Dubai shopping Festival: 30th edition returns on Dec 6; DSF nights to debut

Dubai is gearing up for the 30th-anniversary edition of its iconic Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), set to run from December 6 to January 12, 2025.

Organisers have unveiled a brand-new entertainment concept, DSF Nights, at Dubai Festival City Mall (DFCM), with 38 days of events, live concerts, and immersive family-friendly experiences.

The highlight of DSF Nights will be a series of free-to-attend concerts every Saturday night at Festival Bay, where some of the Arab world’s biggest music stars will perform live.

The concert series kicks off on December 6, 2024, with Egyptian sensation Ahmed Saad, followed by performances from Shamma Hamdan on December 7, and legendary diva Diana Haddad on December 14.

The musical celebration will continue through the holiday season with Yara Mena (December 21), Hams Fikri (January 4), and Ibrahim Al-Sultan (January 11), with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks. Visitors can reserve their spots via the Blue Rewards app.

Read: Dubai’s 3-day super sale begins, avail discounts of up to 90%

X Factor live shows every Sunday

The excitement will continue every Sunday night with the popular X Factor live show, in partnership with Dubai TV. Starting December 8, the show will feature live performances from budding regional talent, mentored by celebrity judges Ragheb Alama, Rahma Riad, and Fayez AlSaeed.

Running until January 12, 2025, the X Factor show will feature three categories of performers, battling for stardom under the expert guidance of the star-studded judging panel.

Adding to the dynamic atmosphere, retail pop-ups will showcase leading brands throughout the festival. A special activation by Samsung will run from December 10 to 30, offering visitors a chance to experience the brand’s Sketch-to-Image AI feature, a photo booth, a health and fitness eco-zone and live performances.

DSF raffles and immersive IMAGINE shows

The excitement will be further fuelled by daily raffle draws at 8:30pm, where lucky shoppers can win prizes as part of the DSF tradition.

Raffles will be held in front of a live audience, adding to the electric atmosphere at DFCM.

In addition, visitors can enjoy two new IMAGINE shows, featuring water screens, dazzling lasers, and vibrant projections.

The Ya Salam Ya Dubai show will entertain audiences at 6:30pm, followed by the captivating Dubai Kawkab Akhir at 9:15pm, with daily fireworks displays concluding each evening’s festivities.

DSF Nights is designed to cater to all ages, with a wide range of family-friendly activities, including meet-and-greets with beloved city characters Modesh and Dana.

The festival will also feature a variety of trendy dining concepts, from pop-up restaurants to food trucks, offering an array of culinary delights.

Visitors can unwind while enjoying scenic sunsets at venues like Helipad by Frozen Cherry or experience performances at the seasonal Sayf Dubai outdoor venue.

Running across 38 days, DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall will be just one of many events that will light up the city as part of DSF 2024.

From January sales and shopping experiences to light shows and top-tier entertainment, Dubai will be the epicentre of excitement during the festival. The city’s perfect weather, combined with the year-long preparations, promises an action-packed calendar to entertain visitors.

DSF 2024 is supported by key sponsors Visa and Dubai Islamic Bank, with strategic partners such as Al Futtaim Malls, AW Rostamani Group, City Walk, and Emirates Airline.