Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will return for its 32nd edition from December 4, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the festival will bring shopping promotions, live entertainment and seasonal attractions to residents and visitors. The upcoming edition will also introduce etisalat Beach Canteen at Sunset Beach.
- Location: Shopping malls and event venues across Dubai, including Sunset Beach and Hatta
- Organisation: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), under DET
- Dates: December 4, 2026, to January 17, 2027
- Who is affected: UAE residents, tourists, shoppers and families
- Business impact: Opportunities for retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses
- What’s next: More details on discounts, raffles, concerts and event schedules are expected in the coming weeks
When Is Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27?
Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27 will run for 45 days, from Friday, December 4, 2026, to Sunday, January 17, 2027. DFRE has confirmed the dates for the festival’s 32nd edition, which will cover the December holiday season, New Year’s Eve and the first half of January.
The annual event has grown beyond shopping discounts to include concerts, outdoor attractions, food experiences and activities for families. This year’s programme will bring back several popular experiences while adding a new beachside attraction.
According to DFRE, the complete schedule, including headline entertainment, retail offers, prize draws and additional events, is expected to be announced in the coming month.
Which Events Are Returning to Dubai Shopping Festival?
Several familiar experiences will return for the 2026–27 edition. These include etisalat DSF Nights, DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub, DSF Auto Season and etisalat MOTB.
Each offers a different way to experience the festival beyond traditional shopping.
etisalat DSF Nights
DSF Nights will bring live entertainment to the festival programme. Dubai Festival City Mall has hosted performances and waterfront experiences during previous editions, making it one of the locations associated with the festival’s entertainment calendar.
The performers, concert dates and ticketing details for the upcoming edition have not yet been confirmed.
DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub
The festival will once again extend beyond Dubai’s urban shopping destinations through DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub. Hatta offers a different setting for outdoor activities, making this part of the programme relevant to visitors looking for experiences away from the city’s malls.
Specific activities and operating dates for the 2026–27 edition are still to be announced.
DSF Auto Season and etisalat MOTB
DSF Auto Season will return with automotive-themed experiences, while etisalat MOTB is scheduled to feature in January.
MOTB has become associated with street culture, fashion, food and independent brands. Its return gives visitors another option during the festival’s final weeks.
DFRE has not yet published the complete schedule for either experience.
What Is New at Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27?
One of the main additions this year is etisalat Beach Canteen at Sunset Beach. The beachside attraction will combine food and drinks with live entertainment, interactive workshops and other activities.
The new edition gives visitors another option for enjoying Dubai’s outdoor season alongside the festival’s shopping and entertainment programme.
Beach Canteen also adds a dining-focused experience to DSF, bringing together food businesses, entertainment and activities in a beachfront setting. Final dates, participating outlets and the full programme are yet to be confirmed.
January will continue to feature etisalat MOTB and DSF Auto Season as the festival moves towards its closing date on January 17.
Residents planning visits to specific attractions should check the official event listings once individual schedules are released.
What Shopping Deals and Raffles Can Visitors Expect?
Shopping promotions will remain central to Dubai Shopping Festival. Participating retailers and malls are expected to offer deals, limited-time promotions and prize opportunities during the 45-day event.
However, shoppers will need to wait for further announcements before planning purchases around specific discounts. The organisers have not yet confirmed individual retailer offers, discount percentages, raffle prize packages or the full list of participating brands for 2026–27.
The previous edition provides an indication of the festival’s scale. According to Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the 30th edition awarded more than AED50 million in prizes to 1,115 winners through 295 raffles. These figures relate to the earlier edition and should not be treated as a forecast for the upcoming festival.
Shoppers should look out for official announcements before making purchases based on advertised deals or prize promotions.
How Does Dubai Shopping Festival Support the UAE Retail and Tourism Sectors?
Dubai Shopping Festival has been part of the city’s retail calendar since 1996. Over three decades, it has developed into a seasonal programme that connects shopping with dining, entertainment and tourism.
The event allows retailers to attract customers during the winter shopping season. Restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues may also benefit from visitors combining shopping trips with meals, concerts and other activities.
For tourists, DSF offers another reason to visit Dubai during the cooler months. For residents, the mix of shopping promotions and outdoor events provides more options for spending time in the city.
The festival also sits alongside other events coordinated through DFRE, including Dubai Summer Surprises and the 3-Day Super Sale. Together, these initiatives form part of Dubai’s year-round retail calendar.
The actual economic impact of the 2026–27 edition will depend on visitor numbers, consumer spending and business participation. Figures for the upcoming festival have not yet been released.
The dates give residents and visitors an early opportunity to plan shopping trips and winter activities around Dubai Shopping Festival. Families can watch for entertainment announcements, while shoppers can wait for confirmed discounts and raffle terms before deciding when to visit participating malls.
Retailers, restaurants and hospitality businesses will also be watching for further details about the programme and expected customer demand.
The next major update will be the release of the complete festival schedule, including concerts, shopping offers, prizes and individual event dates.
FAQs
1. When does Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 start?
Dubai Shopping Festival starts on December 4, 2026, and runs until January 17, 2027.
2. How long does Dubai Shopping Festival last?
The 32nd edition runs for 45 calendar days, covering December and the first half of January.
3. What events are included in DSF 2026–27?
Confirmed experiences include etisalat DSF Nights, DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub, DSF Auto Season, etisalat MOTB and etisalat Beach Canteen at Sunset Beach.
4. Have the Dubai Shopping Festival discounts and raffle prizes been announced?
No detailed discount percentages, retailer-specific offers or prize packages have been confirmed for the upcoming edition. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
5. Where can visitors find Dubai Shopping Festival updates?
Visitors can check the official Visit Dubai website for event listings and updates as the programme is announced.
Plan for Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27
Dubai Shopping Festival returns from December 4, 2026, to January 17, 2027, with shopping promotions, returning entertainment experiences and a new beachside attraction. While the dates and headline experiences are confirmed, visitors should wait for the full programme before planning around specific concerts, discounts or raffles.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
Read More
