EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL 2023

 EXPERIENCE THE EXTRAORDINARY: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL 2023 

• Returning for its 29th edition, DSF unleashes the magic with 170+ events, activities and promotions until 14 January 2024
• From magical winter markets, unique pop ups and live sporting events to captivating performances, family activations, outstanding gastronomy and the return of Dubai Lights with daily drone shows, there is something for everyone, every day, across every corner of the city, this DSF

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 December: The 29th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) – the world’s favourite retail festival – kicked off on Friday, inviting residents and tourists alike to enjoy its unparalleled 38-day calendar of unforgettable experiences.   

Running until 14 January 2024, DSF is more than just incredible shopping offers, discounts, and promotions. From thrilling drone shows and captivating light displays to exclusive markets, tantalising culinary experiences and everything in between, DSF promises fun-filled adventures for everyone, every day, in every corner of the city. With more than 170 events and activities taking place across Dubai, the DSF team has put together the ultimate guide to help you navigate and make the most of this year’s festival. So, what are you waiting for?! 

Experience the ultimate fusion of food and entertainment

DSF offers a unique fusion of delectable culinary experiences and thrilling entertainment, creating a feast for the senses: 

• Canteen X |Visit the first ever edition of Canteen X, a spin-off of the much-loved Etisalat Beach canteen, at Mushrif Park. Taking place between 15 and 31 December 2023 from 4pm to 1am, check out this exclusive free culinary experience, with over 20 homegrown foodie brands to explore. The event also features an outdoor market with family-friendly entertainment, including inflatables, trampolines, and gaming zone. Visitors can also watch films on a large screen in the parking area, with the option to tune in with their radio frequency and order food from the comfort of their cars.  
• Etisalat MOTB |DSF’s flagship event returns this year from 5 to 14 January 2024 at Dubai Design District (d3), the epicentre of creativity and design in Dubai. Bringing together a range of local and international retail brands, food trucks and live entertainment, this alternative concept will be the perfect spot to enjoy Dubai’s exceptional winter weather, with something for all ages to enjoy. 
• The Hub Food Festival | Running every day until Sunday 24 December 2023, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in a delectable array of flavours from 1pm to 11pm at the Hub Food Festival. There is also a dedicated play area for kids, freeing up parents to indulge in culinary delights while their little ones are entertained. 
• Farmers’ Souq |Get ready to fill your basket with fresh organic fruit vegetables and locally sourced food at the much-anticipated third season of the Farmers’ Souq, which runs every Saturday from 4pm to 10pm until 24 February 2024 at Safa Park. A celebration of local agriculture, the Farmers’ Souq brings together a diverse array of farmers and producers under one canopy.  
• The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall | Explore Dubai’s outstanding selection of outdoor markets and not-to-be-missed retail and foodie experiences, including The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall. Running from 4pm to 10pm until 30 April 2024, it invites visitors to experience a whole host of food trucks, unique shopping finds, and family-friendly activities.

Soak up the magic at a winter wonderland

DSF offers a delightful array of winter wonderland and festive market experiences that will transport visitors into a magical world of holiday cheer:   

• The Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market |The winter season in Dubai is not complete without a visit to this magical bazaar. Running from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, the market will feature a 36-foot-tall tree, seasonal food stalls, and immersive family activities, including a North Pole Train, four-lane bungee and Venetian carousel. There will also be live yuletide tunes and the chance to take an Abra ride with Santa and decorate a gingerbread house. 
• Expo City Dubai – Winter City |Returning from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, this enchanting winter wonderland awaits, with endless fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. The Al Wasl Dome will dazzle with a captivating festive-themed light show, while families can immerse themselves in a world of holiday cheer through delightful markets, a children’s gift grotto, a towering 16-metre tree, enchanting faux snowfall, lively games, and captivating live entertainment. Prepare to celebrate the wonder of winter in all its glory at this magical event. 
• Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai | Delicious food trucks, enthralling live acts, a massive tree and plenty of entertainment for all ages are just some of the reasons why visitors and residents love this outdoor festive celebration, which is running until 31 January 2024. As always, expect to feast on delicious dishes from a number of eateries while enjoying festive performances by talented local singers. Little ones will love the holiday decor all around, along with daily visits from Santa. 

Watch out-of-this-world acts and performances  

DSF brings a vibrant lineup of musical acts, entertaining performances and side-splitting laughs that will captivate audiences and create a lively atmosphere throughout the festival: 

• Music through the Ages |City Walk invites visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of “Music through the Ages” with captivating live singing and dance performances. The first set, titled Grandly Decadence, will feature talented artists Ryann Gibb, TOI, and Hard Kandi from 15 to 17 December 2023. The second set, Back in the Day, will take place from 22 to 24 December, showcasing the talents of Mbali, Chinua Hawk, He Knows She Knows, and Diana O’Sullivan & The Show Girls. Stay tuned for more information on the themes and schedules of this thrilling lineup. 
• Global Hip-Hop Superstars  | Get ready for an extraordinary lineup this month at the Coca-Cola Arena. On 22 December 2023, Chris Brown will take to the stage with his incredible talent, while on 30 December 2023, Sean Paul and T.I. will ignite the arena with their electrifying performances. Sing, dance, and groove to their greatest and most popular hits, as these iconic artists create an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. 
• Speed Music Fest | Prepare for a night of extraordinary performances on Saturday 23 December 2023 as the talented Jonita Gandhi, Ali Zafar, and Dubai-based artist Mariyam Kisat come together for a mesmerising showcase of diverse musical wonders at the Coca-Cola Arena. From soulful covers to energetic chart-toppers like The Breakup Song, this event is set to delight and entertain Indian and Pakistani music lovers with an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance. 
• Ustad Rahat Ali Khan |The stage is set for the Sufi sensation as he returns to the Coca-Cola Arena on 29 December 2023 for the sixth time since 2019. The hitmaker, who hails from a family of musicians, is known for his impressive repertoire of heartfelt hits including classic qawwalis, soulful ghazals and Bollywood tracks. The maestro has been a part of multiple seasons of the acclaimed Pakistani show Coke Studio and one season of MTV Unplugged in India and has won numerous accolades like the Mirchi Music Awards, Filmfare Awards and IIFA Awards. Prepare to be enthralled by Khan’s live performance of chart-topping songs such as Mann Ki Lagan, Sayonee, Garaj Baras and Afreen Afreen.
• Michael McIntrye | After several sold-out shows across the UK, Ireland, Australia, USA and New Zealand, the brilliant British comic is all set to treat Dubai audiences to a night of unbridled hilarity on 13 January 2024 at the Coca Cola Arena. 
• Tunes DXB | From 5 to 14 January 2024, embark on a musical adventure with the diverse array of performances that Tunes DXB has to offer. Between 4pm to 11pm every day, visit locations across the city to discover some of Dubai’s up-and-coming artists,  from social media personalities, to dancers, musicians, and beatboxers, with more than 50 artists busking daily at destinations city wide including Al Khawaneej Walk, Last Exit Al Khawaneej, Al Seef, Bluewaters, Boxpark, Dubai Festival City Mall, DxBike, Global Village and Kite Beach. 
• Out-of-this-world performances |Running until 14 January 2024, top shopping centres in the city will feature a whole host of entertainment acts including dance, music, acrobatics, beatboxing, drumming and theatre, as well as aerial shows, water shows, and more by homegrown and internationally beloved stars alike. Don’t miss out on these incredible showcases taking place at City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, Nakheel Mall, Khawaneej Walk and Last Exit, Al Seef, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Walk, Dubai Festival City Mall, Bluewaters, and Palm West Beach.

See the city light up

Dubai Lights is back with an extraordinary showcase of light installations and daily drone shows throughout DSF. Running until 14 January 2024, the city will be transformed into a vibrant canvas of creativity and artistry with unique installations scattered throughout: 

• Dubai Lights: The Anooki |This year, Dubai Lights introduces the world-renowned inflatable duo, The Anooki, making their debut appearance in Dubai. These larger-than-life characters will light up Al Seef, Hatta, Etisalat MOTB, and d3, offering an adorable and never-before-seen experience. Visitors and residents can interact with The Anooki, capturing Instagram-worthy moments and adding a touch of enchantment to their Dubai Lights 2023 memories. 

• Dubai Lights: Dubai Neon |Head to Dubai’s historic Al Seef neighbourhood to witness neon light decorations transform the marketplace and Gold Souk into a dazzling wonderland of positivity and inspiration, throughout DSF. Wander through the cobblestone streets to find enchanting displays of vibrant neon signs, each radiating with uplifting messages and enlightening quotes, while 40 Dubai Creek Abras create an awe-inspiring display of colour, captivating visitors of all ages with its immersive and mesmerising beauty. 

• Dubai Lights: Amazon Wonder |Take a journey around the Amazon at West Beach in Palm Jumeirah from 13 December 2023 to 30 January 2024. Discover incredible scenes from life-size installations of Amazonian parrots to stunning artworks of flowers and leaves from the world’s largest tropical rainforest.  

• Dubai Lights: Modesh Inflatable | Modesh and his friend Dana will be the star attraction at City Centre Mirdif, with the Modesh Inflatablestanding over 10 metres tall creating a spectacular visual display for people passing by. 

• Dubai Lights DSF Drone show |Prepare to be mesmerised by DSF’s most sensational Drone Show to date that will light up the night skies every night until 14 January 2024. Presented by Emarat Petroleum, in collaboration with The Beach, JBR, and Bluewaters, this year’s show features not one, but two all-new displays, captivating viewers with enchanting stories that will take them on a magical journey. Witness the skyline illuminated by a symphony of vibrant colours and captivating shapes as 800 drones take flight, leaving spectators in awe of this extraordinary spectacle. 

• The Dubai Police Carnival | Taking place from 4 to 8 January 2024 at City Walk, this event will include many incredible performances and showcase music through the ages, along with an impressive line-up of vehicles for visitors to admire.  

Take advantage of a whole host of promotions and be rewarded while you shop

DSF presents a wealth of exciting shopping experiences and unbeatable bargains that will delight shoppers seeking the ultimate retail therapy: 

• Bag a bargain | DSF would not be complete without incredible deals and promotions from some of the city’s best known and loved brands. In addition, there are various loyalty programmes that offer exclusive deals and opportunities to earn points for their members. Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Jumbo and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Seef, Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, Bluewaters, Citywalk, Emirates Airline, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Etisalat by e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Nakheel Malls (Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 2, Palm West Beach, Nakheel Mall and The View), The Beach and The Outlet Village.  

Explore an incredible range of must-visit events

Here are just a few of the many remarkable events and activations waiting to create lasting memories for the whole family this DSF: 

• A day out at the races | Mark your calendars for the Dubai Racing Carnival, which features a host of equestrian events, thrilling races, live entertainment, and fine dining throughout the racing season, in addition to a special Festive Friday on 22 December 2023. 
• Experience a high-speed car race | Mark your calendars and catch the second largest 24-hour race grid in the world from 12 to 14 January 2024 at the Dubai Autodrome. International drivers will steer GT and touring cars, testing their skill and stamina on the 5.39km circuit.  
• See a classic car showcase |Mark your calendars for the Emirates Classic Vehicles Festival, taking place from 15 to 24 December 2023.  A treat for automotive enthusiasts of all ages, City Walk will transform into a showcase of timeless vehicles throughout the eras of automotive history. 
• Journey into the world of Armani Privé and experience its essence |For more than 15 years, Armani/Privé has infused the spirit of Giorgio Armani’s Haute Couture into unique fragrances. Discover the charm of the sensory collections, distilled in fresh pure fragrances, at an exclusive exhibition this DSF.  From 9-14 January 2024, the exclusive Armani/Privé creations, encased in precious bottles with an unmistakable design, will be exhibited at the Dubai Opera Garden. Interact with each collection within the Armani/Privé range in an immersive experience. Discover the excellence of Les Eaux, La Collection, Les Terres Précieuses, and Les Mille et Une Nuits; as well as a selection of limited-edition fragrances that directly interpret individual Armani/Privé Haute Couture collections: Les Éditions Couture.  

Win big this DSF

Check out a host of extraordinary rewards and unimaginable prizes this DSF:  

• Out-of-this-world prizes | From luxurious cars to instant cash, and even glistening gold, the possibilities are limitless this DSF. Immerse yourself in the thrill of the DSF Mega Raffle, where you could be the proud owner of a brand-new Nissan Patrol V6 and receive substantial cash prizes. Or take part in the Dubai Jewellery Group’s mega raffle and be in with the chance to take home a mind-boggling 25 kilos of gold. And that’s not all – take part in the Digital Raffle Promotion by Dubai Shopping Malls Group for a chance to shop, spin, and win a jaw-dropping AED 1 million. But wait, there’s more – shop at ENOC outlets Zoom, Tasjeel, or AutoPro, meet the minimum requirements, and collect raffle coupons to win daily prizes worth over AED 100,000. 
• DSF Lucky Receipt | By spending AED 300 or more at any of the 18 participating brands in the DSF Lucky Receipt, shoppers could be one 324 winners of prizes such as Apple watches and iPads, gold bracelets, homeware item and kitchen appliances, beauty hampers, perfumes and much more between 8 and 25 December 2023.    
• DSF Golden Tickit | Win big with Tickit, a first-of-its-kind rewards programme offering members an effortless and instant way to earn and redeem points. Shop using your debit or credit card linked to your Tickit account from 8 December 2023 to 14 January 2024 and win daily prizes. Additionally you will get a chance to enter the draw where one lucky winner will win the grand prize of 100,000 Tickit points worth a whopping AED 100,000 in the DSF Golden Tickit. To enter the grand prize draw, spend AED 200 or more during DSF. Make sure your UAE-issued Visa or MasterCard – either debit or credit card – is linked to your account to complete your entry into the prize draws.  
• The Biggest Prize of the Year | Be the lucky shopper that becomes a millionaire this DSF, by spending AED 300 or more when shopping at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me’aisem and City Centre Al Shindagha. Simply scan your receipts on the SHARE Rewards app to enter the draw and get the chance to win one million dirhams in cash. Additionally, customers shopping between 27 December 2023 and 14 January 2024 across any category apart from hypermarket, luxury, watches and jewellery at any Majid Al Futtaim malls will instantly earn a 5 per cent cashback, that is, 20 times the SHARE points. 
• It’s Raining Gold at Jumbo | Shop across e-commerce and Jumbo stores across Dubai this DSF for AED 500 to qualify for draws that can win you mega prizes, with a total of 38 winners that will receive offers for premium experiences, 5 winners taking home a brand new iPhone 15 Pro Max, and 4 mega winners that will receive 22k Gold Bars weighing 250g. What’s more, look forward to crazy daily deals, limited time offers over the weekend, and reduced prices every Friday on www.jumbo.ae. 

Experience an exhilarating start to the New Year

Exciting DSF events and unforgettable experiences await this January: 

• A spectacular New Year’s Eve |As the year draws to a close, DSF will culminate with a grand New Year’s Eve event at Dubai Opera, promising a truly special night that will make cherished memories for all. The night will feature the American singer Fantastic Negrito, along with sets by the Dubai Opera Big Band and DJ Slim and some fine dining till the clock strikes 12 at midnight. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates and happenings throughout the city on NYE.
• Dubai Marathon |Dust off those cobwebs,lace up your trainers and take part in one of the most popular marathons in the world. Taking place on 7 January, the Dubai Marathon course is flat and fast, making it attractive to both elite runners and recreational runners looking to set personal best times. But don’t worry – there is also a 10K race, and 4K fun run, with all three courses starting and finishing on Umm Suqeim Road, and running under the shadows of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.  
• DSF Closing Weekend |As DSF 2023 wraps up its 29th edition, friends and families can create unforgettable memories at its closing weekend with last-chance shopping deals, city-wide experiences, once-in-a-lifetime raffles and awe-inspiring drone shows. There is also the highly anticipated 3.2.1 Festival at SkyDive Dubai, featuring an extraordinary blend of live music and thrilling airshows for one night only. Stay tuned for more details on DSF’s unforgettable finale. 

Experience exceptional entertainment and adventures for all, every day, in a city like no other, with the 29th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival. Running from 8 December 2023 to 14 January 2024, get set to see the city at its best during the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy Dubai’s perfect winter weather. Adventures are waiting to be discovered in every corner – from enchanting experiences to out of this world entertainment –  each and every day, for 38 days. And of course, Dubai Shopping Festival promises the very best in retail experiences – with sales, discounts, pop-up markets featuring homegrown exclusives, high street favourites, the ultimate in luxury and a variety of retail offerings, with something for everyone. 

To explore all that Dubai Shopping Festival has to offer, check out Visit Dubai and @CelebrateDubai, @DiscoverDubai and @StyledbyDubai on social media channels.