With so much happening during the Dubai Shopping Festival, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The city lights up with concerts, fireworks, family events, outdoor markets, and exclusive shows so choosing where to go can be surprisingly tricky. If you’re planning to visit DSF 2025–26 and want to make the most of your time, this guide highlights the ten events that truly stand out. These are the experiences that past visitors rave about and the ones that best capture the festival’s energy.
1. DSF Opening Ceremony
The festival kicks off with a grand opening night that sets the tone for the entire season. Expect a mix of live performances, synchronized fireworks, music, and immersive visual displays. While the location changes each year, it’s usually held at a major waterfront destination like Dubai Creek or The Beach at JBR. If you’re in the city on opening weekend, this event is the perfect way to ease into DSF’s festive atmosphere.
2. Nightly Fireworks Across the City
Fireworks are a defining feature of DSF. Instead of a one-time show, you get nightly displays at multiple locations, including Bluewaters, Al Seef, Dubai Creek, and The Beach. These shows usually take place after 8 PM, making them an easy addition to your plans—especially after a shopping-heavy day. If you want the best views, waterfront restaurants often offer outdoor seating during DSF.
3. DSF Drone Show
The drone show has become one of the festival’s most anticipated spectacles. Hundreds of drones light up the night sky in perfectly choreographed formations, telling stories related to Dubai’s culture, innovation, and future. It’s free, family-friendly, and held twice per evening at selected waterfront locations. The show usually lasts around 10 minutes but leaves a lasting impression.
4. DSF Markets and Pop-Ups
Beyond malls, outdoor markets bring a different kind of charm. These markets blend shopping with street food, small live stages, craft stalls, and themed experiences. The most popular ones to check out include:
- Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park
- Al Seef Market
- Hatta Wadi Hub pop-ups
These markets are ideal if you enjoy discovering handmade items, local snacks, or indie brands you won’t find in malls.
5. DSF Concerts and Live Performances
Every year, DSF hosts concerts featuring both regional and international artists. While big venues like Coca-Cola Arena attract major names, you’ll also find open-air performances at La Mer, Global Village, and City Walk. The variety is wide—Arabic music, pop artists, Bollywood favourites, and even classical shows. It’s worth checking the event schedule in advance, as some concerts require tickets.
6. Fashion Shows and Brand Launches
Dubai is known for blending retail with creativity, and DSF is the best time to witness it. Many brands use the festival to reveal new collections or host runway shows in malls. These events are usually free to watch and offer a behind-the-scenes feel to the fashion world. If you love style and trends, keep an eye on Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates announcements.
7. Global Village Festivities
Although Global Village runs annually, its DSF season gets extra vibrant. You’ll find extended shows, cultural parades, live stunt performances, and special fireworks exclusively designed for DSF weekends. The mix of food, culture, and shopping makes it a great spot for families or groups looking for variety in one place.
8. The Mega Raffles
If there’s one DSF event that creates serious buzz, it’s the raffles. Visitors have the chance to win luxury cars, gold bars, and large cash prizes simply by making purchases at participating outlets. The most famous ones are:
- Nissan and Infiniti car raffles
- Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group gold draws
- Daily cash prizes at select malls
Even if you don’t shop heavily, smaller purchases sometimes qualify for raffle entries.
9. Kids’ Entertainment Zones
Families visiting DSF will find plenty of child-friendly events. Pop-up parks, character shows, themed activity zones, and interactive workshops appear across different malls. These areas allow kids to engage in creativity while parents enjoy crowd-free shopping for a while. Dubai Festival City Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall often have the best setups for children during DSF.
10. Street Performances and Roaming Entertainment
From live bands to acrobats, cultural dancers, and roaming performers, DSF’s streets and malls are never dull. These performances appear throughout the day, adding a spontaneous charm to the festival. You might walk into a mall and suddenly find a percussion group performing or a flash mob dancing at the atrium.
The Dubai Shopping Festival isn’t just about discounts, it’s a season-long celebration packed with events that appeal to every type of traveller. Whether you’re drawn to fireworks, concerts, cultural shows, or immersive markets, there’s something happening every day. By focusing on these top ten experiences, you’ll catch the true spirit of DSF without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re planning a trip during DSF 2025–26, make time for at least a few of these events. They’ll add depth to your visit and turn your shopping holiday into a memorable seasonal experience.
Experience the Dubai Shopping Festival 2025–26 with Airtravel Enterprises , Great India Tour Company through a well-planned 3N/4D holiday that blends shopping, sightseeing, and signature Dubai experiences. With packages starting from ₹38,500 and multiple hotel options ranging from 3★ to 5★It’s easy to find a stay that matches both your comfort level and budget.
The tour covers some of Dubai’s most popular attractions, including a desert safari with dinner, a Marina dhow cruise, entry to Global Village, and a half-day city tour. Visa charges are included in the package, making the planning process smooth and stress-free.
The trip is available from 05 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, allowing you to visit during the heart of the festival season. Please note that flight tickets are not part of the package.
