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29 March 2024

Dubai Shopping Festival: Here's all that you need to know

Picture for illustrative purpose only.

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Dubai’s annual shopping festival is all set to dazzle in its 18th year. The 32-day-long fest promises to be a cultural and entertainment extravaganza, showcasing the city’s festive spirit to the world.

Organised by the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival’s theme is ‘Dubai at its best’, highlighting the city’s superior hospitality.

This year’s DSF will run from January 3 to February 3.

The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular show that celebrates the city’s culture and heritage. A stunning sound and light show at the Dubai Creek will trace the history of the city.

It will followed by splendid fireworks at the Dubai Creek, Al Seef Street and Festival Promenade.

Dubai retailers have already announced up to 75 per cent discounts on electronics, jewellery, watches, perfumes and textiles.

Apart from discounts and deals, shoppers will also get a chance to win big prizes at raffle draws.

The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group has announced chances to win gold every day during the fest, and the Lexus Mega Raffle is offering a grand prize of LX50.

The organisers will also line up many international celebrities, designers and artists to add glitz and glam to the fest.

Some of the most notable performers will be guitar legend Slash who will jam with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators on January 31 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

There’s also ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas  who is scheduled to perform on January 10 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

An insight into the bedouin’s desert life in different Arab countries will be presented at the Festival Promenade. The “World of Souvenirs” and the “Tea Oasis” will be hosted on Al Seef Street, while a sports zone and skill games area will be pitched on Al Rigga Street.

The Creek Park will also come alive with the Kids Festival Park during the entire DSF month.

The Downtown will turn fashionably spectacular by parading the latest in designer finery. A street fashion and make-up show are just some of the many highlights.

The Heritage Village will focus on the traditional lifestyle through numerous stalls of Emirati food and artifacts.

Another highpoint will be the Carnival, which will be held every weekend of the fest, showcasing dancers, percussionists, jugglers, unicyclists, stilt walkers and more.

The Global Village is another major attraction that will allow visitors to explore the various cultures of the world in one place. It also offers a host of entertainment and eating out options.

Another highpoint will be the ‘Big Boys Toys 2013’, which is a three-day luxury and lifestyle exhibition that will start on January 31 at the Atlantis Hotel.

Tiny tots will also be treated to fun events, with the Dubai Dolphinarium organising an exclusive show, and cartoon and circus shows.

The organisers DEPE have also announced their decision to award journalists who cover the fest impressively. Journalists from English or Arabic newspapers and magazines will be judged on categories like best feature, DSF prolific writer, best editorial and design team, and best feature-online portal.