The 28th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the longest-running festival of its kind anywhere in the world, kicked off today with an action-packed 46-day calendar running through until January 29, 2023.
This DSF offers musical performances from world-renowned artists and DJs, gastronomic experiences, exceptional deals and promotions that will appeal to everyone’s inner shopper, life-changing raffles and chances to win big, community markets and events, and all things entertainment.
Live concerts
DSF is kicking off with a special opening concert featuring two of the region’s most loved artists, Mohamed Hamaki and Ahmed Saad. Setting the tone for the festival, this DSF will be witnessing an electric lineup of concerts from Tiesto, Wizkid, Mohammed Ramadan, and so much more. Returning this year, Tunes DXB is back for 10 days of live entertainment showcasing talented local artists. The second edition of Dubai Beats is back from the 6th and 7th of January with more than 11 contemporary artists at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.
Fireworks displays, drones, art & culture
Dubai’s iconic fireworks are back this DSF with a series of dazzling displays on 15 December at 9 PM that will light up the sky across six locations: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Frame, Al Seef, Dubai Creek and Dubai Festival City Mall.
After the stunning opening night’s displays, from 16 December to 29 January, the much-loved daily DSF fireworks displays by Al Zarooni Group will also be back with a bang to provide everyone with a magical pyrotechnic spectacle. Shows run daily at iconic spots across the city: Bluewaters & The Beach, JBR, Al Seef and Dubai Festival City Mall.
The much anticipated DSF Drone Show also returns this year, starting from 15 December, with two all-new themed shows – Dubai Shopping Festival, inspired by the retail offerings and celebrations of DSF, and The Future of Dubai, inspired by the 2040 vision. Performances will occur twice daily throughout DSF at 7 PM and 10 PM at Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR. On New Year’s Eve, show timings change to 8 PM and 11 PM. Extra special laser shows will run on 23 and 24 December, 13 and 14 January, and 27 to 28 January to accompany the visual spectacle.
Get immersed in detective work with the infamous Murder Mystery experience live at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai until 12 February. Tickets are priced at AED 210 per person and can be purchased online at feverup.com
Shoppers will be entertained with a schedule of in-mall and outdoor entertainment of fun acts and performances. Amidst all the shopping, performing artists covering dance, music, theatre and circus acts will pop up across the city. Running for the duration of DSF, shoppers should keep an eye out for enticing performances at any of these locations: La Mer, City Walk 2, Al Seef, Dubai Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, The Pointe, Nakheel Mall, Gate Avenue, DIFC, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, Bluewaters, Al Khawaneej and JBR The Walk.
Dubai’s favourite dynamic duo, Modesh & Dana, will tour the city throughout DSF. Never failing to spread joy, the Dubai characters will be at the forefront of every stage, welcoming a host of actors, performing artists, dancers, and more at iconic locations across the city.
Dubai lights
Get ready for a showcase of 10 unique interactive light installations by renowned artists worldwide. From 15 December to 29 January, Dubai Lights will take place in City Walk 2, Dubai Design District and The Pointe. This year’s edition highlights a meticulously curated collection titled The Sparks Within.
New this DSF
Time travel with DSF’s newest addition, Dubai 80’s, happening from 23 December to 1 January at Last Exit Al Khawaneej from 5 pm to 11 pm. Dubai 80’s is a nostalgic activation bringing all things old-school pop culture from used toys, magazines, and books to video consoles, classic cars and more. Get immersed in nostalgic graffiti while munching on childhood snacks and jamming out to ’80s, 90s, and 2000’s throwbacks. An unmissable blast from the past meant to resurface everyone’s most significant childhood memories.
Win incredible prizes
Keep an eye on the endless opportunities to take home a grand prize this DSF. These include the DSF Lucky Receipt, where shoppers can win TVs, iPhone 14 ProMax, gemstone jewellery sets, handbags, limited edition PS 5 designer sunglasses and much more. Spend AED500 ($136) or more in any of the 10 participating brands, including Jumbo, Sharaf DG, Jawhara Jewellery, Eros, Emax, Galeries LaFayette, Rivoli, Eyezone, FACES and Jashanmalfor an unmissable opportunity to be a DSF Lucky Receipt winner. There are 10 prizes to be won each day from December 15 to 25.
Additionally, purchase a ticket from any ENOC or EPPCO petrol station for AED200 and stand a chance to win a brand new Nissan Patrol and AED100,000 in cash daily, only with the DSF Mega Raffle.
Win an apartment in Downtown Dubai with the DSF 2023 Grand Prize, presented by Ideal. The website idealz.com and the Idealz mobile app offer up to 150 other raffle draws throughout the DSF season and win many exciting prizes.