Dubai Shopping Festival

In a precise or condensed nutshell, Dubai Shopping Festival indicates mega discount season with endless celebrations all over Dubai. Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and the UAE’s Prime Minister, launched it as an ordinary trade event back in 1996. As it received magnanimous response in its debut year itself, its subsequent versions went on to become even grander with distinct theme and a brand-new array of events and attractions every year. Jointly organized by DFRE (Dubai Festivals Retail Sector Promotion Establishment) and DTCM (Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing), DSF is now all gearing up for the celebration of its silver jubilee edition which will span over a period of 32 days from December 26th, 2019 to January 24th, 2020.

Check out main DSF locations: As events and revelries take place all over the city during this one-month festival, don’t miss out its most impressive or exclusive attractions. Tour the region’s ultimate leisure venue at Global Village, attend the iconic Layali Dubai Concert, walk around the city’s traditional bazaars of souks (mainly Gold Souk, Textile Souk and Spice Souk), and maximize the fun and entertainment at Al Seef Street and Al Rigga Street, all offering a mix of lively street performances, kids play area etc.

Discount Shopping: DSF is an absolute treat for savvy retail enthusiasts and bargain hunters as it allows them to own their favorite merchandises for super slashed rates. More precisely, you could receive 30% to 70% or even more discount on those things that you were always drooling over, such as smart electronic gadgets, statement jewelry pieces, top-notch perfumes, choicest confectionaries or items from top labels including Armani, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino etc. DSF offers and deals are its best across the participating malls (including Majid Al Futtaim shopping centers), Nights Souks, Carpet and Art Oasis, among others.

Look out for special sales and unique shopping experiences: As DSF progresses and gets into full swing, you can look forward to enjoy more price drops which are apart from usual DSF discounts. Take for instance the 12-hour sale which offers discounts as much as 90% on your favorite items. There are also several unique shopping experiences that you should not miss out, mainly DSF Carnival and Market Outside the Box.

See Fireworks: Fireworks are a staple to any celebration in Dubai and so is DSF. From inaugural and closing displays to weekly displays, you can expect to see this extraordinary pyrotechnic show all through the duration of DSF. To watch this dazzling spectacle in its entire grandeur, you can head down to locations such as Dubai Creek Park, Global Village, Al Seef, La Mer and the Beach (JBR).

Join Raffle Draws: For many, the most enticing part of DSF is fabulous raffle draws. This allows you to win exciting gifts by way of cars, jewelry and whopping cash prizes. And the greatest things is that you can be a part of it with a very nominal spend. For instance, to participate in the Nisan Grand Raffle that gives away brand-new Nissan cars, all you’ve to do is to purchase items worth AED 20 from one of the Zoom outlets during the promotion period. Another of the major raffle draws is Infiniti Mega Raffle; its ticket price may be slightly higher (AED 200) but amazing rewards that are up for grabs (by way of Infiniti QX50, weekly cash prize of AED 100,000 and mega draw amount of AED 500,000) are definite to bring a wide smile on your face.

Visit Global Village: Open throughout the winter season from October to April, the sprawling Global Village becomes most active during DSF. But more than mind-boggling shopping, grand events, and spine-tingling live shows, it’s where you can discover unique world cultures and traditions, with more than 30 pavilions that host over 70 countries from different parts of the globe.

Savor Culinary Delights from all over the world: Food is a huge part of DSF! Being home to people from over 150 countries, the city presents a culinary extravaganza like no other. And with food stalls, live cooking stations etc dotted all over the city’s main hotels, souks, malls, and restaurants, DSF is probably the most appropriate time to relish both local and international culinary delights.

• Dubai is already a shoppers’ paradise, so make sure that you conduct a thorough research before you roll up your sleeves and start shopping.
• There are a variety of sources which you can rely on for authentic DSF shopping guide; download a dedicated DSF app or check out the Website of Dubai Corporation of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (VisitDubai.com) to know about the latest discount and deals.
• If you’re up for some serious retail therapy, make sure that you start early in order to avoid all crowd and frenzies, especially during weekends and holidays.
• DSF is undoubtedly the best time for extravagant shopping. That said, keep an eye out for flash sales or special deals which let you bag your covetable luxury brand at head-spinning discounts.
• With so much to experience and explore, wear relaxed clothing and pair it with a comfy pair of walking shoes.
• Finally, don’t limit your DSF trip to just shopping, events and shows; alternatively, go ahead and take in the city’s blend of classic and contemporary attractions. Enjoy desert safari, go on a dhow cruise, take a city tour or tour Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Miracle Garden etc.

If you’re looking for fun, hassle-free options to make the most of your DSF visit to Dubai, Rayna Tours offers a world of options! Select our all-inclusive DSF packages including premium and express choices or speak to one of our DSF specialists to personalize a Dubai Shopping Festival package according to your budget and preferences.