Dubai shopping festival: dates, discounts and travel tips

The Dubai Shopping Festival starts in December and lasts more than a month, so for several weeks the city turns into one big sale, and in the evening the discounts are joined by shows and prize draws.

The festival covers thousands of stores across the emirate. Below we cover the dates, discount levels, and practical details that will help you plan your trip.

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What is the Dubai Shopping Festival

💡 In short:

• The festival takes place in Dubai every year from December to January (Dubai tourism website).
• More than 3,500 stores and brands take part, and discounts in certain categories reach 75% (according to Explore Malls).
• Dates and discounts: 09/2026, verified on the Visit Dubai website.

The Dubai Shopping Festival (Dubai Shopping Festival, DSF) is held every year, and for several weeks the entire city becomes a single marketplace: discounts apply in giant malls and small shops alike.

The festival was launched in the mid-1990s and has since remained one of the longest retail events in the world. Each season's program is overseen by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

When the festival takes place

The main festival period falls in December and January (according to Visit Dubai). Exact dates change every year because the start is tied to holidays and weekends.

In the 2025/2026 season, the festival ran for 38 days, from December 5 to January 11 (Property Finder). The next season usually starts in early December and ends in mid-January. DFRE publishes the official program closer to autumn.

Scale: malls and stores

The festival covers nearly all of the city's major malls, from The Dubai Mall to Mall of the Emirates. The main draw remains The Dubai Mall, which welcomed 111 million visitors in 2024 (Cushman & Wakefield).

© Marek Ślusarczyk ( Tupungato ) Photo portfolio · CC BYPhoto: Marek Ślusarczyk ( Tupungato ) Photo portfolio, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Major malls prepare separate programs: discounts on fashion, electronics, cosmetics, and home goods. Separately, visit the Gold Souk in the Deira district, where haggling over jewelry is the norm.

Other venues also prepare their own promotions: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City Mall, and City Walk. During the festival, malls stay open late, and sales launch in waves, so the selection gets refreshed within a week.

What happens besides the sales

Every evening the city hosts drone shows and fireworks, and musicians and DJs perform at venues (program on Visit Dubai).

At the same time, fashion shows, family entertainment, and daily prize draws take place. Lotteries give away cars, gold, and cash vouchers, so tickets for popular draws sell out in advance.

The food scene is also prominent: restaurants launch festival menus and discounted sets, and food courts stay open late. Some events take place only on weekends, so check the schedule on site.

Where the discounts are biggest

The discount size depends on the category and store: in certain categories it reaches 75% (according to Explore Malls).

You save the most on:

• gold and jewelry,
• electronics and gadgets,
• clothing and footwear from international brands,
• cosmetics and perfumes.

It is best to go shopping in the morning on a weekday, because in the evening and on weekends malls are crowded and checkout lines are longer. If you need a rare size or model, ask about the item in the stockroom: it is often not on display.

Practicalities: visas, money, and tax-free

Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Some tourists enter the UAE without a visa, while others need one in advance. Check the current requirements on the official website before buying tickets.

Payments in Dubai are made in dirhams (AED). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but cash comes in handy at markets and small shops.

Tourists can get part of the VAT back through the tax-free system, but to do so keep your receipts and process the refund at the airport before departure: without receipts, the money will not be refunded.

Winter weather is comfortable for walking: warm during the day, while a light jacket is needed in the evening. Malls run air conditioning, so bring a sweater.

Transport and accommodation during the festival

Malls are connected by the metro line, and taxis are convenient for getting between districts. During the festival, parking at major malls fills up quickly, so the metro and taxis save the day.

If you are going for several days, a hotel in the center will save you travel time. Accommodation near The Dubai Mall and the business district gets booked in advance, since December and January fall in the high season.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the Dubai Shopping Festival take place?

The festival is held every year from December to January. Exact dates change because the start is tied to holidays and weekends. DFRE publishes the official program in advance, so check it before buying tickets.

How much does festival entry cost?

There is no separate entry ticket. The festival takes place in malls and city venues with free admission. You only pay for purchases and for tickets to individual concerts or prize draws. Some events require advance registration.

What discounts are offered at the festival?

The discount size depends on the store and category. The biggest savings are on gold, electronics, clothing, and cosmetics. The final price depends on the brand and the day, so compare offers across several malls before paying.

What else is worth seeing during the festival?

Besides the sales, you can enjoy drone shows, fireworks, concerts, and fashion shows. Food promotions with festival menus also take place. Check the exact lineup in the official festival program; some events are free.

Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai?

Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Many tourists enter the UAE without a visa for a short stay, while others need one in advance. Check the current requirements on the official website before booking.

In short: what to book

If you only have a few days, take a hotel in the center and plan your trip for weekdays. For major purchases, head to The Dubai Mall and the Gold Souk. If you want shows, check the festival lineup and book accommodation in advance.

Compare Dubai hotel prices on Trip.com before the high season starts.