Are you ready to dive into a world of exclusive shopping with juicy deals and reward programmes, immersive experiences, and wonder-filled events that leave you craving for more? Then buckle up for an astounding 38-day adventure with Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2024 which brings the very best the city has to offer. Of course, malls and swish hotels are part of the mix but there’s much more to discover! Here are Cosmo’s top picks of what to do, where to go, eat and shop this DSF 2024.
Let the good vibes roll with some serious retail therapy
Fashionistas rejoice! DSF 2024 is a full-blown retail fiesta! Swipe, splurge, and strut your way through the aisles because… why not! If you are planning to give your wardrobe a winter upgrade, don’t miss these amazing deals and fun pop-ups across the city.
Save Big Win Big with Marina Home
Dive into the ultimate shopping spree at Marina Home Showrooms across Dubai to give your living space a stylish makeover. Spend just Dhs2,000 at Marina Home stores and you will automatically enter a draw where four winners can win a jaw-dropping home makeover worth Dhs 50,000 each!
Until December 25 only!
Enjoy extraordinary experiences
Dubai Lights is back with a series of new installations and events illuminating the city. Here’s what you must not miss during DSF.
DSF Drone Show presented by Emarat Petroleum
Spotlighting the fusion of technology, art and culture, the Dubai night skies will be lit up by over 800 drones twice every night, this DSF – a mesmerising sight indeed! Do not miss the unique Emirati narrative, one of the shows collaborates with renowned animator Mohammed Saeed Harib, adding a cultural touch to this astounding display.
Date: December 8-January 14
Time: 8pm and 10pm
Location: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR
Dubai Lights: The Anooki
If you visit Al Seef or d3, you’ll be greeted by two sets of uber-friendly oversized inflatable Anooki characters. Join them in jumping, playing, running, laughing, and taking pics at these popular hotspots. They will also mark their presence at Hatta and later at the Etisalat MOTB, so watch out for them, and don’t forget to snap a photo (or two) of these larger-than-life, luminous marvels!
Date: December 8- January 14
Location: Al Seef, d3, Hatta and Etisalat MOTB at d3
Dubai Lights: Dubai Neon
Dubai’s traditional and quaint abras are getting a dazzling makeover thanks to the Dubai Neon activation. For a change, be a tourist in your own city and ride along the Creek on one of the 40 neon-lit abras at Al Seef and Old Gold Souk at Deira. It will be an experience to remember!
Festive Garden at Nakheel Mall and Amazon Wonder at West Beach
You’re invited to watch as West Beach transforms into a radiant Amazonian wonderland from December 13-January 30 – illuminated with neon parrots, vibrant flowers, and lively leaves across the area’s pristine promenade. A few hundred metres away, Nakheel Mall is getting dressed up with flower installations, a water fountain and a wintry tree to reflect the festive spirit. The visual spectacle, on until January 30, 2024, will have plenty of ‘grammable spots!
Performing arts
Your weekly mall visits just got an extra dose of fun and colour. This DSF, some of the city’s favourite malls will welcome acrobatics, dance and musical performances, drummers creating mesmerising rhythms, talented beatboxers and…wait for it… even social media stars! The live performances at malls give you just one more reason to step out and go shopping (as if we needed another!)
Dates: December 8- January 14
Locations: Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, Last Exit Khawaneej, Al Seef, Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City, City walk.
Make the most of outdoor markets
Winters in Dubai are best enjoyed outdoors. Step out and soak in the warm sunshine while shopping and dining at these brilliant outdoor markets.
Icons Exhibition x DSF
Combining traditional cultural elegance and contemporary allure, the Icons Exhibition has earned its stripes as a premier fashion showcase in Dubai. Offering a variety of abayas, kaftans, winter wear, and jewellery, the phenomenal exhibition caters to all fashion enthusiasts without exception.
Date: December 8 – 11
Location: Kulture House, Jumeirah
THE HUB X DSF
Serving the best food and beverages that Dubai has to offer within a delightful outdoor ambience, THE HUB is a must-visit dining and entertainment market this DSF.
Date: December 8 – 24
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Location: One Central Plaza, near Dubai World Trade Centre
The Local Hub by Wardrobe Exhibitions
Boasting over 40 vendors, gastronomy kiosks, and stellar entertainment, The Local Hub unites exceptional local culinary maestros and businesses in an outdoor setting – creating a local carnival which cannot be missed this season.
Date: December 14 – 22
Time: 4pm-11pm
Location: Avenue Mall, Nad Al Sheba
Canteen X
Drawing inspiration from the team that brought the popular Beach Canteen event at Kite Beach, Canteen X is an experience which aims to bring the crème de la crème of Dubai’s food and culture scene to Mushrif Park this DSF. Hosting 17 days of delectable gastronomic experiences, live entertainment, exciting activities, and even a drive-through cinema, Canteen X is one of the most highly anticipated events of the season – and of the year at large.
Date: December 15- 31
Time: 4pm-1am
Location: Mushrif Park
The Bay by Social
Incredible food popups, live bands, cosy coffee corners, experimental food market, game stalls, charming kiosks selling quirky collectibles, interactive art installations… The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall is a dynamic space that has become the city’s latest must-visit location.
Date: Until 30 April, 2024
Time: 4pm to 10pm
Location: Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall
Global Village
If the iconic Global Village has not been on your radar for a long while, now is the time to renew your ties with it. In its 28th year, everyone’s favourite fair boasts 27 pavilions, 3,500 shopping outlets, 250 dining options, over 400 performers and 195+ rides and attractions. Any wonder why it’s the most visited attraction in the region?
Via @globalvillageuae on Instagram
Date: October 18 until April 28
Time:
Sunday to Wednesday: 4pm until 12am
Thursday to Saturday: 4pm until 1am
Location: Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Click here to purchase your tickets.
Etisalat MOTB
The 11th edition of MOTB in Dubai will celebrate all things Gen Z this DSF – boasting an eclectic array of trendy local and international brands, food stalls, live entertainment, and exciting activities which are sure to entice shoppers. Bursting at the scenes with creativity, diversity, and innovation, Etisalat MOTB cannot be missed.
Dates: January 5, 2024-January 14, 2024
Time: Monday to Thursday – 4pm -10pm
Friday – 4pm – 12am
Saturday to Sunday – 12pm -12am
Location: Dubai Design District (d3)
Shows and performances
Don’t miss the buzz at these live performances and shows this DSF.
Sole DXB
The region’s most popular youth and contemporary culture festival, featuring a star-studded line-up including Busta Rhymes, will take place from December 8 until December 10, 2023. It’s the place to see and be seen at!
Via @soledxb on Instagram
Date: December 8, 2023
Time: 3pm-11:30pm
Location: Dubai Design District
To purchase your tickets, click here.
Tunes DXB
It’s back! Tunes DXB returns with a fantastic line-up of live music this DSF. Dance and sing along as busker-style musicians take over Dubai’s streets, covering everything from pop and rock to hip-hop.
Dates: Fri, Jan 5 – Sun, Jan 14.
Locations: Various locations including Al Khawaneej Walk, Al Seef, BoxPark, Bluewaters, Dubai Festival City Mall, Last Exit Al Khawaneej and DxBike, located next to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City.
Feel the vibes at these festive markets
What’s winter and Christmas without festive markets transporting you to a fun-filled zone complete with rides, hot cocoa, delicious food and of course, everyone’s favourite Santa!
Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market
The ever-popular Madinat Jumeirah festive market returns, setting the mood for Xmas rather well, with a decorative tree, pop ups of homegrown brands, delectable Christmassy delights and more!
Date: Dec 15, 2023-Jan 7, 2024
Time: 3pm Onwards
Location: Fort Island, Madinat Jumeirah
Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace
The good times will most certainly roll at this winter wonderland – offering scrumptious food trucks, mesmerising live entertainment, a colossal decorative tree, and a host of fun activities for visitors of all ages.
Date: Until January 31, 2024
Time: 4pm-11:30pm
Location: Habtoor Palace Dubai
Expo City
Championing sustainability, Expo City Winter Fest invites guests to embark on an exciting and intellectually stimulating journey towards saving the North Pole. Dive into a winter wonderland filled with fun, excitement, and of course, Santa Claus himself whilst sipping on some divine hot chocolate.
Date: 15 December, 2023 – 7 January, 2024
Time: 3pm-11pm
Location: Expo City Dubai
Price: Dhs20