• DECEMBER 19, 2025
• Travel

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2025–26

Dubai has officially transformed! The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is now in full swing, running from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026. As your local travel partners, we know that DSF is more than just a sale—it is 38 days of city-wide energy. From sky-lighting pyrotechnics to life-changing prize draws, here is everything you need to know to navigate the festival like a local.

What’s Fresh for the 2025–26 Season?

Every year, Dubai pushes the boundaries of entertainment. This season, the festival is breaking records with "first-time-ever" experiences: • The Drone & Pyro Symphony: Every night at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, the sky above Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, comes alive. This year, 1,000+ LED drones are joined by 100 pyro-drones (firework drones), creating a cinematic display set to a custom score by the legendary Hans Zimmer. • DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub: For those who love the "World's Coolest Winter," DSF has headed to the mountains. Expect outdoor Candlelight Concerts, gourmet food pop-ups, and the debut of Dinner in the Sky in Hatta. • e& MOTB (Market Outside The Box): From January 1–11, the Dubai Design District (d3) becomes the hub for Gen-Z fashion, homegrown Emirati labels, and the city’s best street food.

Where to Find the "Big" Deals

During DSF, discounts range from 25% to a staggering 90%. Here is where to spend your time:

• The Luxury Hubs : For high-end fashion and rare price drops on brands like Gucci or Prada, Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are your primary destinations. Insider Tip: Look out for the 12-Hour Sale announcements. It typically happens at Majid Al Futtaim malls and offers the deepest discounts of the season.
• Electronics & Tech : Visit City Centre Malls or Sharaf DG outlets. During DSF, these retailers often provide "bundle offers" (e.g., a free soundbar with a laptop) that offer better value than online shopping.
• The City of Gold : The Dubai Jewellery Group is offering a "Half Back" promotion on diamond jewelry and zero making charges on select gold. Plus, spending AED 1,500 can enter you into a draw to win a share of 5kg of gold!

How to Win Big: The 2025 Raffles

You don’t just spend money at DSF—you have a real chance to win it back.

• DSF Super Shopper: Spend just AED 100 between Dec 5 and Dec 25. Scan your receipt at the store to enter. One lucky winner will take home AED 500,000, and five others will win AED 100,000 each.
• DSF Mega Raffle: Purchase a ticket for AED 100 at ENOC stations or Zoom stores for a chance to win a brand-new Nissan and AED 100,000 in cash every single day.

Local Expert Tips for Tourists

1. VAT Refunds: Don't forget to ask for a "Tax-Free" tag at the counter. You can claim your 5% VAT back at the airport kiosks before you fly home.
2. Timing is Everything: To avoid the massive crowds, try to do your mall shopping on weekday mornings (between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM).
3. Stay Mobile: Traffic near JBR and Dubai Mall is heavy during DSF. Use the Dubai Metro—most major malls are directly connected to a station.

Let Us Handle the Details

Planning a trip during peak season can be stressful. As a Dubai-based tourism agency, we are here to make it seamless.

• Express Tourist Visas: We provide fast-track 30-day and 60-day visa services for visitors.
• Curated DSF Packages: From desert safaris to VIP shopping transfers, we build itineraries that show you the best of the festival.