Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27 (DSF)

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27 (DSF) runs from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027 across Dubai, in malls, markets and public spaces throughout the city. One of the region's best-known winter festivals, it attracts families, shoppers and holidaymakers from the Gulf, the wider Arab world and beyond during the peak winter season.

About the Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival was first held in 1996 and is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. It combines retail promotions in malls and markets with entertainment, live events and family activities across the city.

The festival takes place in the cooler winter months and overlaps with the school holidays and New Year period, which makes it a popular time for family trips to Dubai. The programme of events, concerts and promotions is published on the official Visit Dubai DSF page and is updated as the festival approaches.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27 dates and venue

Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27 dates: Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027. The festival has no single venue. Activities take place across Dubai, including major shopping malls, traditional souqs, beachfront areas and dedicated event sites.

Specific concert dates, market openings and nightly shows are announced separately by the organisers, so check the official page before planning visits around a particular event.

How to get to Dubai for the Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the city's main gateway and one of the world's busiest international airports. Some flights also use Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) at Dubai World Central in the south of the emirate.

Inside the city, the Dubai Metro, taxis and ride-hailing apps connect the main shopping districts. Visitors from neighbouring emirates and Oman often travel by road. Check the official entry requirements for the UAE before you travel.

When planning a trip to Dubai for the Dubai Shopping Festival, confirm event dates on the official website again shortly before booking non-refundable services.

Where to stay

Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are convenient for the city's largest malls. Dubai Marina, JBR and Palm Jumeirah suit visitors who want a beach base, while Deira and Bur Dubai are close to the traditional souqs and offer a wide range of hotels.

The festival overlaps with Christmas, New Year and the winter school holidays, which is one of Dubai's busiest periods. Book accommodation early, especially for the New Year week, and keep a list of alternative properties for groups.

Planning a group trip to the Dubai Shopping Festival

A group tour to the Dubai Shopping Festival suits families, friends' groups, women's groups and corporate incentive trips. Agencies can combine shopping days with a city tour, a desert safari, a visit to the Dubai Creek area and a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

• Timing: the first weekend and the New Year period are usually the busiest, so plan arrival and departure dates carefully.
• Shopping time: leave free afternoons and evenings in the itinerary, as many festival events take place after sunset.
• Transport: for larger groups, a private coach is easier than taxis between malls and souqs.

Agencies building a group trip to the Dubai Shopping Festival should secure flights early, as winter holiday seats to Dubai can sell out. Collect passport details in good time and share a clear day-by-day itinerary with travellers before departure.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026-27?

The official Visit Dubai page gives the dates as 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027. Individual concerts, markets and shows run on their own dates within that period.

Where does the festival take place?

DSF takes place across the whole city, in shopping malls, souqs, beach areas and event sites, rather than at a single venue.

Do I need tickets for the Dubai Shopping Festival?

Shopping promotions in malls and markets are generally open to everyone. Concerts and some special events need separate tickets, which are announced through the organisers' official channels.

Which airport should I fly into?

Most visitors arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Some flights use Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in the south of the city.

Is the festival suitable for families?

Yes. The festival takes place during the winter holidays and includes family entertainment and activities, which makes it popular with families from the Gulf and the wider region.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Dubai Shopping Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.