Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will return for its 32nd edition from December 4, 2026 to January 17, 2027, bringing 45 days of concerts, immersive entertainment, shopping promotions, cultural activities and family experiences across the emirate.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the festival will open with a programme of major performances and waterfront attractions, building on more than three decades of establishing DSF as a key feature of Dubai’s winter tourism calendar.

This year's celebrations will extend across the city, from the waterfront at JBR and Bluewaters Island to the mountain destination of Hatta, offering entertainment and activities for residents and international visitors.

Two major musical performances will headline the opening weekend at Coca-Cola Arena. Regional music star Rashid Al Majed will perform on 4 December, followed by international electronic music artist Steve Aoki on 5 December.

Tickets for Rashid Al Majed’s concert will be available through Platinumlist, with further information about Steve Aoki’s performance to be announced through Coca-Cola Arena's official website.

The opening weekend will also introduce a new edition of the DSF Light Show, transforming the waterfront between The Beach JBR and Bluewaters Island into an open-air multimedia entertainment venue.

Waterfront light show returns with expanded programme

Running from December 5, 2026 to  January 17, 2027, the DSF Light Show will take place nightly between 7.30pm and 10.30pm, combining architectural laser mapping, drone displays, dynamic lighting and immersive sound.

The programme will feature two music-accompanied drone shows every evening, alongside a music-commanded laser performance and large-scale visual projections across selected towers in JBR.

Laser installations along the JBR beachfront and Bluewaters promenade will illuminate the waterfront, while a floating installation featuring advanced searchlights and lasers will form the centrepiece of the bay.

The show is designed to provide different viewing experiences from both sides of the waterfront, allowing visitors to enjoy the displays from The Beach JBR and Bluewaters Island.

The wider waterfront offering will also include access to restaurants, hospitality venues and leisure attractions, positioning the area as a destination for evening entertainment throughout the festival.

Hatta to host Eid Al Etihad candlelight concert

Ahead of the festival's official opening, DSF will stage a special candlelight concert at DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub on December 2, 2026 to celebrate Eid Al Etihad.

The free outdoor event will feature a Khaleeji-themed musical performance against the backdrop of the Hatta mountains, bringing audiences together for an evening of music under the stars.

The concert will form part of the wider programme of cultural and entertainment activities extending beyond central Dubai, highlighting the emirate's diverse destinations and natural landscapes.

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."

Shopping promotions and prize opportunities

Alongside its entertainment programme, DSF will feature retail promotions, shopping offers and prize opportunities across participating malls and destinations.

Further details of participating retailers, promotional campaigns and prize draws are expected to be announced ahead of the festival.

The 45-day event has evolved from its original retail-focused format into a citywide celebration encompassing entertainment, tourism, hospitality, culture and shopping. Its programme is designed to attract visitors while supporting retail activity and encouraging residents to explore different destinations across Dubai.

Visitors can follow announcements, ticket releases and programme updates through the official website, www.mydsf.ae, and the @DubaiFestivals accounts on Instagram and TikTok.

Government and private-sector partnerships support festival

The 2026-2027 edition will be supported by Commercial Bank of Dubai as key sponsor, alongside a network of strategic partners from the retail, hospitality, transport, automotive and telecommunications sectors.

Participating partners include Al Futtaim Malls, covering Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza; Al Zarooni Group's Mercato Shopping Mall; AW Rostamani Automotive; and Dubai Holding Asset Management, which operates destinations including Souq Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba, Palm Jumeirah Mall and The Outlet Village.

Other strategic partners include Emirates Airline, ENOC, e& (etisalat), Majid Al Futtaim, which operates Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira; Merex Investment, covering City Walk and The Beach JBR; and talabat.

DFRE said public-private collaboration remains central to delivering the festival across Dubai, bringing together government entities and private companies to support retail, entertainment, raffles and destination-based activities.

With its combination of international performances, waterfront spectacles, cultural celebrations and shopping opportunities, the 32nd Dubai Shopping Festival is expected to reinforce Dubai's position as a leading winter destination for residents and international visitors. -TradeArabia News Service