Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 | A Complete Guide to Shopping, Entertainment, and Special Discounts
heliya erfani
5 hours ago
Every year, at a specific time, millions of people from around the world travel to Dubai to take advantage of its incredible discounts. The Dubai Shopping Festival, which began in 1996, has gained a special place among global tourism events by combining massive discounts from leading international brands, cultural performances, family entertainment, and grand raffles. In 2026, this festival will once again be held — a celebration running from December 2025 to January 2026, transforming Dubai into a global stage of shopping, music, culture, and diverse entertainment.
In this article, we take you on a comprehensive journey to explore:
The dates of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026
The most important shopping malls and traditional markets are participating
The most prominent events and entertainments
Practical tips for travel and choosing accommodation
The Dubai Shopping Festival begins in mid-December 2025 (Azar 1404 in the Persian calendar) and lasts between 4 to 6 weeks. For exact dates, it is recommended to check the official Visit Dubai website or the Dubai Calendar events schedule.
Note: Before booking your flight tickets and hotel, make sure to confirm the official start date of the festival.
Duration of the Dubai Shopping Festival
This festival usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks and offers a great opportunity to enjoy shopping discounts, street celebrations, and food festivals.
Tip: If you are looking for the best time to grab the biggest discounts, the middle of the festival (early January) is the ideal time.
Best Time to Visit Dubai During the Shopping Festival
The best time to visit Dubai during the Shopping Festival depends on your preferences:
For shopping and major discounts: Late December to mid-January.
For a quieter trip: Midweek (Sunday to Thursday).
For family activities and concerts: Weekends are the best choice.
Discounts and Sales at the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026
One of the main reasons for the popularity of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 is its exceptional discounts. During this period, almost all major malls and international brands participate, offering sales and promotions rarely found at other times of the year.
Category
Details
Discount Rate
Discounts of up to 75% on clothing, perfumes, bags, and electronics
Top Brands
Gucci, Zara, Apple, Samsung, Sephora
Popular Shopping Malls
The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Deira, Dubai Festival City
Most Popular Items
Mobile phones, gaming consoles, televisions, gold, and jewelry
Tip: For purchasing gold and digital gadgets, the first week of the festival is the best time.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 | A Complete Guide to Events, Shopping, and Entertainment
Dubai Shopping Festival
At the Dubai Shopping Festival, in addition to massive discounts, you can enjoy a wide range of programs, from fireworks and concerts to food festivals and traditional markets.
Fireworks and Live Concerts at the Dubai Shopping Festival
Nightly fireworks displays at iconic locations such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are among the festival’s top attractions. On these nights, Dubai’s sky lights up with dazzling colors and spectacular illuminations.
Alongside the fireworks, live concerts featuring both international and local artists are held, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Tip: The best time to attend these shows is early in the evening to secure a good spot for watching.
Family Entertainment and Activities for Children
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 is not just for shopping enthusiasts; families can also enjoy its exciting activities:
Educational competitions and interactive games
Theater and circus shows tailored for kids
Dedicated play areas for young children with high safety standards
These activities ensure that families can shop with peace of mind while children stay entertained.
Food Festivals and Open-Air Markets at the Dubai Shopping Festival
One of the festival’s most popular highlights is the open-air markets and food festivals. Here you can enjoy both global flavors and authentic local dishes:
Food stalls serving street and traditional cuisine
Handicraft and souvenir markets
Restaurants offering special festival menus
Tip: Don’t forget to try local dishes such as Machboos and Kabsa to experience an authentic taste of Dubai’s culture.
Best Shopping Malls During the Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai-City-Of-Gold
Global-Village
The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
These two major shopping centers are among the most important destinations of the festival. During the event, they offer incredible discounts on clothing, electronics, and perfumes.
Tip: For electronics and luxury brands, make sure to visit these two malls.
Dubai Gold Souk and Traditional Markets
If you are looking to buy gold and jewelry or experience traditional shopping, Dubai’s markets are an excellent choice:
Gold Souk in Deira
Spice Souk
Traditional Perfume and Herbal Souks
During the festival, these markets offer special discounts and deals that make traditional shopping even more enjoyable.
Global Village: A Fusion of Cultures at the Dubai Shopping Festival
Global Village is one of the festival’s top attractions. With cultural pavilions from different countries, international restaurants, and handicrafts, it provides an exciting opportunity to experience a journey around the world in just one day.
Where to Stay During the Festival?
Choosing the right accommodation is essential to fully enjoy the Dubai Shopping Festival. Staying close to major malls, with easy access to public transportation and being in the heart of the events, will create a unique experience. Fortunately, Dubai offers a wide variety of hotels for every budget, from luxury to budget-friendly options.
Best Hotels Near Dubai’s Shopping Malls
If you plan to spend most of your time shopping and visiting malls, these hotels are ideal choices:
Hotel Name
Driving Distance to Mall
Key Features
Price Range
Ibis Dubai Mall of the Emirates
5 minutes to Mall of the Emirates
Clean and comfortable, family-friendly
Medium
Royal Continental Deira
15 minutes to Dubai Mall
Close to traditional markets, spacious rooms
Medium
Novotel Al Barsha
10 minutes to Dubai Mall
Good services, access to shopping centers
Medium
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
5 minutes to Mall of the Emirates
Luxury, family-friendly, recreational facilities
Expensive
Flamingo Plaza Hotel Deira
10 minutes to Gold & Spice Souk
Excellent location
Budget
Festival Hotel Deira
15 minutes to Dubai Mall
Budget-friendly, close to metro
Budget
Tip: For accommodation during the Dubai Shopping Festival, it is best to book your hotel a few months in advance, as prices rise and the capacity of hotels near shopping malls fills up quickly.
Raffles and Grand Prizes at the Dubai Shopping Festival
One of the most exciting parts of the Dubai Shopping Festival is the raffles and special prizes awarded to visitors. In the 2025 festival, prizes included millions of dirhams in cash, luxury cars, and even gold distributed among participants.
Examples of prizes from the 2025 festival:
A chance to win AED 100,000 in cash daily
Luxury cars such as the Nissan Patrol
Special raffles at ENOC stations with purchases as small as AED 10
The “Shop & Win” scheme with prizes worth up to AED 1 million
Gold coupons worth AED 1.5 million by the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group
Given the scale of last year’s rewards, the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 is expected to be even more thrilling, with even bigger prizes.
Conclusion: Why is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 an Unforgettable Experience?
The Dubai Shopping Festival is not just an opportunity for huge shopping discounts; it is a blend of family entertainment, food festivals, cultural events, and even the chance to win million-dirham prizes. Whether you come to Dubai for fashion and electronics, to explore traditional markets, or to experience Global Village, this festival is the best time to visit Dubai.
If you are planning to travel, we recommend booking your hotel and organizing your visits to malls and events in advance to enjoy a complete and stress-free experience.
Without a doubt, the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 can create a dreamlike and memorable journey for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai Shopping Festival 2026
When will the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 be held?
From mid-December 2025 to late January 2026 (lasting 4 to 6 weeks).
What products are included in the Dubai Shopping Festival discounts?
Discounts of up to 75% on products such as clothing, electronics, bags, perfumes, and even gold.
Where does the Dubai Shopping Festival take place?
All across Dubai؛ The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Global Village, and many more.
What prizes are offered in the raffles at Dubai Shopping Festival 2026?
Everything from luxury cars to cash, gold, and shopping vouchers.
Is the Dubai Shopping Festival suitable for families?
Absolutely! During this period, all of Dubai comes alive with activities such as fireworks, concerts, special entertainment for children, and markets with exciting discounts.
How can I participate in the raffles of the Dubai Shopping Festival?
By shopping at participating stores (usually with purchases of AED 100 or 200 and above) and registering your receipt.
What is the best time to shop during the festival?
Weekends are perfect for special events, but if you prefer a quieter shopping experience, mid-week days are the best option.
Are the discounts only for UAE residents?
No, the festival is open to everyone — both UAE residents and international visitors.
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