Dubai Shopping Festival Travel Tips
If you’re planning your next Dubai Holidays, timing it with the Dubai Shopping Festival holidays is one of the smartest choices you can make. Every year, thousands of travelers book their Dubai Holidays package to experience this world-famous shopping and entertainment extravaganza. From fireworks and raffles to concerts and Dubai Festival City shopping, there’s something for everyone.
I’ve visited Dubai during DSF myself, and trust me—it’s more than just shopping. It’s a celebration where the whole city lights up with energy. In this guide, I’ll share the best time to visit, where to stay, how to shop smart, and how to find the best Dubai holiday package deals for 2025.
What is the Dubai Shopping Festival?
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) runs every winter, usually from late December to early February. It started in 1996 and has grown into one of the world’s biggest retail and entertainment festivals.
What makes DSF special?
- Firework shows every night
- Mega sales with up to 75% off
- Fashion shows and live concerts
- Food pop-ups and global cuisines
- Prize draws with gold, luxury cars, and cash
- Shopping hotspots like Dubai Festival City shopping mall, Dubai Mall, and Mall of the Emirates

Best Time to Visit Dubai Shopping Festival 2025
The Dubai Shopping Festival holidays is expected to start in late December and run through early February. This is Dubai’s winter season, which means cooler weather—perfect for sightseeing and shopping.
- Opening Week: Ideal for exclusive launches and the grand opening ceremony.
- Mid-Festival: A balance of good deals and smaller crowds.
- Closing Week: Extra discounts as shops clear stock.
Tip: Book your flights to Dubai with our Dubai holidays 2025 packages at least 3–4 months early. That’s when you’ll find the best cheap flights to Dubai along with all inclusive holiday package deals.
Where to Stay During Dubai Shopping Festival
Picking the right hotel can make or break your DSF trip. Here are my top suggestions for your all inclusive Dubai holidays:
1. Downtown Dubai
- Next to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
- Luxury hotels and perfect for high-end shoppers
2. Deira & Bur Dubai
- Budget-friendly stays
- Close to traditional souks like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk
3. Sheikh Zayed Road
- Central location with access to multiple malls
- Great for mid-range travelers
4. Palm Jumeirah
- Best for families booking all inc family holidays
- Resorts with beach access and plenty of entertainment
Many hotels offer all inclusive holidays 2025 deals during DSF, with free shuttles to malls and festival events.
Shopping Tips for Dubai Shopping Festivals
Here’s how to shop smart during DSF:
- Plan Ahead: Make a list before you arrive.
- Compare Deals: Check prices in multiple malls.
- Use Apps: Download the DSF app to track events and raffles.
- Visit Dubai Festival City shopping mall: Famous for fashion, electronics, and dining deals.
- Save Receipts: They often double as raffle entries for prizes.
Other Things to Do During DSF
Even if shopping is your priority, there’s plenty more to enjoy on your Dubai holidays package:
- Global Village: Cultural pavilions, food, and entertainment.
- Desert Safari: Camel rides, dune bashing, and BBQ dinners.
- Nightly Fireworks: Best seen from JBR, La Mer, and Dubai Creek.
- Old Dubai: Explore Al Fahidi district and ride an abra across Dubai Creek.
- Theme Parks: Perfect for kids on all inclusive holiday package deals.
Flights and Travel Essentials
- Flights to Dubai: Book early for the best cheap flights to Dubai. Emirates and Etihad often run deals during DSF.
- Visa: Check UAE tourist visa requirements in advance.
- Getting Around: Use the Dubai Metro—it connects to major shopping areas.
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED). Cards are accepted everywhere, but cash helps in souks.
- Clothing: Dubai is modern, but modest clothing is appreciated in public.
Why Book Dubai Shopping Festival Holidays?
If you’re considering Dubai Holidays 2025, tying them with the Dubai Shopping Festivals is a no-brainer. You’ll get unbeatable shopping, entertainment, and sunshine—all wrapped into one trip. This quick Dubai Holidays 2025 guide will help you plan smarter and make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re booking all inclusive Dubai holidays, searching for all inc family holidays, DSF offers excellent value. Combine that with cheap flights, and you have the perfect shopping holiday.
And don’t forget:
Dubai Festival City shopping is a must-visit if you want to experience both luxury and family-friendly fun under one roof.