By After what felt like an eternity spent confined to our homes, the time has come to dust off those oversized shopping bags and dive into the retail haven that is the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). A savior of 2023, this much-anticipated event is back, offering not just a shopping spree but a celebration like no other.
The Countdown Begins!
It’s unequivocally the best time of the year to snag incredible deals and the most competitive prices. So, grab a pen, jot down your shopping wishlist (though be prepared to indulge beyond it), and unleash the inner shopaholic in you.
Key Highlights
When and Where?
The DSF returns, promising 38 days packed with extraordinary shopping, captivating experiences, and top-notch entertainment. Mark your calendars from December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, for an unparalleled shopping extravaganza.
Where to Find Shopping Bliss
Dubai Festival City Mall – The Bay by Social:
Offers a delightful blend of food trucks, unique market finds, and family-friendly activities daily from 4 pm to 10 pm until April 30.
DSF Markets:
Explore various iconic locations across the city hosting outdoor and pop-up community shopping experiences.
Dubai Opera Garden:
Delve into the exclusive world of Armani/Privé, featuring the Haute Couture Fragrances L’Exposition from January 8 to 14.
Etisalat MOTB Parking Lot:
Experience the all-new Fenty Beauty Drive-in from January 5 to 14. Dive into beauty with shade matching, product purchases, upcoming launches, tunes on the Fenty Style Juke Box, and potential extra Fenty goodies.
Expo City:
Winter City transforms into a Christmas haven from December 15, boasting chalet-style huts, a towering Christmas tree, Santa’s grotto, a magical light ceremony, and festive workshops with hot chocolate, mulled drinks, and mince pies.
Cash Prizes Galore:
This DSF is laden with opportunities to win incredible prizes—from cars and cash to gold and even a luxurious new apartment. Notable prizes include the Dh2,000,000 IDEALZ Dubai Shopping Festival Grand Prize, the DSF Mega Raffle with a chance to win a new Nissan Patrol V6 and substantial cash rewards, a mega raffle by the Dubai Jewellery Group offering 25 kilos of gold, and the Digital Raffle Promotion by Dubai Shopping Malls Group, providing a chance to shop, spin, and potentially win up to Dh1 Million.
Additionally, meet the minimum shopping requirement at ENOC outlets (Zoom, Tasjeel, or AutoPro) and receive raffle coupons for daily prizes exceeding Dh100,000 in value.
Irresistible Promotions
Don’t Forget to Save Your Receipts:
Your receipt isn’t just proof of purchase; during DSF 2023-2024, it’s your ticket to thrilling experiences. Spend AED 300 or more at any of the 18 chosen brands and enter the DSF Lucky Receipt draw. Each day, a winner will be chosen for each of the 18 brands, making a total of 324 lucky receipt holders who will walk away with fabulous prizes.
Get Many Shopping Benefits and Discounts with the ‘Tickit’ App:
Elevate your shopping experience with the Tickit app. As a Tickit program member, link your UAE-issued Visa or MasterCard to the app, accumulate points from purchases at participating stores, and stand a chance to win Tickit points valued at AED 100,000. Spend AED 200 to enter, and daily prizes await app users.
Beyond Shopping: What Else to Explore?
Culinary Delights – Canteen X:
Prepare for a culinary extravaganza at Mushrif Park from December 15 to 31. Canteen X, featuring over 20 homegrown foodie brands, promises 17 days filled with urban culture, delectable cuisines, and delightful sweets. Admission is free, offering family-friendly entertainment, large inflatables, trampolines, bungee experiences, and a dedicated children’s gaming zone.
Global Village:
Indulge in the enticing experiences offered by Global Village, featuring 27 country pavilions and over 200 food outlets. From a floating market to curbside eats on Fiesta Street, there’s something to please every palate.
Thrilling Attractions:
Aquaventure Waterpark: Dive into the world’s largest waterpark with 105 attractions, including nearly vertical slides and a Surf’s Up wave ride.
AYA Universe: Explore 12 cosmic areas transporting visitors to otherworldly realms at WAFI City Mall.
Dubai Garden Glow: Experience themed areas with giant glowing installations at Zabeel Park.
Deep Dive Dubai: Plunge into the world’s deepest diving pool at NAS Sports Complex.
Dubai Parks and Resorts: Explore Riverland Dubai and three vast ticketed parks on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Safari Park: Discover 3,000 animals across themed villages at Al Warqa 5.
XLine Dubai Marina: Speed across a 1 km zipline, 170 meters above Dubai Marina. Open Wed-Mon at Dubai Marina Mall.
Museum of Illusions: Explore mind-boggling illusions challenging perspectives at Al Seef.
Museum of the Future: Experience futuristic exhibits on Sheikh Zayed Road.
DSF Drones Show: Enjoy the captivating drone light show presented by Emarat Petroleum every night from 8-10 pm at Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR.
Thrilling Sporting Events:
Dubai CrossFit Championship (8-10 December):
An intense three-day competition at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium with over 70 athletes from 15+ countries competing across 30 CrossFit games for Dh150,000 in cash prizes.
2023 Gulf Historic Dubai GP Revival (8-10 December):
Catch Formula 1 and Le Mans categories at the Dubai Autodrome, accompanied by family-friendly activities, classic car shows, workshops, live race viewings, and an international music festival.
2023 SailGP’s Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix (9-10 December):
Head to Mina Rashid for high-speed action on the water during this thrilling event presented by P & O Marinas.
Giant Duathlon Series (10 December):
Participate solo or in teams at Dubai Parks & Resorts, with finishers receiving a medal and limited-edition T-shirt.
Community Run Series (17 December):
Races spanning 2.5km, 5km, and 10km followed by a vibrant market offering local brands and a delightful breakfast experience.
Dubai Marathon (7 January):
Offering distances from a 4km fun run to a challenging 42km course, open to all fitness levels.
Dubai Autodrome 24-hour Race (12-14 January):
Witness international drivers in GT and touring cars tackling the 5.39km circuit in the second-largest 24-hour race grid globally.
The DSF is not merely a shopping festival; it’s a journey into a world of entertainment, flavors, and excitement. Gear up for an extraordinary celebration of all things Dubai!
