You already know that the most satisfying shopping moments come alive in malls or bustling cultural markets. It is in the kind of places where you can touch, feel, and truly experience what you’re buying.
But did you know there’s an entire festival designed to take that very shopping experience to an entirely new high?
Yes, that happens every year at the Dubai Shopping Festival.
And it’s not just about clothes, bags, or accessories. Here, you stumble upon big deals on cars, immersive visual experiences, and a whole world of thrills you never knew shopping could offer.
In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about the dazzling events and mind-blowing experiences lined up for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025. So stay with us till the end so that you don’t miss a thing.
What is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
Dubai Shopping Festival arrives every year in late December and carries its festive energy well into January. What began in 1996 as a focused effort to boost Dubai’s retail scene has, over the years, transformed into one of the world’s most spectacular shopping festivals. This festival has turned into an extravaganza that pulls in travelers from across the globe with its irresistible charm and larger-than-life experiences.
Dubai Shopping Festival is a 38-day, non-stop celebration of fashion, luxury, food, and pure fun in the heart of Dubai. During the festival, the entire city transforms: the streets shimmer with installations, the malls explode with offers, and the traditional markets of Dubai buzz like they’re alive with their own pulse. And for every shopaholic wandering through this festival, it’s the perfect cocktail of excitement and indulgence.
That moment you spot the outfit?
That sudden adrenaline rush?
That sweet dopamine hit followed by warm, slow contentment?
It all blends into a blissful high that makes DSF feel less like a shopping spree and more like an experience you want to relive again and again.
For Indian travelers with a taste for luxury and a love for shopping, DSF is particularly exciting because it’s perfectly timed with winter vacations and major holiday breaks.
When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025?
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2025 starts from 5 December 2025 and runs till 11 January 2026.
Now, this is the perfect time for Indian travelers looking to combine shopping with a short winter getaway. It also aligns with major concerts, Auto Season, night festivals, and grand prize draws.
Tip: Booking flights and accommodation early ensures you get the best deals.
Date and Month-Wise Distribution of Activities at DSF
It might make you wonder, does a festival that runs for over a month ever get dull? Absolutely not. At the Dubai Shopping Festival, every single day brings something new to indulge in. And to make your planning easier, we’ve broken down the lineup, so you know exactly what to expect and when. Here’s how the festival unfolds:
- Late December: If you wish to travel in the month of December, you will enjoy
- Grand opening ceremony
- Mall activations with themed decorations
- Early-bird sale discounts
- Fireworks and street performances
- First Week of January: If you’re planning to kickstart your year in Dubai, you’ll get to experience:
- Fashion shows and designer showcases
- Celebrity concerts in major arenas
- Cultural parades and exhibitions
- Mid-January: This time is perfect for those whose shopping instincts work a little differently. During this time, you get to enjoy:
- Auto Season with luxury car displays
- Electronics and tech discounts
- Lucky draws and prize giveaways
- Late January: The final stretch of the Dubai Shopping Festival brings you
- Closing celebrations and night festivals
- Final mega discounts in malls
- Special cultural and food festivals
Knowing this schedule helps you plan your trip smartly and catch the experiences that matter most to you.
Concerts in Night Festival at DSF 2025
There are many international and regional artists performing at The Dubai Shopping Festival. To help you plan out your trip, so that you get the best concert experience, we have curated the list of artists performing at the festival-
| Date | Artist(s) | Details |
| 6th December 2025 | Nora Fatehi | Entry: 07:00 p.mShow Starts at: 08:30 p.m |
| 13th December 2025 | Mahmoud El Esseily and Nader Hamdy | Entry: 07:00 p.mShow Starts at: 08:30 p.m |
| 20th December 2025 | Dalia & Mahmoud Alturky | Entry: 07:00 p.mShow Starts at: 08:30 p.m |
| 27th December 2025 | Ruby | Entry: 07:00 p.mShow Starts at: 08:30 p.m |
| 31st December 2025 | Bader AlShuaibi and the Iconic Egyptian Trio Disco Misr | Entry: 07:00 p.mShow Starts at: 08:30 p.m |
Tip: Keep an eye on the DSF official website for concert announcements and book tickets early. Popular acts often sell out within hours.
The Amazing Drone Show at Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26
The magnificent Drone Show at the Dubai Shopping Festival lights up the sky above the bay between Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR.
You can catch the show every evening at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and the best part, there’s no entry fee at all.
For 2025, the Drone Show will unfold in two enchanting themes:
1. Dubai, City of Dreams
Running from 5th December till mid-December, this segment brings Dubai’s most iconic landmarks to life through breathtaking aerial storytelling.
2. Celebration
This theme bursts into a riot of colours, vivid shapes, and dazzling formations, creating a festive spectacle that feels alive and electric.
The biggest highlight for 2025?
For the first time ever, DSF will integrate drone-powered pyro effects, adding an entirely new dimension of drama and brilliance to the show.
Tip: Arrive a little early to snag the best viewing spots and soak in the full magic of the night.
Auto Season
Now, this segment is crafted purely for the true luxury car enthusiasts. This isn’t your regular auto showcase. Auto Season at the Dubai Shopping Festival is massive. The newest car brands, latest technologies, and even virtual simulators are all set to fire up your adrenaline.
You’ll find the giants of the automotive world lined up at the festivals. Giants like Bugatti, Lamborghini, McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, Defender, and Bronco will participate in the 2025 edition of The Dubai Shopping Festival.
The DSF Auto Season features over 4,000 cars, including some rare beauties straight from private collections. It’s also the season where you can expect exclusive discounts, surprise rewards, and lucky draws on selected models.
And of course, photos are non-negotiable. So get ready to make your car fantasies real in the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Honeymooners may find this read interesting: Dubai Honeymoon: Romantic Experiences, Luxury Stays & Must-Visit Spots
Best Time to Visit Dubai for Shopping Festival 2025
The best time to visit Dubai for the Shopping Festival, honestly, depends on the kind of experience you’re chasing. If the Auto Season is what excites you the most, then January is your month. If you’re someone who lives for night parties and high-energy celebrations, then late December is perfect for you.
For pure shopping, you can visit anytime during the festival; the deals and discounts run throughout.
But if you want a taste of everything: the concerts, the nightlife, the auto shows, the sales, and all the magic in between—then the best time to visit DSF 2025 is from late December 2025 to late January 2026.
Pro Tip: Visiting in late December gives you the chance to catch early sales and opening events, while mid to late January brings final mega discounts and prize draws.
What to Buy at The Dubai Shopping Festival 2025
This is one of the biggest questions for anyone who truly loves to shop. And honestly, the Dubai Shopping Festival spoils you with choices. You’ll find everything you can think of, but some categories stand out because they’re absolute favourites among travellers:
Gold & Jewellery:
Dubai is world-famous for its intricate gold craftsmanship. And during the festival, the discounts are unbelievable. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning stunning gold pieces at great prices, DSF is the moment to make it happen.
Electronics:
If you want the latest gadgets, gaming consoles, or any fancy tech toys, everything comes with massive markdowns. If you want to upgrade your desk, your camera bag, or your playtime, electronics shopping at DSF is a winning move.
Fashion:
Those trending outfits you see online but never find in stores? You’ll find them here. The Dubai Shopping Festival is where fashion lovers get their fix. Be it international brands, fresh drops, and unique pieces, you would find everything that elevates your style game instantly.
Luxury Items:
Leaving Dubai without buying your favourite ittar or that dreamy luxury handbag almost feels incomplete. The festival makes indulgence easier with solid discounts on perfumes, designer accessories, and premium brands.
Souvenirs & Gifts:
DSF is also the perfect place to pick up unique gifts for your loved ones and memorable souvenirs.
All these reasons together make the Dubai Shopping Festival a paradise for shopaholics.
Suggested Read: Cultural Experiences in Dubai You Shouldn’t Miss
How to Plan a Trip from India to Attend The Dubai Shopping Festival?
This is one of the most important questions because missing the festival is not an option. Here’s how you can plan your DSF trip from India without any stress:
- Flights: The first thing to sort. There are multiple airlines that travel directly from India to Dubai. and more operate multiple daily flights to Dubai.
Tip: Book early to grab better fares and seat options. - Visa: It may look tedious, but the process is actually simple. You can apply online or through a trusted travel agent.
If you’re an Indian traveler, here’s the good part: you can easily get a 30-day tourist visa without complications.
- Accommodation:
To save time on travel and stay close to the action, you can pick accommodation from multiple spots because the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in multiple locations. - Transport:
Dubai’s metro, taxis, and ride-sharing apps are extremely efficient. Almost every major mall and event venue is well-connected, making your commute smooth and predictable. - Budget:
Plan this thoughtfully. Keep separate budgets for shopping, food, sightseeing, and experiences. And remember, the DSF discounts can make your wallet very, very happy. - Shopping Strategy:
Be smart and intentional. Create a list of must-buy items, keep an eye on the DSF official app for flash sales, and schedule your mall visits accordingly to avoid crowds.
It’s time that you stop reading and start booking your tickets to experience the magic of The Dubai Shopping Festival.
FAQ’s
You can enjoy up to 50% off on selected gold and diamond jewellery during the Dubai Shopping Festival. For Indian travellers, this is one of the best times to invest in gold or pick up beautifully crafted pieces as gifts.
DSF offers massive price cuts on luxury cars, along with exciting prize draws where cars themselves become the reward.
If you want the best deals, keep an eye on early bird offers. They’re often the quickest way to unlock the biggest savings.
The offers here are equally impressive. Top brands give up to 30% off on selected electronics, gadgets, and premium jewellery.
In short, DSF is where you get maximum purchases at minimum prices.
The Dubai Shopping Festival will be held from 5th December 2025 to 11th January 2026
The timings for the Dubai Shopping Festival are-
Sundays to Thursdays: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Fridays: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Ticketed concerts: Doors open from 7 pm