- A ground-breaking drone and pyro show, Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Cinema Dome are among the exciting events taking place on DSF’s opening weekend
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The countdown has begun for the monumental 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind, as it prepares to launch with an unforgettable opening weekend, starting on 5 December 2025.
Running until 11 January 2026, the DSF extravaganza will transform Dubai into a vibrant hub of unbeatable shopping deals, life-changing raffles, and immersive entertainment, drawing millions of visitors to experience the city’s unmatched blend of retail innovation, culture, and global flair.
Kicking off the festivities in spectacular style, the opening weekend promises high-energy concerts, captivating family entertainment, and cutting-edge visual displays, setting the tone for a 38-day season of wonder, excitement and family entertainment.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “DSF’s 31st edition embodies Dubai’s spirit of excellence, innovation and diversity, celebrating our community while driving economic and cultural growth. It not only marks a major milestone for the festival but also reaffirms the aspiration of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the world’s best city to visit, live and work in. With electrifying performances from international artists set to spearhead DSF’s opening weekend, along with pioneering drone and pyro displays, we are igniting an entire season of shared memories and unparalleled opportunities for residents and visitors from around the world.”
e& DSF Nights:
Adding style and glamour to the weekend, international icon Nora Fatehi will dazzle audiences at e& DSF Nights, the daily celebrations that will be held at Dubai Festival City Mall.Famed for her high-energy dance performances and infectious rhythms, Fatehi’s live show will take place on 6 December 2025 at the mall’s scenic Festival Bay. The venue will also showcase stunning fireworks at 8.30pm, promising an evening that radiates cultural vibrancy and celebration.
A Canadian-Moroccan actress, dancer, and global sensation, Fatehi has captivated audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances, from Bollywood blockbusters to viral hits like Dilbar and Garmi. Renowned for her precision, charisma, and unmatched dance artistry, Fatehi delivers a stage performance that’s nothing short of spectacular. With dazzling choreography, powerful visuals, and infectious rhythms, she turns every moment into a celebration of music and movement. Don’t miss your chance to witness this dynamic entertainer light up the stage, a show guaranteed to leave fans mesmerised and talking long after the curtain falls.
As part of the broader e& DSF Nights series, the event will feature interactive zones, waterfront attractions, and free public installations, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all ages.
Hatta mountain experiences
DSF will also feature an exciting and immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub for the second year in a row, featuring Candlelight Concerts by Fever, Dinner in the Sky, and the Roxy Dome Cinema.
Candlelight Concerts by Fever
Experience a magical outdoor candlelight concert series for all to enjoy with incredible music from Vivaldi to Coldplay against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. Tickets are on sale for AED70. Kids eight years and below will be welcomed to join the children’s concert happening on 13 December for free.
Dinner in the Sky
This elevated experience will debut at the Hatta mountains for a scenic meal in the clouds like no other. Perched 50 metres above ground, experience a stunning dinner for AED300.
Breathtaking shows
Elevating the spectacle further, DSF will unveil its all-new Drone and Pyro Show, a mesmerising technological marvel featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones, across two nightly displays. Fusing art and innovation, these breathtaking shows will illuminate the city skyline with colour and creativity, symbolising Dubai’s visionary and future-forward spirit. A Dubai-inspired soundtrack by legendary composer Hans Zimmer will be used for the drone display, where thousands of synchronised drones will dance through the night sky, transforming the city skyline into a cinematic symphony of light and sound.
Tickets for e& DSF Nights are now available to purchase via PlatinumList.net, with limited early bird tickets starting from AED50. Fans are urged to secure their seats early before they sell out. Two additional A-list concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights will soon be announced, adding to the festival’s star-studded entertainment lineup.
Renowned for transforming everyday purchases into extraordinary life-changing experiences, this year’s DSF offers even greater thrills, starting from the first day itself. Shoppers will have the chance to win a brand-new Nissan and AED100,000 every day at the DSF Mega Raffle, culminating in a spectacular grand prize of AED400,000 on the festival’s closing day.
Strategic partners
DSF 2025-2026 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Strategic Partners including: Al-Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Souq Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, Enoc, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), talabat plus more to be revealed.
For more information about Dubai Shopping Festival please visit mydsf.ae or follow @dubaifestivals on social media
About Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) returns for its 31st edition from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, transforming the city into a spectacular winter wonderland for 38 days of unparalleled shopping, entertainment, gastronomy, and culture. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DSF continues its legacy as a landmark event that reflects Dubai’s vision as a leading global destination, offering new experiences, record-breaking shows, and unforgettable prizes for residents and visitors alike.
About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events.
For further information, please contact:
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
mediarelations@dubaidet.ae
