Dubai is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iconic Shopping Festival (DSF) with an unprecedented lineup of events. Running from December 6, 2024, to January 12, 2025, this year’s festival promises 38 days of exhilarating entertainment, captivating retail offers, and spectacular citywide experiences, solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a premier global destination.
A Milestone Celebration
The 30th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival marks a significant milestone, transforming the entire city into a vibrant hub of activity. What began three decades ago as a modest sales event has evolved into the world’s longest-running retail festival, now encompassing world-class events, gastronomy, concerts, and immersive experiences.
Key Highlights of DSF 2024-2025
- Spectacular Visuals: Enjoy daily fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta, alongside twice-daily drone shows at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR, featuring 1,000 drones. The Dubai Lights installations will also illuminate iconic locations with interactive art.
- Star-Studded Entertainment: The 321 Festival kicked off DSF with performances by Georges Wassouf and Kadim Al Sahir, and Coke Studio Live. Upcoming acts include Yara, Hany Shaker, and Sergei Makovetsky, with X Factor live shows every Sunday.
- New Experiences: This year introduces "The Uncommon x DSF" at Al Marmoom, offering a unique desert experience with lighting installations, firepit gatherings, and outdoor cinema. "DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall" features free-to-attend concerts and IMAGINE shows. "DSF x Hatta" transforms Hatta Wadi Hub into a festive retreat.
- Unbeatable Shopping Deals: The DSF Sale Season, starting December 26, offers discounts of up to 75% across over 800 global brands in 3,500 outlets. Shoppers can also participate in various raffles and loyalty programs for a chance to win substantial prizes, including cash, gold, and cars.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: The festival features a diverse range of family entertainment, including "The Nutcracker" at Dubai Opera, "Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical," "CoComelon Live: Sing-A-Long," and "Aladdin in Dubai." The Winter District at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre offers a festive wonderland.
Shopping and Raffles
DSF is synonymous with unparalleled shopping opportunities. Beyond the citywide sales, numerous raffles and promotions offer incredible prizes:
- DSF VISA DIB Millionaire: Spend AED 500 cumulatively with a Dubai Islamic Bank Visa Debit or Credit Card for a chance to win 1 million dirhams.
- Dubai Jewellery Group: Every AED 1,500 jewelry purchase earns a raffle coupon to win a share of AED 1.5 million in gold.
- DSF Mega Raffle: Daily winners can receive a new Nissan vehicle and AED 100,000 in cash, with a weekly draw for a Nissan Patrol.
Citywide Events and Activities
Beyond shopping, DSF offers a rich calendar of events:
- Sole DXB: The contemporary culture festival returns from December 13-15.
- Concerts: Lionel Richie will perform on New Year’s Eve, with other A-list artists throughout the festival.
- Sporting Events: The Dubai Racing Carnival, Dubai Marathon, and Dubai Crown Prince Camel Festival are among the highlights.
Dubai’s 30th Dubai Shopping Festival is set to be an unforgettable celebration, offering something for everyone, from avid shoppers and entertainment seekers to families and cultural enthusiasts.
Sources
- Extraordinary Line-Up of Only-in-Dubai Experiences Keeps DSF’s Third Week Dazzling!, Emirates24|7.
- Dubai Shopping Festival unveils the most extraordinary line-up of events to date for its historic 30th
anniversary edition – Lifestyle, Emirates24|7. - Eid Al Adha 2025 in Dubai: Massive savings for Eid shoppers as 90% sale kicks off, Gulf News.
- The 30th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival is set to kick off in 6 December – Lifestyle, Emirates24|7.
- The 30th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off today – Lifestyle, Emirates24|7.