Dubai’s most anticipated shopping season is back. The Dubai Shopping Festival Sale Season will kick off on December 26, bringing discounts of up to 75 per cent across more than 3,500 retail outlets around the city.
From high-street fashion and luxury labels to electronics, beauty, homeware, and everyday essentials, shoppers can expect widespread offers across malls, shopping streets, and local retail hubs.
For many in Dubai, DSF isn’t just about shopping. It’s a winter tradition. Families plan mall days, tourists align trips around the sales, and residents finally tick off long-pending purchases. This year’s sale season promises bigger participation, stronger rewards, and more reasons to step out and shop.
Discounts across Dubai’s biggest malls and shopping areas
The DSF Sale Season will see participating brands offer price cuts ranging from 25 per cent to 75 per cent. Major shopping destinations across the city are part of the campaign, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre malls, Ibn Battuta Mall, and several community malls.
Shoppers can expect deals across fashion, footwear, accessories, electronics, perfumes, jewellery, home décor, and lifestyle products. Local retailers are also taking part, giving shoppers a mix of global brands and UAE-based businesses.
This period is especially popular for upgrading gadgets, shopping for winter wardrobes, and buying gifts ahead of upcoming holidays.
For visitors, it’s a chance to enjoy Dubai’s shopping scene at some of its most competitive prices.
DSF 12-Hour Sale makes a comeback
One of the biggest highlights of the Dubai Shopping Festival is the return of the DSF 12-Hour Sale. This limited-time event offers deeper discounts for just half a day, usually across selected malls and brands.
The 12-Hour Sale is known for drawing crowds early in the morning, with shoppers lining up to grab exclusive deals before stocks run out. Discounts during this window often go beyond the regular sale offers, making it one of the most talked-about DSF events every year.
While full details are typically announced closer to the date, seasoned shoppers know the drill. Plan ahead, shortlist stores, and reach early to make the most of the short window.
Scan and Win campaigns add more excitement
This year’s DSF Sale Season is also bringing back interactive shopping experiences through Scan and Win campaigns. Shoppers can scan QR codes at participating stores and malls for chances to win prizes, shopping vouchers, and exclusive rewards.
These campaigns encourage shoppers to explore different malls and retail areas, turning a regular shopping trip into something more engaging. Many malls are also offering exclusive rewards through loyalty programmes, including bonus points, instant prizes, and spend-and-win promotions.
For residents, it’s a familiar DSF feature that adds a little extra thrill to everyday shopping. For visitors, it’s a fun way to experience Dubai’s retail culture beyond discounts alone.
Dubai’s winter season
Dubai Shopping Festival plays a key role in the city’s winter calendar. It boosts retail activity, supports local businesses, and attracts tourists during one of the busiest times of the year.
Shopping during DSF often goes hand in hand with dining, entertainment, and family outings. Malls become social spaces, not just retail destinations. Restaurants roll out seasonal menus, cafés stay busy late into the night, and families turn shopping trips into full-day plans.
For businesses, DSF brings higher footfall and visibility. For shoppers, it delivers value, variety, and a lively atmosphere that feels uniquely Dubai.
Also check out: UAE Winter Pop-Ups to Bookmark for 2025 – Social Kandura
Tips to shop smart during the DSF Sale Season
Experienced Dubai shoppers know that DSF rewards those who plan ahead. Popular sizes and high-demand items tend to sell out quickly, especially during flash sales like the 12-Hour Sale.
Weekday mornings are usually quieter, while weekends and evenings can get crowded, particularly at major malls. Many residents prefer combining shopping with dining reservations or family activities to avoid peak congestion.
Setting a budget and tracking offers across different malls can also help shoppers make better decisions during the sale season.
What to expect in the weeks ahead
The DSF Sale Season is just one part of the wider Dubai Shopping Festival. Over the coming weeks, more retail promotions, entertainment events, and citywide activities are expected to be announced.
Each year, DSF continues to evolve, offering more experiences beyond shopping alone. Whether it’s live performances, family-friendly events, or seasonal décor, the festival adds to Dubai’s winter charm.
For residents, it’s a familiar highlight of the year. For tourists, it’s another reason to experience Dubai at its most vibrant.
With discounts of up to 75 per cent, thousands of participating outlets, Scan and Win rewards, and the return of the popular 12-Hour Sale, the Dubai Shopping Festival Sale Season is set to draw crowds across the city once again.
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