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Updated December 2023
After spending a long time cooped up at home, it’s finally time to put those XXL shopping bags to good use. A shoppers’ paradise and 2023’s saving grace, the much-awaited Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is finally here again.
It’s hands down the best time of the year to get stuff at heavy discounts and the best prices. So, jot down a list of everything you were planning on buying (although you’ll probably score much more) and get ready to spoil the shopaholic in you.
Eager to know the deets of this gigantic shopping fest? Read on to learn all about it.
Table of Contents
When and where is it happening?
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns, offering 38 days filled with amazing shopping, captivating experiences, and outstanding entertainment. Running from December 8, 2023, to January 14, 2024, DSF has everything you need for an incredible time.
Where to go shopping
Dubai Festival City Mall – The Bay by Social
Offers food trucks, a market with unique finds, and family-friendly activities from 4pm to 10pm until April 30.
DSF Markets
Various iconic locations across the city hosting outdoor and pop-up community shopping experiences.
Dubai Opera Garden
Hosting the confidential world of Armani/Privé, featuring the exclusive Armani/Privé Haute Couture Fragrances L’Exposition from 8 to 14 January
Etisalat MOTB (Market Outside The Box) parking lot
Featuring the all-new Fenty Beauty Drive-in from 5 to 14 January. Visitors can get shade matched, purchase products, receive a sneak peek of upcoming launches, enjoy tunes on the Fenty Style Juke Box, and potentially receive extra Fenty goodies.
Expo City
Winter City is the go-to Christmas destination this year, boasting chalet-style huts perfect for finding gifts. The ambiance promises a festive spirit, featuring a towering Christmas tree, Santa’s grotto, a magical light ceremony, and workshops with hot chocolate, mulled drinks, and mince pies. Get into the Christmas magic starting December 15 at Expo City Dubai.
Cash Prizes
This DSF comes loaded with a chance to score remarkable prizes—ranging from cars and cash to gold and even a luxurious new apartment. Among these prizes are the IDEALZ Dubai Shopping Festival Grand Prize offering a staggering Dh2,000,000, the DSF Mega Raffle presenting the opportunity to win a brand-new Nissan Patrol V6 and hefty cash rewards, a chance to bag an astonishing 25 kilos of gold through a mega raffle by the Dubai Jewellery Group, and an opportunity to shop, spin, and potentially win up to an incredible Dh1 Million with the Digital Raffle Promotion by Dubai Shopping Malls Group.
Moreover, by meeting the minimum shopping requirement at ENOC outlets such as Zoom, Tasjeel, or AutoPro, participants can receive raffle coupons for a shot at daily prizes surpassing Dh100,000 in value.
Promotions
Don’t forget to save your receipts
Retrieving your receipt often signals a return, but during DSF 2023-2024, it’s a ticket to something much more thrilling. Throughout 18 days, every time you spend AED 300 or above at any of the 18 chosen brands, your receipt becomes your entry into the DSF Lucky Receipt draw. Here’s the scoop: each day, a winner will be chosen for each of these 18 brands, making a total of 324 lucky receipt holders who will snag prizes.
Get many shopping benefits and discounts with ‘Tickit’ app
Transform your shopping into a rewarding experience with the Tickit app, an innovative rewards program that stands out. It’s not just easy to use—simply become a Tickit program member, link a UAE-issued Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit) to the app, and accumulate points from purchases at participating stores. Additionally, a fortunate shopper stands a chance to win Tickit points valued at AED 100,000; just spend AED 200 to enter. Daily prizes also await app users.
What else is there to do?
Food
Canteen X
Prepare for the highly-anticipated culinary extravaganza of the year. Brace yourself for 17 days filled with urban culture and a delightful array of cuisines from the city’s finest restaurants. Canteen X is making its debut at Mushrif Park, captivating taste buds from Friday, December 15, to Sunday, December 31. With over 20 homegrown foodie brands, including some premiering for the first time, this event promises a discovery of new flavors, presenting a wide array of delectable dishes and delightful sweets.
Admission is free, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an extraordinary experience. Explore an enchanting outdoor market teeming with family-friendly entertainment, boasting activities like large inflatables, trampolines, bungee experiences, and a dedicated children’s gaming zone for all ages to relish.
Global Village
Get ready to indulge as this season’s Global Village offers an enticing array of experiences. With 27 country pavilions and over 200 food outlets, it’s a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. From a 14-train carriage to a floating market, an entire road dedicated to Asian cuisine, the vibrant appeal of curbside eats on Fiesta Street, and the aptly named Happiness Street, where you’ll find various street vendors offering tempting snacks like pizza slices, burgers, and Mexican bites—there’s something to please every palate.
So, loosen your belt, get your taste buds excited, and put on comfortable shoes because this culinary journey is not to be missed!
Attractions
Aquaventure Waterpark
Dive into the world’s largest waterpark, featuring 105 attractions, including nearly vertical and tallest water slides, kids’ Splashers Zones, and a Surf’s Up wave ride. Open daily from 8:45 am to 5:30 pm at Atlantis, The Palm.
AYA Universe
Explore an immersive park with 12 cosmic areas transporting visitors to otherworldly realms. Open Sun-Thur, 10 am-10 pm; Fri-Sat, 10 am-midnight at WAFI City Mall.
Dubai Garden Glow
Experience dazzling themed areas like Glow Park, Magic Park, and Dinosaur Park with giant glowing installations, upside-down rooms, and more daily from 5-10 pm at Zabeel Park.
Deep Dive Dubai
Plunge into the world’s deepest diving pool featuring a sunken city setup for diving enthusiasts. Open daily from 9 am-6 pm at NAS Sports Complex.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Explore Riverland Dubai and three vast ticketed parks, offering a wealth of entertainment. Open daily from 10 am-11 pm on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Dubai Safari Park
Discover 3,000 animals across themed villages, including an Arabian Desert Safari experience. Open Sat-Thur, 9 am-5 pm; Fri 11 am-5 pm at Al Warqa 5.
XLine Dubai Marina
Speed across a 1 km zipline, 170 meters above Dubai Marina, reaching speeds up to 80 km/h. Open Wed-Mon, 9:20 am-5:40 pm, closed Tues at Dubai Marina Mall.
Museum of Illusions
Explore mind-boggling illusions challenging perspectives and featuring cloning tables and mesmerizing holograms. Open Mon-Thur, 10 am-10 pm; Sat-Sun, 10 am-11 pm at Al Seef.
Museum of the Future
Experience futuristic exhibits showcasing possible developments in technology, including glimpses of space and Earth’s ecosystems. Open Wed-Sat, 10 am-7:30 pm on Sheikh Zayed Road.
DSF Drones Show
Presented by Emarat Petroleum, enjoy the captivating drone light show, featuring Mohammed Saeed Harib, the creator and producer of the popular cartoon series FREEJ. Open every night from 8-10 pm at Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR.
Sporting events
Dubai CrossFit Championship (8-10 December)
Prepare for an intense three-day competition at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium featuring 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.
