Dubai: The countdown to Dubai’s winter celebration has begun. The 32nd edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, launching with an opening weekend featuring a range of immersive experiences.
With a citywide programme spanning international entertainment, shopping, gastronomy and culture, DSF continues a legacy of more than three decades of bringing people together during Dubai’s winter season.
From the shores of JBR to the mountains of Hatta, the opening weekend and the weeks that follow will feature live performances, immersive attractions and experiences for families, friends and audiences of all ages.
Three performers will headline celebrations marking the opening of DSF 2026. Regional singer Rashid Al Majed will take the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 4 December, followed by electronic music star Steve Aoki at the same venue on 5 December.
Tickets for Rashid Al Majed’s show will be available on Platinumlist in due course, while further details about Steve Aoki’s show will be published on the Coca-Cola Arena website. Further information will also be announced through official channels.
Waterfront entertainment
The DSF Light Show returns with a new multimedia experience that will transform the bay between The Beach JBR and Bluewaters Island into an open-air stage, combining animations, dynamic lighting, lasers, architectural laser mapping and immersive sound.
From 7.30pm to 10.30pm, starting on Saturday, 5 December and continuing until Sunday, 17 January, audiences will experience an evolving display of light, movement and visuals throughout the evening.
The nightly programme will feature architectural laser mapping, two drone shows accompanied by music and a music-commanded laser show. Laser installations along the JBR beachfront and Bluewaters promenade will illuminate the night sky, while a floating installation featuring searchlights and lasers will take centre stage in the bay.
Large-scale architectural laser mapping across selected JBR towers will further enhance the spectacle.
Designed to be enjoyed from both sides of the bay, the show will offer different perspectives from The Beach JBR and Bluewaters. Together with the area’s restaurants, hospitality and leisure experiences, the multimedia show will add to the range of evening activities available at the waterfront during DSF.
Candlelight concert on Eid Al Etihad
Ahead of DSF’s official opening, a candlelight concert at DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub on 2 December 2026 will mark Eid Al Etihad with a Khaleeji-themed musical performance against the backdrop of the Hatta mountains.
The free outdoor event will bring audiences together for an evening of music under the stars, celebrating Eid Al Etihad in Hatta’s mountain setting.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The 32nd edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival marks an exciting new chapter in a journey that has spanned more than three decades. Over the years, DSF has become part of what makes winter in Dubai special, bringing people together through shared experiences and memorable moments across the city. This year, we are building on that legacy with new entertainment, shopping and family experiences that reflect the diversity of what Dubai has to offer. From waterfront light shows and live concerts to family activities and citywide celebrations, our opening weekend sets the tone for a season that will once again make Dubai the place to be this winter.”
Now in its 32nd edition, the Dubai Shopping Festival has grown from its retail roots into one of the city’s most recognisable annual events and a defining feature of winter in Dubai.
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the 45-day festival will feature entertainment, live events, shopping and experiences across the city.
Alongside its entertainment programme, DSF will feature shopping experiences, retail promotions and opportunities to win prizes across participating malls and destinations, with further details to be announced.
Ticket announcement dates will also be confirmed. Visit www.mydsf.ae and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok for the latest announcements, reveals and festival highlights.