The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is back, and as they always say, it’s bigger and better than ever before!
Did you know that the Dubai Shopping Festival is the longest running retail festival in the world? Now you do!
The 38-day festival is an amazing reason to visit Dubai and get a chance to experience live performances from A-list musicians, extraordinary entertainment, amazing discounts and so much more!
DSF will be celebrating its 30th anniversary once the festival is officially opened.
What is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the world’s most famous and the longest running retail events, and is held annually since 1996.
It’s a festive period that blends shopping deals, live entertainment, family activities, and literally jaw-dropping discounts and offers.
Organized by the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, the DSF has grown to become a key event for both residents and tourists.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2024 Dates
The festival will start on the 6th of December 2024, and runs until the 12th of January 2025.
You can plan your visit anytime during this period, but remember, the best deals tend to go quickly. So, don’t wait until the last minute.
What is the Location for the Dubai Shopping Festival?
The festival takes place across the city of Dubai. You will see discount banners, pop ups and an atmosphere that is screaming “Spend some money”
However, you might find more deals in major malls like Dubai Mall, and Mall of Emirates as well as at the Global Village.
What to Buy
Everything is up for grabs during DSF 2024, and you’ll find discounts that will scream “girl math”
More than 800 brands will be offering deals ranging from 25% to a whopping 95% off. Here’s a quick look at what you can get your hands on:
- Apparel: A lot of clothing will be too cheap to let go. This could be your time to transform your wardrobe.
- Gold and Jewelry: Dubai is known for gold. So you can imagine the gold bonanza that will be there. Be sure to check out the Gold Souk in Deira.
- Cosmetics: Stock up on your favorite cosmetics and fragrances from top brands, all at discounted prices.
- Accessories: It might be time to improve your watch or bag collection.
- Home Decor: Give your home a fresh look with incredible deals on furniture, furnishings, and appliances from renowned global brands. Don’t forget to pick up a beautiful carpet as a souvenir.
- Tech Gadgets: On a normal day, gadgets are usually more affordable in Dubai than most cities. With the festival, the discounts will be too good to turn down. If you are in search of a new phone, then this is the time to buy it.
Where to Shop
While DSF takes over the entire city, there are some standout places you should plan to visit:
- Global Village: There will be discount on games, rides, food and more.
- The Dubai Mall: Located near the iconic Burj Khalifa, this massive mall offers a world of shopping and entertainment under one roof.
- Ibn Battuta Mall: Explore themed sections that take you on a journey inspired by the travels of Ibn Battuta.
- Deira City Centre: A local favorite with a mix of international and local brands.
- Burjuman: Conveniently located with a wide variety of stores, including the only Saks Fifth Avenue Center in the UAE.
- Dubai Festival City: Home to well-known brands like IKEA, Ferrari, and Aldo, this mall boasts a stunning creekside setting and a fantastic fountain show.
- Outlet Mall: Take a little trip out of the way to visit this mall, where you can find factory-rate sales of up to 90% off across 240 stores. You can actually find a coach bag for a fraction of the cost at normal coach stores.
- Souks: Dive into the local culture and explore traditional marketplaces like the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, and Old Souk.
Festival Experiences
When you’ve had your fill of shopping, indulge in some fun-filled activities during DSF:
- Fireworks: Witness spectacular fireworks displays at locations like Global Village, Dubai Creek, and Al Seef every weekend and on special occasions.
- Dubai Shopping Festival Live Events: There will be performances from A-List celebrities, and amazing shows throughout the 38-day festival.
- Workshops and Exhibitions: Engage in workshops and explore exhibitions across the city, immersing yourself in Dubai’s vibrant culture.
Tips for a Great DSF Experience
To make the most of DSF 2024, keep these tips in mind:
- Start Early: Beat the crowds by starting your day early to avoid overcrowding.
- Plan Your Trip: A bit of research and planning will help you maximize your time at DSF.
- Explore Other Activities: While DSF is fantastic, don’t miss out on other top experiences in Dubai, like Desert Safaris, Glow Garden, Ferrari World, Burj Khalifa, and Global Village.
Related: Dates for season 29 (2024-2025) of the Global Village
