The Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27 runs from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027. That’s 45 days of sales, raffles, concerts and outdoor events across the city. This is the 32nd edition, and it covers both Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The full programme hasn’t been announced yet. Below are the confirmed dates, the returning favourites, what’s new and how to plan your six weeks.
Quick facts
- When: Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027
- Length: 45 days
- Edition: 32nd (DSF first ran in 1996)
- Organiser: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism
- Where: Malls, beaches, souks and outdoor venues citywide, plus Hatta
- Entry: Most events are free; some concerts are ticketed
- New this year: Beach Canteen, DSF’s first beachfront food and entertainment hub
When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27?
DSF starts on Friday 4 December 2026 and finishes on Sunday 17 January 2027. Visit Dubai and DFRE have both confirmed the dates.
The timing works well for residents. It begins the day after the expected UAE National Day holiday on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. It then runs through Christmas and New Year.
What can you expect at DSF 2026–27?
DFRE has split the season into four parts: the opening celebrations, the December weekends, New Year’s Eve and a January programme. Here’s what has been confirmed so far.
1. Citywide sales and offers
Shopping is still the heart of the festival. International and local brands run limited-time offers across Dubai’s malls and shopping districts. Follow your favourite malls and brands on social media, because some offers last only a day or a weekend.
2. Raffles and prize draws
Mall raffles and prize draws return. DFRE says shoppers won more than AED 11 million in prizes during the last edition. The prizes for this season are due to be announced with the full programme.
3. Beach Canteen – new for this edition
The big new addition is the etisalat Beach Canteen, the first time DSF has had a beachfront hub. Expect food and drink stalls, live entertainment and hands-on workshops by the sea. The final location and opening hours will be confirmed with the full line-up.
4. etisalat DSF Nights
DSF Nights is the festival’s live music series and it’s coming back. Last season the concerts were held at Festival Bay. This year’s artists haven’t been named yet.
5. DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub
The festival goes beyond the city again with DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub in the mountains. If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit Hatta in the cooler months, this is it.
6. DSF Auto Season
Car dealers run special offers during DSF Auto Season, and it continues into January. If you’re planning to buy a car early in 2027, it makes sense to wait for these deals.
7. etisalat MOTB in January
MOTB, DSF’s open-air market, returns as part of the January programme, along with the rest of DSF Auto Season. Dates and the venue are still to be announced.
When will the full DSF programme be announced?
DFRE says it will reveal the full programme in the weeks before the festival. That includes headline entertainment, prizes, retail offers and citywide events.
We’ll update this guide as each part is confirmed. Until then, don’t trust any list of DSF 2026–27 concerts or fireworks nights that isn’t from DFRE or Visit Dubai.
How to make the most of DSF
Plan big purchases early
Make a list before the opening weekend, Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, so you can compare prices as soon as the offers go live. For electronics, gold and furniture, check a few malls before you buy.
Keep every receipt
Many raffles use your receipts or a QR code scanned at the till. Take a photo of each receipt as a back-up.
Use public transport at weekends
Mall car parks fill up fast on December evenings. The Metro reaches most big malls and saves you the hunt for a space.
Combine it with other winter events
Global Village is open throughout DSF, and the cooler weather is ideal for beaches and Hatta. If you have visitors coming, put them up during DSF so they get the sales and the events in one trip.
Check what’s free before you book
Most DSF activities are free to watch. Concerts and some special events need tickets, and the popular ones sell out quickly once the line-up is out.
Official dates and updates are on Visit Dubai’s DSF page.
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FAQs
What are the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27 dates?
DSF runs from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027. That’s 45 days in total.
Is the Dubai Shopping Festival free?
Yes, for most things. Shopping, raffles at the till, markets and many shows are free. Some concerts and special events need a paid ticket.
What’s new at DSF this year?
The main new addition is the etisalat Beach Canteen, DSF’s first beachfront food and entertainment hub. DSF Nights, Hatta Wadi Hub, Auto Season and MOTB are all returning.
Who is performing at DSF 2026–27?
The line-up hasn’t been announced yet. DFRE says the headline entertainment will be revealed before the festival starts on 4 December.
Does DSF include New Year’s Eve?
Yes. New Year’s Eve 2026 falls in the middle of the festival, and DFRE lists it as one of the season’s main chapters.
