Ready to combine your spectacular winter holiday with the biggest sale event in the world? The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2025 is back again, turning the city into a vibrant hub of discounts, entertainment, and prize giveaways.
This shopping guide has all the sure-fire details you need to make sure you’re on the ultimate shopping spree, be it an incredible deal on electronics, a stunning piece of gold and jewellery, or the latest in luxury fashion.
Key Dates for Dubai Shopping Festival 2025: Confirmed
Mark your dates! The official dates for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-2026 run throughout the peak of the wonderful winter season in Dubai.
DSF 2025 Start Date Friday, 5 December 2025
DSF 2026 End Date Sunday, 11 January 2026
Duration: 38 Days of Non-Stop Deal Offers and Entertainment
This long period allows you to explore the city at your leisure, enjoying discounts available at 25% to a wow 75% (sometimes more!).
Where is the Dubai Shopping Festival Held? Top Venues
Its best feature is that the DSF is citywide, meaning sales and festivities are not restricted to one place. It is a total emirate affair, but here below are the key DSF venues you must hit for an unforgettable experience:
- The Dubai Mall: The epicenter of luxury shopping and the most-visited location. Look for exclusive DSF-themed events, the iconic Dubai Fountain show, and deals on global brands.
- Mall of the Emirates: Noteworthy for Ski Dubai and a vast array of high fashion and electronics.
- Dubai Festival City Mall: A concert and family entertainment hotspot and a stunning nightly IMAGINE fountain and light show over Festival Bay.
- Souks: Do not miss the historical side of Dubai! With great prices on gold, head for the Gold Souk in Deira, and for some unique souvenirs, visit the Spice & Textile Souks.
- Global Village: A cultural and entertainment destination with pavilions from over 90 countries—world market in one place, open during the DSF months!
- Outdoor Markets: Don’t forget to stop by some pop-up venues like Market Outside The Box (MOTB) for unique, independent, and sustainable finds.
Do I Need Tickets for the Dubai Shopping Festival?
One of the most commonly asked questions!
General Entry: There is no general ticket for entry to the Dubai Shopping Festival; it is a city-wide celebration, and the sales and many events (like fireworks and drone shows) are free of charge.
Special Events: For specific paid attractions and performances, tickets will be needed:
Major concerts at venues like the Coca-Cola Arena.
Entry to specific parks or attractions like Global Village or indoor theme parks.
Specific theatre shows or certain ticketed sporting events.
Pro-Tip: Most malls have fantastic lucky draws and raffles (e.g., AED 1 Million cash or a luxury car!), usually entered automatically with a minimum purchase (e.g., AED 200 or AED 300) at participating stores. Be sure to ask for your raffle ticket at checkout!
What to Buy: Must-Grab Deals at DSF 2025
The discounts are huge, but there are some categories where the prices are almost unbeatable:
- Electronics & Gadgets
New product launches with major discounts on smartphones, laptops, cameras, and home appliances. Do look for bundled offers! Up to 75% off + Bundle Deals - Gold & Jewellery
World-class designs with full transparency in prices. Get designs exclusive to the festival and a chance to win gold in the daily raffle. Competitive prices per gram + Additional Discounts - Fashion & Luxury Brands
Deep discounts on the global high-street and designer brands in clothing, footwear, and accessories.25% to 75% + BOGO Offers - Perfumes & Cosmetics
Outstanding value for high-end international fragrances and beauty products.BOGO offers and massive discounts
More Than Just Shopping: DSF Entertainment Highlights
DSF is more than a shopping spree; it’s a winter full of exciting festival experiences! Enjoy these electrifying attractions:
- Drone Shows: Marvel at astounding aerial storytelling and light displays nightly.
- Fireworks Nights: Observe dazzling pyrotechnic displays all around the city at Festival Bay and The Beach at JBR.
- Live Concerts: A flamboyant lineup of regional and international artists performing during the entire festival.
- DSF Auto Season: A grand showcase of luxury and rare cars for all car enthusiasts with exciting prize draws.
- Street Performances: The city’s main streets and outdoors come alive with magicians, musicians, and performers.
Tips for Your Ultimate DSF Visit
- Book Early: DSF period is peak tourist season, so book your flights and stay well in advance for the best rates and availability.
- Go on a Weekday Morning: For a relatively empty shopping experience, visit the major malls right after they open on a weekday.
- Download Mall Apps: Apps of major malls like Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Festival City Mall often have flash sales and loyalty points which are available only through the app.
- Claim Your VAT Refund: Tourists are eligible for a VAT refund on selected purchases. Look for the ‘Tax-Free’ tag while shopping and keep hold of your receipts for processing at the airport.
It’s now or never for the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025; a chance for you to experience Dubai’s glitzy aura while nabbing the best deals of the year. Start planning for a festival holiday that gives you value for money right now!