Dubai Shopping Festival 2025–26: Dates, Best Malls, and Insider Hacks

Dubai’s favourite shopping season is back, and this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival 2025–26 is being billed as one of the biggest editions yet. Officially running from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, the city is transforming into a mega-sale playground with concerts, fireworks, raffles, and pop-up experiences across every major district.​

For residents and tourists, the first thing to lock in is timing. The opening week is when you’ll find the freshest stock and the most aggressive promotions across fashion, electronics, gold jewellery, and homeware. As you move closer to January, discounts often deepen, but popular sizes and in-demand products start to disappear.​

The core of DSF still revolves around the big malls. The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and Mirdif, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Dubai Festival City Mall all run extended hours and citywide campaigns such as “Spend & Win” raffles, car giveaways, and gold promotions. Outlet-style destinations like The Outlet Village and budget-friendly neighbourhood malls are where savvy residents quietly hunt for 70–90% off international brands on last season’s inventory.​

But DSF 2025–26 isn’t just about shopping bags. Expect nightly fireworks, drone shows, live music, and street performances at hotspots like Dubai Creek, Bluewaters, Palm Jumeirah, and Expo City. Visit Dubai has already teased a packed calendar of concerts, open-air markets, and themed family zones designed to keep the city buzzing every evening of the festival.​

To keep your budget under control, plan like a local. Hit the malls early on weekday mornings to avoid crowds and get first pick of deals. Focus on big-ticket purchases—laptops, cameras, premium fashion, and gold—where DSF discounts and tax advantages genuinely move the needle. Combine card-specific cashback campaigns with in-store DSF promotions to stack savings, and don’t forget to sign up for mall loyalty apps that reward each spend with instant vouchers.​

Transport and logistics matter too. Traffic around Downtown, Dubai Marina, and major malls spikes on weekend evenings, especially during fireworks. Use the Metro and tram wherever possible, and park at more relaxed hubs like Dubai Internet City or Dubai World Trade Centre, then ride in. Booking staycations in Deira or Bur Dubai can also reduce costs while keeping you close to the action, thanks to their direct Metro access and lower hotel rates compared to the Marina or Palm.​

With perfect winter weather, record-breaking sales, and a month-long entertainment schedule, DSF 2025–26 is set to be the anchor of Dubai’s winter tourism season. Whether you’re a resident planning a strategic splurge or a visitor flying in just for the festival, this is the moment to empty those suitcases—and bring them back full.