Shopping in Dubai is much more interesting than it sounds. It is an experience in itself and is going to be a part of your lasting memories. Thousands of people flock to Dubai for shopping only and you should do the same this time at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26.
Looking for budget shopping experiences in Dubai? This upcoming event in Dubai can be the perfect excuse for you to splurge yet not burn a hole in your pockets. Mark your calendars, as the upcoming DSF 2025-26 is going to be magical.
Multiple shopping malls in Dubai are going to participate in the key event. You can also expect some of the biggest concerts in Dubai to happen around this period, in addition to lucrative mega raffles and more. There are enchanting outdoor pop-up markets to explore and hundreds of global and local brands to shop from.
Halsey is the headliner for this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival. You must realise that the rush is no joke this time. Therefore, book your tickets on time. In the grand DSF raffles, your prize money could be as high as AED 100,000. Isn’t it incredible? There is more. Scroll till the end for all the details on DSF 2025-26, one of the best things to do in Dubai.
When is Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26?
Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 is set for a grand opening on 5 December 2025 and shall run until 11 January 2026, proudly hosting one of the biggest celebrations in the Emirate. Dubai is a city that’s made for bucket lists (this is not just our experience, but of thousands of tourists choosing to travel to Dubai each year).
Considered the longest-running retail festival globally, DSF 2025-26 is not just about shopping in Dubai. You can be part of unforgettable performances, including epic New Year’s Eve displays and more. More on these in the subsequent sections.
Live concerts and events during DSF 2025-26
For a magical 38 days, this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival is going to engage people from different parts of the globe. You can find a number of concerts and events at DSF 2025-26, featuring Halsey, Sony Nigam and more.
But that’s not all. You can catch an exciting formation of drones (like diamonds in the sky, as Rihanna might sing). Don’t miss the DSF Drones event from December 5 to January 11 (basically, on each day of the shopping festival).
Let me take you through the DSF 2025-26 events list. December 6 marks the headliner’s entry. Global cultural icon and multi-platinum recording artist Halsey is headlining DSF Opening Concert at Coca-Cola Arena. Throughout the festival, you can experience electrifying DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall, one of the biggest shopping malls in Dubai. From vibrant concerts to family entertainment, there is a lot to see and do. Next, do not miss e& MOTB. Running from January 1 to 11, 2026, e& MOTB is the perfect outdoor attraction in Dubai to shop, eat and explore the latest urban street cultural trends.
Is that all? Definitely not.
There is more to Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 than it meets the eye. You get Sole DXB from December 12-14, featuring a packed schedule of live performances, DJ sets, sports tournaments and more. Indie rock legends Franz Ferdinand take to the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on December 13. See The Yemenis Orchestra perform the next day and book a spot at Hany Shaker and MaiFarouk’s take on Arabic music at Dubai Opera on December 23. On December 27, one of the most talented Indian singers, Sonu Nigam, performs.
The schedule screams ICONIC! Do not miss any one of these.
DSF Mega Raffles and Prizes
Take part in epic Dubai Shopping Festival raffles and mega contests for a change to grab home prizes as big as cars and thousands of dirhams in cash. There are cherished Nissan models, such as Magnite, Pathfinder and Xterra to take home. Get your DSF Mega Raffle Tickets today itself. These are priced at just AED 100 and can be bought at ENOC stations, ZOOM stores, Global Village Dubai and more places across the city.
DSF Mega Raffles Dates: 7 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
Family-friendly experiences and activities
The list could go on and on. But let me highlight some of the top family-friendly things to do at Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26. First of all, the drone event seen each night. Catch a glimpse of dozens of drones in spectacular formations across Dubai’s night sky. It is a scene not to be forgotten so easily.
From December 5 to January 11, you can also find irresistible shopping deals from more than 800 global and local brands at top malls in Dubai. In fact, this is one of the best periods to travel to Dubai just for the sake of shopping. You can also find TikTok and Instagram-trending finds at outdoor pop-up markets across the city.
Don’t miss DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall. You can find a lot of family-friendly entertainment. Top celebrities like Franz Ferdinand, Halsey and Sonu Nigam are also performing.
Oh, I cannot forget the second season of DSF Auto Season is also approaching fast. On top of it, incredible DSF Mega Raffles and other contests are on the table, featuring top prizes like cars and AED 100,000 in cash. Last but not least, don’t miss the incredible food items from different cuisines being sold at different locations in the city.
Dining and food experiences at Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26
Looking for one of the top outdoor attractions in Dubai? Step into e& MOTB at Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26. Back for its 13th season, e& MOTB is bringing one of the best outdoor markets in Dubai, ensuring plenty of options for entertainment, shopping and dining.
This is set to happen at Dubai Design District (d3) from January 1-11, 2026. Food and drinks are a big part of this place. You can indulge in 25+ foodie experiences. The best part? Entry is free and parking is free. Isn’t it incredible?
You can find more food options at Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 in different locations across the city. More details are expected in the coming days.
Travel tips for visiting Dubai during DSF 2025-26
Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 is bringing a busy period for the city. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the Emirate this time, but not just for DSF. The 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 period also features some of the biggest tourism experiences in Dubai, such as Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas Day brunches, New Year’s Eve celebrations and more. The rush is not going to be anything small.
In such times, let me highlight some of the basic suggestions for travellers planning trips to Dubai. Today itself, get your flight and visa applications sorted.
Book rooms at hotels that are close to your favourite things to do in Dubai. Basically, if you are seeking concerts, plan accommodation near Coca-Cola Arena. If looking for more of shopping, you can choose hotels near Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City Mall and more.
You should keep a Nol card. It can be used at Dubai Metro stations, other public transport modes and key retail outlets, too.
Last but not the least, pack comfortable clothes and shoes to go around Dubai during this time. You might be required to put in a lot of steps for shopping and the dancing at the concerts and all is also going to add up. Don’t miss this electrifying period. You are in for a lot of excitement and surprises. Check in for more details in the coming days.
Hotels near major DSF 2025-26 venues
The upcoming Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 is going to engulf the entire city and not just a tiny part of it. The concerts at DSF are to be hosted by multiple venues, such as Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Design District and more.
Here is a brief idea.
Top hotels near Coca-Cola Arena include Rove City Walk at 300 meters, Address Sky View at 600 meters, Hotel Sofitel Dubai Downtown at 600 meters, Shangri-La Dubai at 800 meters, Dusit Thani Dubai at 800 meters and Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai at 1.2 km. These are some of the best hotels in Dubai, holding a great deal of reputation for their hospitality, safety and comfort. Concertgoers at Coca-Cola Arena prefer these places.
For hotels near shopping malls in Dubai, check our Armani Hotel Dubai, Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai, Address Downtown, Address Dubai Mall, and Ramada by Wyndham near Dubai Mall (adjacent to the iconic Burj Khalifa); InterContinental Dubai, Holiday Inn and Suites Dubai and Crowne Plaza Dubai – Festival City by IHG near Dubai Festival City Mall; Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Hilton Garden Inn Dubai, Nas House Private and Shared Villas and Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha near Mall of the Emirates; Mercure Dubai Deira, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Hyatt Regency Dubai and Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef near BurJuman Mall; and Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai, Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta and Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai near Ibn Battuta Mall.
For hotels near Dubai Design District (d3) – host of Sole DXB and e& MOTB – check out The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, The First Collection Dubai Business Bay, Paramount Hotel Dubai and SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences.
Must-visit attractions in Dubai to tie to DSF shopping
Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 offers the best opportunity to explore a big chunk of the city’s tourism offerings. Travel to Dubai at any time from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. You can go around Dubai Fountain on one evening. This stunning attraction near the iconic Burj Khalifa has reopened after remaining closed for four months. You can grab a quick bite at one of the many restaurants near Dubai Fountain and check out the light and sound celebration, too.
Next, go to Global Village Dubai, one of the best family-friendly attractions in Dubai. You can see numerous country pavilions, dine on authentic delicacies from different parts of the globe, shop until you drop and see blinding drone displays and fireworks.
Don’t forget Dubai Miracle Garden at all costs. Please! You are going to adore this place. Full of tens of thousands of blooms and more, this beautiful garden in Dubai has opened just recently and is going to stay open for a good part of next year. Make sure to take a trip to Dubai Butterfly Garden just nearby.
There are multiple other Instagrammable attractions in Dubai, such as Dubai Frame, Musuem of the Future, to get a good glance of things to expect in the future and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for a memorable trip to old Dubai.
Next, let’s explore Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. This place is magical and so thrilling. People staying at the Aspen Ski Chalets at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates can also catch a good glimpse of Ski Dubai. You get to meet friendly penguins and ski right in the middle of a desert landscape. Isn’t it so pleasing?
Last but not least, take a trip to Dubai Hills Mall for The Storm Coaster. You are not going to be disappointed. This is a record-breaking, unique indoor coaster and is a big part of many tourists’ itineraries. Do not miss this top thrilling thing to do in Dubai.
Someone has said that Dubai is the city that is made for bucket lists – and I cannot agree more.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. When will Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 start and end?
Mark your calendars. Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 is happening across the Emirate from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
2. Which shopping malls in Dubai offer the biggest discounts during DSF?
You can expect a number of shopping malls in Dubai to participate in DSF 2025-26. Dubai Festival City Mall is hosting DSF nights, featuring concerts, family entertainment and more. Expect lucrative deals during this time at different retail outlets. More details on the same soon.
3. How to participate in DSF Raffles?
The process is quite simple. To participate in the DSF Mega Raffles:
– get your tickets for AED 100 at ENOC service stations and ZOOM stores
– 25 daily winners can claim a car from Nissan and AED 100,000 in cash
– every DSF raffle participant also gets a second chance to grab AED 400,000 in cash on the last day of the festival
– DSF Mega Raffles tickets can be purchased from 1 October 2025 to 11 January 2026
4. What are the best free events during DSF 2025-26?
There are many, to be honest. You can catch a glimpse of Dubai Shopping Festival drone displays throughout the season. Next, make the most of the free entry to e& MOTB at Dubai Design District (d3) to explore food, beverages, shopping and entertainment.
5. What are the shopping timings during DSF?
Scores of malls are going to participate in Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26, one of the highly anticipated events in Dubai. These malls open around 10-11 am and operate until late in the night, around 11 pm to 1 am. You can engage in some much-needed retail therapy.
6. Is DSF suitable for families and children?
Certainly. DSF, one of the best things to do in Dubai, is suitable for people of all ages.
Designer dreaming or tax free shopping in Dubai? The upcoming Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 is going to have it all, from shopping at some of the best malls in the city to enjoying at the best concerts and dining on the most sumptuous delicacies from different cuisines.
This one is one-of-a-kind and is bound to be totally unforgettable.
You need to start planning your trip to Dubai as soon as possible. Get your flight and visa procedures sorted and pack the comfiest shoes and clothes to take leisurely strolls around the city at ease. You are going to love this experience.
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