Dubai Shopping Festival: 38 non-stop days of out of this world experiences

Discover Dubai Shopping Festival’s top highlights to get you geared up for the next edition of DSF, taking place from 12 December 2025 to 19 January 2026.

Powerhouse performances  

Celebrities from around the world flocked to Dubai to deliver 38 standout concerts during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). From seasonal favourites like The Nutcracker to big name Arabic concerts from Assala, Majid Al Mohandis, Najwa Karam and Hany Shaker to unmissable live performances by Naika, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Ricky Martin, Jay Chou and Bollywood favourites Asha Bhosle and Sonu Nigam. 

DSF’s opening weekend saw even more incredible live shows during the epic 321 Festival at City Walk and the Coca-Cola Arena. With day-in, day-out celebrations, visitors were able to enjoy free-to-attend roaming outdoor entertainment, F&B offers, and more. And two incredible nights of live concerts from Kadim Al Sahir and Georges Wassouf on opening night, and the mesmerising Coke Studio live on the last day of 321 Festival. 

That’s not all, DSF included 16 sporting events and 14 live shows and plays that entertained the city, ensuring there was something for everyone.

Family fun at must-visit outdoor destinations

CanteenX, attended by over 54,912 people, returned to Mushrif Park. Visitors enjoyed 17 wonder-filled days of urban culture and extraordinary gastronomic experiences showcasing diverse cuisines from over 20 homegrown brands including some items being showcased for the very first-time ever. CanteenX also provided the perfect soundtrack to the winter with live shows on the main stage from X Factor contestants. 

That’s not all! e& MOTB, the city’s favourite outdoor market, also made a stunning return to DSF. Back for its 12th season, at Dubai Design District (d3), the ultimate hub for unique discoveries and hidden gems featured emerging brands, both homegrown and international. Attracting more than 197,000 visitors, the stunning pop-up featured 120 new brands including 44 Emirati brands. The opening night was also headlined by two incredible artists, Miami-based popstar Naika - the singer of numerous viral hits such as “Ride”, “Sauce”, ‘1+1’ and ‘6:45’ - and Palestinian rapper Saint Levant. 

What’s more, the Beauty Bloc took centre stage, giving women the opportunity to find their perfect foundation, experience the wonder-filled worlds of Fenty Beauty, Huda Beauty, Benefit and Drunk Elephant. Guests were able to treat themselves to free popcorn and candy floss whilst signing up for a game of jenga, table tennis or padel. The immersive experience gave guests a chance to interact with everything from new releases and best-selling makeup and fragrances to new limited edition sets, perfect for gifting. And what’s more, savvy shoppers were also able to nab must-have freebies and samples. 

In the desert in Al Marmoom, visitors experienced the pop-up dining viral sensation, The Uncommon. Visitors were able to enjoy a stunning setup of mirrors and lights transforming the desert as the sun sets. Families enjoyed engaging activities like guided stargazing and games for all ages, all while relaxing in cosy lounge areas that highlighted the breathtaking scenery. The seasonal menu on offer included a specially curated selection by Chef Sheikha Hesa Al Khalifa. An alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, the Emirati chef was excited to be a part of this DSF exclusive event. “The Uncommon in the Desert isn’t just another stop—it’s a destination for those seeking bold, memorable flavours in a unique setting,” said Al Khalifa.

And in Hatta Wadi Hub, residents and visitors were able to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a perfect escape with something to suit every adventurer, both big and small. With dazzling fireworks on the weekends, live music in a unique outdoor setting and unparalleled views of Hatta’s natural beauty - Hatta x DSF was one DSF exclusive event that couldn’t be missed.

Holiday celebrations at festive markets

With the perfect winter weather setting the scene for outdoor adventures, festive cheer was everywhere this December. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Expo City Dubai and Habtoor Grand Palace were just some of the fantastic locations providing the picture-perfect backdrop for the holiday season. From an impressive 36ft-tall tree at Madinat Jumeirah and meet and greets with Santa at locations citywide to an array of seasonal food stalls and immersive family-friendly activities, festive cheer was in the air this DSF.

Dazzling and showstopping experiences 

Quality and quantity went hand in hand for this year’s celebrations. Every night the record-breaking DSF Drones Show presented by Emarat wowed diners and onlookers at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. This year’s unforgettable shows saw 1,000+ drones entertain visitors with two incredible shows debuting during DSF with the first show on for the first 20 nights of DSF and the second show taking place twice-nightly for the next 17 nights. 

Every day, a new reason to celebrate

DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall hosted nightly fireworks every day during DSF. The ultimate destination to celebrate DSF’s 30th anniversary, Festival Bay hosted six free concerts by Ahmad Saad, Shamma Hamdann, Diana Haddad, Yara, Hams Fekri and Ibraheem Alsultan. And the waterfront lifestyle destination celebrated New Year’s Eve with a special concert by Mahmoud El Esseily. 

38 nights of back-to-back electrifying entertainment included two DSF-themed IMAGINE show performances daily and 6 daily live stage shows from family favourites including Mr Bean, Bluey, Miraculous Lady Bug and Barney.  

The world-renowned singing competition X Factor made its DSF debut in December 2024. The show, broadcast live on Dubai TV, saw 47,202 votes cast and on the last day of DSF, one singer was crowned the winner of the X Factor, live on stage at Festival Bay. 

An incredible new addition to the DSF calendar

The DSF Auto Season made its DSF debut in 2025. From showcases of classic cars and motoring parades to competitions, meet-ups and unique experiences, the DSF Auto Season celebrated all things automotive. The opening event at Dubai Hills Mall captured the imagination with engaging zones that had plenty to do for the little ones too. 

At Circuit De Meydan, cycling took centre stage whilst at Dubai Festival City visitors had a chance to ride along with drifting experts and experience high-speed manoeuvres firsthand. The Mirdif Motor Show featured more than 700 vehicles and at Dubai Autodrome, ticket holders were able to watch the 24H Race, part of the international 24H Series. Plus, one-of-a-kind vehicles worth more than AED50m were auctioned away at e& MOTB in Dubai Design District.

The first parade of the season, the Yalla Dubai parade from Oman to Dubai ended at Hatta Wadi Hub. With another taking place at DxBike for the PowerDose Parade where customised cars gave motorheads a chance to marvel at stunning automotive design. The Super Cars Parade started at Dubai Hills Mall and made its way through the city's streets. The Motor City Parade started and ended at Dubai Autodrome and featured participating cars from the 24H Race. Whilst the Mirdif Motor Show Parade - one of the biggest automobile events - featured over 1,000 bikes and cars. And, bike fans could take in the latest offerings from Ducati during the Dubai Ducati Ride. 

The Al Marmoom desert hosted two unique gatherings -  the Defenders meetup and the Broncos gathering. And, at the Bikers Cafe in Jumeirah motorcycle enthusiasts took home the latest collections of merchandise whilst enjoying incredible food. 

Another wondrous line up of Dubai Lights

The enchanting Dubai Lights returned for a fourth season with a truly landmark series of exhibits citywide. The enchanting sculptures and larger-than-life inflatables brought people together to celebrate unity and creativity. The stunning and unique pieces were displayed at Al Seef, Al Marmoom, Bluewaters, City Walk, Dubai Design District (d3), Hatta, Nakheel Mall and Palm West Beach.

A memorable New Year’s Eve 

Dubai marked the advent of a new calendar with out of this world celebrations. American musician and global megastar Lionel Richie entertained fans at Atlantis, The Palm whilst. The roaring twenties, gala dinners and masquerade balls completed a night of fun. Also brilliant citywide fireworks shows lit up leading landmarks, from Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab to Global Village and the Emirates Golf Club.

38 days and counting of spectacular sales 

Shoppers had plenty to choose from with 850+ brands getting in on the DSF fun at over 3,500 stores and outlets in more than 100 participating malls. Shoppers enjoyed further markdowns during the exclusive DSF 12 Hour Sale. Bargain hunters on a mission scoped out the best deal of the day during DSF Daily Surprises. Lucky shoppers won a life-changing AED1 million in cash each and even more prizes were up for grabs from Amber, Tickit, Club Apparel, Aura and Skywards Everyday.  

265 big city wins 

Cars, cash and gold – shoppers could have it all in DSF. 23 lucky winners drove home with a brand new car thanks to the DSF Mega Raffle. Plus, lucky winners took home AED100,000 in cash with the ENOC Spectacular Raffle, every single day. Shoppers throughout the city had plenty of chances to win too with a total of 265 raffle winners during DSF and a total prize value given away worth over a whopping AED21 million. The opportunities were endless!