The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), one of the world’s most celebrated retail and entertainment phenomena, has officially kicked off its 30th edition. From 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025, the city of Dubai will transform into a vibrant hub of magic, wonder, and nonstop adventures. This year’s DSF promises to be the most extraordinary yet, with 38 days of world-class events, concerts, fireworks, and unique experiences.
A Cultural Extravaganza Unlike Any Other
For three decades, DSF has grown from a five-mall sales event into the world’s longest-running retail festival. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), emphasized the festival’s impact, stating:
“As we proudly mark the 30th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival, we are thrilled to present an unparalleled lineup of events that will truly solidify Dubai’s position as the world’s premier destination for extraordinary events, festivals, and experiences.”
The festival brings together a lineup of A-list concerts, immersive light installations, breathtaking drone shows, raffles with life-changing prizes, and much more.
Highlights from DSF 2024
Spectacular Entertainment
- 321 Festival at City Walk promises family-friendly carnival vibes and roaming entertainment from 6 to 8 December.
- Thirty Seconds to Mars will electrify audiences at Coca-Cola Arena on 12 December.
- Daily Drone Shows at Bluewaters Island and JBR will feature 1,000 drones in stunning formations, narrating Dubai’s iconic past, present, and future.
Mesmerizing Fireworks and Light Displays
- DSF Fireworks will light up Dubai Festival City Mall and Hatta skies every night, while immersive Dubai Lights installations will adorn iconic locations like Palm West Beach, City Walk, and Al Seef.
Unmissable Raffles and Rewards
Shoppers have the chance to win incredible prizes, including:
- AED 1 million dirhams through the DSF Visa DIB Millionaire raffle.
- 1.5 million dirhams in gold through the Dubai Jewellery Group Raffle.
- A share of AED 300,000 through the DSF Golden Ticket initiative.
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New Experiences Unique to DSF
This year, DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall will feature Saturday concerts, trendy retail pop-ups, and daily live raffles. Similarly, DSF x Hatta will offer free-entry weekends filled with enchanting light displays and vibrant performances.
More Reasons to Visit Dubai During DSF
Whether it’s dining at the city’s most iconic restaurants, reveling in festive events like Winter City at Expo City Dubai, or cheering at the Dubai Racing Carnival at Meydan Racecourse, DSF promises something for everyone.
Visitors will also experience world-class New Year’s Eve celebrations, turning the city into a beacon of joy and celebration. With incredible weather, unmatched hospitality, and endless attractions, this is the ultimate time to be in Dubai.
About Dubai Shopping Festival
Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has become a hallmark of Dubai’s excellence in retail, entertainment, and hospitality. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, DSF showcases the best of Dubai’s culture, innovation, and visionary spirit, cementing its position as the ultimate global shopping destination.
