The desert metropolis of Dubai undergoes a magical transformation every winter, evolving into a colossal hub of festivities. The epicentre of this seasonal jubilation is the much-awaited Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, the 2025-26 edition is scheduled to run from December 26, 2025, to February 1, 2026. This grand event masterfully weaves together shopping, entertainment, gourmet dining, and lucrative rewards into one seamless experience.
Unbeatable Discounts and Festive Markets
For bargain hunters, the festival kicks off with a bang on December 26. This date heralds the return of the famed 12-Hour Mega Sale at Majid Al Futtaim malls, including the Mall of the Emirates and City Centre locations. Shoppers can avail themselves of jaw-dropping discounts of up to 90% from 10 AM to 10 PM on premium items. The sale frenzy doesn't end there, as the broader DSF Sale Season continues with over 800 global brands offering reductions between 25% and 75%.
Beyond the mall corridors, traditional festive charm awaits at curated markets. Visitors can explore the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market or the Winter City at Expo City Dubai. These venues recreate a European Christmas in the desert with giant trees, gingerbread houses, and simulated snowfall, offering a perfect family outing.
Win Big and Celebrate with Spectacular Shows
What truly distinguishes DSF from a typical sale is the element of winning grand prizes. The popular Shop, Scan & Win campaign allows customers who spend AED 300 or more at participating outlets to scan their receipts for weekly draws. The grand prizes include five Nissan Patrol SE T2 2026 vehicles. Additionally, individual malls run their own promotions with cash rewards and gift vouchers, encouraging exploration across the city.
The entertainment lineup is equally staggering. The skies over Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, will come alive with a breathtaking 1,000-drone show synced to a powerful soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer. The free shows run nightly at 8 PM and 10 PM. Special displays on December 13 and January 11 will feature 'pyro-drones' and skydivers adding trails of fire and light.
New Year's Eve and Visitor's Guide
As the city counts down to 2026, fireworks displays will reach a spectacular scale. While the Burj Khalifa show draws global attention, DSF offers fantastic free alternatives. Souk Al Seef & Marsa Boulevard will host nightly fireworks at 8:30 PM, culminating in a grand New Year's Eve finale. Dubai Festival City Mall's 'IMAGINE' show will present special festive editions daily, with fireworks every Saturday and a massive NYE countdown. For a unique mountain vibe, Hatta will host DSF nights with fireworks at 8 PM on specific dates.
To navigate the festive season, here's a quick guide to key DSF activities:
- 12-Hour Mega Sale: December 26, 10 AM – 10 PM at MAF Malls. Free Entry.
- DSF Drone Show: Daily at 8 PM & 10 PM at Bluewaters/JBR. Free Public Viewing.
- Nightly Fireworks at Al Seef: Daily at 8:30 PM. Free.
- Winter City at Expo City Dubai: Daily, 2 PM – 10 PM. Tickets start from Dh20.
With participation from more than 3,500 stores and 1,000+ brands, the Dubai Shopping Festival has cemented its status as a world-class retail and tourism extravaganza. It successfully blends commerce with cutting-edge entertainment and digital engagement, reinforcing Dubai's global appeal during the liveliest time of the year.
