Organized by Dubai Festivals Retail Sector Promotion Establishment (DFRE), together with Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is one of the well-known shopping fiestas in the world.
Celebrating its 28th edition, the Dubai Shopping Festival 2022 will be held from 15th December 2022 to 29th January 2023. The Dubai Shopping Festival is the largest shopping and entertainment extravaganza in the Middle East. This year, one can witness over 3500 outlets from 800 leading retail brands, offering 25 to 75 percent discount.
The month-long festival, with its unbeatable deals, has already made way into Guinness World Records. The festival is marked by celebrity performances, and plenty of other amazing events, apart from major shopping deals. There is an attraction for everyone at the DSF, from fashion flash mobs to live raffle draws, and not to forget, the fireworks, which is the hallmark of DSF.
DSF is an event that is a true blend of festivity and lights, shopping and glamour, sports and adventure, multi-cuisine food and cosmopolitan culture. The festival is much loved by travellers, as the city is decorated with lights during the season. There are various promotions and offers at every mall to draw buyers, with DSF turning the city into a shoppers’ paradise. There are entertainment shows for children and families, Kids Disneyland, Art lovers horizon and food fiesta for the foodies.
The first day of the shopping festival would open with an amazing display of fireworks and jaw dropping discounts and freebees, which attract numerous tourists to this festival. DSF transforms the city during the month-long extravaganza with its firework displays, pop-up fashion shows, mega sales and plenty of other activities and entertainment for people of all age groups. The calendar of events during this month is jam-packed with enthralling performances, raffles, flash sales, concerts and pop-ups, all of which, brings the city to life.
Further, the DSF is not just about shopping. There would be in-mall fashion shows, street performers, musicians, jugglers and other entertainers. There will be live music performances, and magicians to keep up the excitement of the festival. DSF is entirely different from the other common shopping festivals.
Several travel agencies arrange holiday deals and help families, groups and individuals to participate in the shopping festival every year. DSF 2022can even be booked as a tour package, with return airfare. Several destination management companies are ready to help visitors planning to visit DSF 2022. Visitors can choose the best one based on their individual requirement.
History of DSF
It all began in the year 1996 when HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, turned his idea of creating an epic shopping festival into reality, aiming to make Dubai a year-round family tourism destination. DSF received 1.6million visitors in its first year, with loads of fabulous prizes being offered, it was an interesting way to kick-start the festival.
The very next year, in 1997, the Global Village was launched, with 3000 retail outlets having registered to participate in the festival. Global Village was launched along the banks of Dubai Creek, with international pavilions offering gifts and handicrafts from across the world. Over the years, DSF got bigger and better, and last year more than 150 mega events were held.
DSF 2020 will be held across the city, with big and small shops having special deals to offer to buyers. The major places for shopping are the ‘Global Village’ and all big malls.
DSF Locations
This is a city-wide festival, which means the festival can be enjoyed in multiple locations.
Markets: Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Deira City Centre, Burjuman, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Festival City, Outlet Mall, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Souk Al Bahar, Perfume Souk, Old Souk, Meena Bazaar, Naif Souks, Fruit and vegetable souks.
DSF 2022 will be held across the city, with big and small shops having special deals to offer to buyers. The major places for shopping are the ‘Global Village’ and all big malls.
Highlights of DSF 2022
Opening weekend concert on 16th Dec, 17th Dec: This will involve participation of Egyptian Singers Mohamed Hamaki, together with Ahmed Saad, taking to the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 16th December. While Hamaki is a former coach on ‘The Voice Ahla Sawt’ television show, Saad is known for latest hits ‘Khelset Hayaty’ and ‘Betewhasheny’. On 17th December, at the Winter Music Fest, vibe with Bollywood singing stars Kanika Kapoor and Jasleen Royal at The Agenda.
Daily Firework Display: Every day of DSF will have firework displays by Al Zarooni group to be held in locations such as Burj Al Arab, Dubai Creek, Bluewaters, Al Seef, Dubai Frame, JBR and Dubai Festival City at 8.30pm or 9pm.
Drone Show (Dec to Jan): Adding to the excitement will be two new drone shows, which will have the themes DSF, inspired by DSF’s retail offerings, and The Future of Dubai, inspired by the 2040 vision. The shows will be held twice a day at 7pm and 10pm at The Beach and Bluewaters. The shows will also include ‘Laser Shows’, with the visual spectacle being showcased on 23rd and 24th December, 13th and 14th January and 18th to 27th January.
Etisalat MOTB: The original alternative shopping concept celebrates home-grown F&B and retail vendors with activities, apart from live entertainment from local and regional artists.
Dubai Pop-up concept (13th to 15th Jan): Dubai 80s pop-up concept will be at Last Exit Khawaneej from 23rd December to 8th January, offering nostalgia trips from 80s, 90s and 2000s. The Coreunity Festival, a celebration of music, movement and wellness will be held at Hatta from 13th to 15th January.
World Tennis League (19th to 24th Dec): Tennis stars Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Alexander Zvrev will participate in this year’s sporting event at Coca-Cola Arena from 19th to 24th December.
Musical Concert (19th to 24th): Thereafter, enjoy daily musical concerts from 19th to 24th December by Tiesto, WizKid, Mohamed Ramadan and others.
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market: Get into the holiday spirit at this family-friendly outdoor extravaganza. From an impressive 36ft-tall tree to a range of seasonal food stalls and immersive family-friendly activities, this holiday bazaar has something for one and all.
Dubai Beats (6th, 7th Jan); Tunes DXB (6th to 15th Jan): Dubai Beats will return this year by hosting 10 musicians from different genres to perform on 6th and 7th Jan. Meanwhile Tunes DXB will be held from 6th to 15th January at various locations across Dubai, including local artists such as Alya Al Ali, Hamdan Al Abri, Shebani and the like with daily performances in the evenings.
Arts and Culture (From 12th Jan): High acrobatic production Ovo by Cirque due Soleil will be held at Coca-Cola Arena from 12th to 18th Jan. ‘The Quoz Arts Fest’ will come back to Alserkal Avenue on 28th and 29th Jan. ‘A Murder Mystery’ will be held at Al Seef Heritage Hotel until 12th February. ‘Dubai Lights’ will also make a return this year and will showcase 10 unique interactive light installations across the emirate.
Closing Weekend (January 27th): Holywood composer Hans Zimmer, and his 45-piece band, orchestra and dancers will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on 27th January. The Oscar and Grammy winner is known for his work on films such as The Lion King, Dune and Interstellar. The tickets are priced starting from Dh.495.
Other attractions at Dubai Shopping Festival are:
Global Village
Visitors and residents alike flock to the ever-popular Global Village in Dubai. The Global Village is associated with DSF, but usually starts a little before opening of DSF and runs a little longer than DSF. Just as the name suggests, Global Village has the unique concept of bringing globe in one place. Global Village displays every country with its own pavilion and they display products that are popular in their home countries. For instance, on visiting Thailand, you get to taste all fresh fruits that they sell. Similarly, in Indian pavilion, you get to see handicrafts on sale, while China can offer deals that suit the pockets of many. However, Global Village also has various entertainment shows organized, food stalls to satisfy taste buds, big rides for kids, water sport activities and daily lucky draws.
Drawing in more than 5 million guests annually, Global Village is also one of Dubai’s major shopping destinations, featuring 26 themed pavilions, which represents cultures from across the globe. Everything from traditional Indian spices to handmade Iranian rugs are available here, so that you can travel the world, without even leaving Dubai.
This season of Global Village (27th edition) and will remain open from 25th October 2022 to 29th April 2023. Timings are 4pm to midnight on weekdays and 4pm to 1am on weekends and public holidays.
Sports
Sports lovers visiting Dubai during the festival will get the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting events including Open Tennis Championship, Hockey on Synthetic Surface, Ice Hockey, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice, Skating and Rowling Championships. The DSF Desert Camp offers adventure activities like quad bikes, camel rides, horse riding etc. If you love adventure, opt for a desert safari and go dune bashing as well.
Gourmets
Gourmet is a major attraction of Dubai Shopping Festival, wherein visitors get to satisfy their taste buds from delicious cuisines prepared from all corners of the world. Delicious cuisines ranging from Chinese, to French, to Italian and all special Arabic delights form part of the gourmet. Further, DSF involves gathering of people from diverse backgrounds, enjoying international cuisine, involving celebrity chefs, live cooking counters, interactive events and exciting prizes.
Tax-free shopping
Tax-free shopping is a major attraction of DSF. Shopping in Dubai, by itself, is largely tax-free, as merchants re-permitted to import products from other countries with little custom duties. Further, DSF offers high-discounts, wherein, the shopping malls and retailers offer up to 75 percent discount on a range of items, including watches, jewellery, carpets, electronics, textiles, handicrafts of major brands. There are an amazing number of discounts this year ranging from 25 to 50 percent on sunglasses and home décor to designer fashion, and up to 75 percent. The purchases also come with free gifts and accessories. There are other promotions too on the offer like fantastic holiday packages from five-star hotels and resorts.
Some of things to consider purchasing from DSF are cars, electronic items, gold jewellery, clothes, almonds and dates, carpets, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, food, spices, and textiles. Some shopping malls and online retailers will offer attractive discounts on gadgets and electronic items like computer, laptop, cameras, tablets, smart phones, and more.
Moreover, Dubai is an excellent shopping destination in the world for Gold. The Shopping Fest will offer heavy discount and best deals for Gold, every year.
Raffles and Prizes
So, its time again for incredible retail deals and raffles, apart from all the live entertainment and more at the DSF 2022. Apart from sleek SUVs and Family Sedans, there are hundreds and thousands to win in cash prizes. Discover all this at the DSF 2022.
Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group Gold Promotion:
Location: Retailers in Dubai Gold Souk, Deira at gold and jewellery stores across the city.
Experience souk shopping here, and you will realize why Dubai continues to be called the City of Gold. The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is organizing a special promo for gold, diamond and pearl precious jewellery, together with 200 Jewellery outlets across Dubai
Stay updated on all these offers on www.mydsf.ae.
Travel Packages
Several local travel agencies, tour operators and airlines operate services to the UAE, with special discounted tour packages, targeting tourists seeking to enjoy the Dubai shopping extravaganza during this event. For instance, Emirates, the national airline of Dubai, has been offering attractive tour packages for DSF. Several other airlines offer discounted rates apart from Emirates, such as Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Etihad Airways and others.
On availing these travel deals, visitors can enjoy sightseeing tours to some most exciting destinations in Dubai, such as Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari that make Dubai a world-class tourist destination.
Most hotels in Dubai also offer packages at discounted rates to attract more customers. Advanced booking is recommended to get the confirmed room.
Tips for making the most of DSF 2022
- Keep yourself updated on latest deals that are on the offer. Download '#MyDSF 2022 Offers' app for latest updates.
- Shop early, as late shoppers may not have as many choices to choose from.
- Research well on the products and offers available before you head to DSF.
- Don't limit yourself to only what you need immediately. Look for good picks and best deals that may not be available later.
DSF, your favourite annual shopping fest is now bigger, better and is coming in early this year, to make the most of Dubai’s perfect winters. Enjoy the spirit of all powerhouse performances to window shopping and surprising deals, and see what makes DSF Dubai’s most anticipated retail extravaganza.
Contact details:
Dubai Shopping Festival 2022
Start Date: 15/Dec/2022
End Date: 29th/Jan/2023
Venue: Different venues around Dubai
Name of organizer: Dubai Events & Promotional Establishment
Department of Economic Development Building, 1st Floor, Baniyas Street, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Tel: 00971 4 2235 444 / +971 56 2778434 (9am to 7pm)
Fax: 00971 4 2235 888
Note: Dubai is fully committed to following all guidelines and safety protocols to safeguard the health of visitors. Hence, from the moment you arrive at the airport, to when you check-in to hotel, go shopping, or enjoy the thrills of a waterpark or relax at a beach, there are rules in place to safeguard your well-being and thereby prevent the spread of COVID-19. Keep yourself updated on the travel regulations, which keeps changing from time-to-time owing to the current pandemic situation.
