village, Gold Souk, Dubai Mall, Dragon Mart, Lulu Village, Promenade at Dubai Festival City, Al Seef Street, Lamcy Plaza, DSF Desert Camp, Ibn Battuta Mall, Mercato Shopping Mall, and Majid Al Futtaim malls (including Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, My City Centre Al Barsha, Al Shindagha City Centre, and Me’aisem City Centre).
Must-Buys during Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival is known for its hefty bargains and exciting deals. But what exactly can one buy during the shopping festival?
Here are some of the top things offered on the best deals and cash backs at the DSF:
- Clothes: Dubai has huge stores of almost all luxury and international brands. Get ready to see an array of significant bargains on top-end brands like Prada, Christian Louboutin, Billionaire, Jack & Jones, Verri, Burberry, BOGGI, etc. In short, it is the ideal time to stock up your wardrobe with your favorite brands for the entire year without going broke.
- Gadgets: Buy the latest mobile phone or laptop at reasonable prices. Most electronics stores slashed prices by a considerable margin. You can buy electronic gadgets from Apple, Bose, Fujitsu, Acer, Sony, etc., at unbelievable prices during the DSF.
- Accessories: Everything, including perfumes, bags, watches, cosmetics, and jackets, sells dirt cheap during the DSF. You can buy the branded and most expensive accessories without going over your budget or feeling guilty about them at the shopping festival in Dubai.
- Gold Jewelry: Buying gold is considered cheaper in Dubai as it is tax-free, and you can bargain on the making charges. Moreover, during DSF, gold jewelry becomes even more affordable. From heavy traditional pieces to delicate contemporary ones, there is a variety of jewelry at inexpensive rates.
- Carpets: Wish to own a classic Arabic or one-off Persian rug that would adorn your living room? If yes, the Dubai Shopping Festival is the right place to shop for decor to deck up your home. Carpet merchants offer premium carpets for around 50%-75% off during the shopping festival.
Things to Do in Dubai During the Dubai Shopping Festival
1. DSF 2024-25 to be Grander than Ever
Started as a retail event more than three decades ago, it has become an international event, attracting people from all over the globe. Thanks to all the innovative endeavors of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), instrumental in the magnanimous success of this event that goes from strength to strength with a different theme every year. Surely, you can expect the DSF 2024-25 to be full of surprises.
2. Be Part of the 321 Festival on DSF Opening Weekend
The 30th edition of DSF kicks off with diverse signature experiences, especially the 321 Festival on December 6 and 8, 2024. The much-anticipated event will bring together some of the brilliant artists, such as Coke Studio and Georges Wassouf and Kadim Al Sahir.
3. Luxury Shopping for Super Less DSF Season Sale
Experience discount shopping at its full force with a variety of DSF season sales! Starting from the first day of the Dubai festival, this includes several amazing deals wherein 700 plus brands from more than 3000 outlets are available for the best-ever prices. Not to mention, you’ll be able to enjoy a flat 25% to 75% discount on your shopping spree at participating malls and other DSF locations like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Al Rigga Street, and Al Seef Street. So do luxury shopping and stock up on the most premium-branded merchandise, ranging from perfumes, apparel, jewelry, and cosmetics to confectionaries, carpets, and electronic gadgets.
Further, don’t overlook Dubai’s traditional markets and events, such as Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Carpet and Art Oasis, for a high-end shopping experience. There is also Al Seef Market, a blend of old and new. Set up along Dubai Creek, it will be at its best during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Need professional and personalized assistance to trawl the immense DSF shopping possibilities? You can easily get it done by booking an exclusive shopping tour.
4. Make the Most of DSF Surprises
Celebrate the brand-new version of DSF with the special surprises that allows you to win grand wins and massive discounts. Make sure that you stay in the know about DSF updates at @CelebrateDubai and @StyleByDubai.
5. Watch Gorgeous Fireworks Displays and a Special DSF Drone Light Show
The stunning firework displays held across Dubai’s prime spots during DSF are legendary, such as at Dubai Festival Mall (every day) and Hatta (every Friday and Saturday). Another highlight of the season is the breathtaking Drone Light Show, a record-breaking show that will take place at Bluewaters Island and The Beach (JBR).
Suggested Read: Where to Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Dubai
6. Enjoy Dubai Lights and Special DSF New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Throughout the DSF’s duration, see Dubai glittering with exceptional light displays, thanks to the fourth season of Dubai Lights at Al Seef, Al Marmoom, Bluewaters, and Dubai Design District. You can also witness exclusive DSF fireworks on New Year across Dubai’s iconic spots, including Al Seef, Hatta, Dubai Festival City Mall, Bluewaters Island, and The Beach, JBR.
7. Don’t Miss the Chance to Win Mega Raffles
Beyond discounts and promotions, the raffle draw is one aspect that generates an incredible traffic magnet during DSF Dubai.
Apparently, for most visitors, the most exciting part of the event is its chances to take home jaw-dropping prizes worth millions of dirhams. The most noteworthy among them are:
- DSF Mega Raffle :
This DSF season allows you to take home the latest model of the Nissan Patrol. Get the raffle coupon by purchasing things worth a minimum of AED 200 or more at the outlets across ENOC and EPPCO petrol stations. That apart, it gives you the chance to win a cash prize worth AED 100,000 daily. The names of the winners will be announced at Global Village.
- ENOC Grand Raffle :
Get your grand raffle coupon with a minimum spend of AED 25 at Zoom outlets or AED 50 at Autopro between October and January. You can also get this coupon by shopping at Tasjeel and other participating ENOC outlets or brands. Over 100 winners can walk away with cash prizes worth a whopping AED 4 million, apart from automotive and electronics worth AED 250,000. Apart from these, it allows you to win AED 100,000 in cash daily throughout this DSF season.
8. Experience the DSF Spirit to the Fullest at Global Village
This multicultural entertainment park is the largest of its kind and lives up to its theme. Showcasing 90 countries in close to 30 pavilions, Global Village is where you can explore and relish authentic cultures, arts and crafts, cuisines, shopping delights, and traditional performances of different parts of the world. Moreover, it’s expected to host over 40,000 performances, including live concerts, this season. There is no better time than the DSF to enjoy this seasonal attraction. So, whether you’re in Dubai for a week, a day, or even a few hours, visit this ultimate leisure and entertainment hub.
Global Village Timings
Sunday to Wednesday: 16:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
Thursday to Saturday and Public Holidays: 16:00 hrs to 01:00 hrs (next day)
Tuesdays are ladies-and-families only day
Suggested Read: Things to Do in Global Village Dubai
9. Explore a Galore of Fashion Festivities
Fashion enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the crammed line-up of fashion events throughout the DSF. Yes, you can be part of several fashion-centric shows and programs that introduce you to high-street fashion as well as the season’s debut collections from some of the most sought-after names in the industry. That’s not all; you’ll get to turn heads with your distinct sense of fashion and win exciting prizes. It’s courtesy of Fashion Squad, wherein a team of accomplished fashion bloggers will scour the packed malls and streets to spot the most impeccably dressed fashionistas.
10. Let Shopping & Dining Go Hand in Hand
Dubai is a foodie’s paradise! And DSF is undoubtedly the best time to sample Dubai’s generous array of culinary offerings. Featuring live cooking stations, hot snack counters, and extensive F&B outlets, among others, the majority of the region’s malls, souks, restaurants, and hotels allow you to treat your taste buds to the most tempting local specialties and international delicacies. For a distinct experience, visit attractions like the Ripe Outdoor Market, where you can savor the freshest organic fruits and vegetables.
11. Look out for these Extraordinary Events and Activities: Market Outside the Box, Live Performances, Cultural Experiences, and More
Things to do at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2024-25 also include an invigorating spectrum of events. This indicates that there is something to suit every preference. Held at Burj Park near Burj Khalifa, Market Outside the Box is one event you should not miss if you wish to be a part of unique fun, entertainment, and cultural happenings. Watch live shows, soak up the carnival-like atmosphere, and experience astounding creativity by more than a hundred designers. You’ll be able to check out many live shows and performances. For culture buffs, a not-to-miss is Heritage and Diving Village, with a whole lot of activities centered on the rich Emirati heritage and traditions.
12. Things to do When You are Not Shoppi
Along with revelries thrown all over the city, make sure that you take time to marvel at Dubai’s latest attractions, such as the Museum of the Future, the View at the Palm, ARTE Museum Dubai, Museum of Candy, and Madame Tussauds Dubai, to name a few. Furthermore, don’t miss out on Dubai’s all-time favorite highlights and experiences, including Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Desert Safari, and Dhow Cruise. To ensure great savings on your Dubai exploration, you can take advantage of unbelievable DSF discounts, promotions, and coupons from reputable destination management companies and tour operators. You can also consider all-encompassing Dubai Shopping Festival packages to maximize your DSF fun!
Suggested : Best Things to do in Dubai
Book Dubai City Tour packages with Rayna Tours and experience the best attractions of Dubai at the lowest price.
Why should you be a part of the Dubai Shopping Festival?
So, you may want to know what the big deal about the Dubai Shopping Festival is and why you should drop everything to visit Dubai during the shopping festival. Know the prime reasons that make being a part of DSF worth it:
- You can shop at amazing discounts (sometimes at blockbuster 70%-90%). Even if the store is not offering discounts, you will surely grab some prestigious deals.
- Apart from saving money while shopping at the DSF, you can also have the chance to win great prizes like luxury cars, money, gold jewelry, etc., through raffle draws that take place every week.
- The entire city comes to life during the month-long festival. Treat yourself and have unlimited fun by attending concerts, entertainment shows, live events, etc.
- Whatever your interests, the Dubai Shopping Festival will keep you engaged and entertained.
As we’ve done our part, all you need to do is bookmark this comprehensive compilation of DSF activities and plan by applying for your Dubai visit visa and booking your hotel accommodation in advance. You can rest assured of an unforgettable Dubai visit.
It not just a festival, it is the right time to save money. This new initiative will help to save money also the place Dubai is one of the best place to visit, to live and to do shopping. Subscribed your blog..
What we love about Dubai Shopping Festival is the multicultural entertainment park named Global Village. This is where we experienced culture, tradition, and food of not just one but many countries all at one place.
Shopping, fun, adventure, and great foods make Dubai Shopping Festival a must-to-participate event. If luck is with you, there is even a chance of winning great prices on shopping.
We have had the pleasure of vacationing in the UAE during the Dubai Shopping Festival. This is one of the events that we wait eagerly. The only thing we lament about our luck is that despite shopping twice, we never won any raffle. Nevertheless, we will not stop enjoying the DSF.