- Dubai Shopping Festival to launch 32nd edition on 4 December with a dazzling array of events and experiences across the city

Dubai: The countdown to Dubai's most anticipated winter celebration has begun. The 32nd edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), set to be bigger, bolder and more engaging than ever, returns from 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027, launching with an opening weekend studded with immersive experiences.

With a citywide programme spanning international entertainment, shopping, gastronomy, and culture, DSF continues to build on a legacy of more than three decades of bringing people together during Dubai's winter season. 

From the shores of JBR to the scenic mountains of Hatta, the opening weekend and beyond will feature live performances, immersive attractions and experiences for families, friends and audiences of all ages.

Three legendary performers will headline celebrations to mark the opening of DSF 2026. Iconic regional singer Rashid Al Majed takes the stage at Coca-Cola Arena on 4 December, and global electronic music star Steve Aoki will perform at the same venue on 5 December. Tickets for Rashid Al Majed’s show will be available on Platinumlist in due time and more details about Steve Aoki’s show will be reflected on Coca-Cola Arena’s website. Keep an eye on official channels for further details. Audiences are encouraged to act fast to secure tickets for the DSF opening weekend.

Waterfront entertainment
The DSF Light Show returns with a new multimedia experience that is set to redefine waterfront entertainment. This year's edition promises to transform the bay between The Beach JBR and Bluewaters Island into an open-air multimedia stage, combining animations, dynamic lighting, lasers, architectural laser mapping and immersive sound.

From 7:30pm to 10:30pm starting on Saturday, 5 December and ending on Sunday, 17 January, audiences will experience an evolving world of light, movement and mesmerising visuals, with a series of visual effects unfolding throughout the evening. The DSF Light Show will see a nightly programme of architectural laser mapping, two stunning drone shows accompanied by music every night 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 state-of-the-art searchlights and lasers will take centre stage in the heart of the bay. 

Large-scale architectural laser mapping across selected JBR towers will also further elevate the spectacle, creating a visual experience unlike anything seen before in the city.

Designed to be enjoyed from both sides of the bay, the show will offer distinct perspectives from the Beach JBR and Bluewaters, turning the waterfront into a vibrant entertainment destination. Combined with the area's range of restaurants, hospitality and leisure experiences, the multimedia show offers audiences another reason to spend an evening exploring 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 set against the stunning backdrop of the Hatta mountains. This free-to-attend magical outdoor experience will bring audiences together for an evening of music under the stars, celebrating Eid Al Etihad in Hatta's distinctive 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 most recognisable annual moments in the city and a defining feature of winter in Dubai. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), a part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the 45-day celebration brings Dubai together for a season filled with unforgettable entertainment, spectacular live events, incredible shopping and unforgettable experiences for everyone.

Alongside its entertainment programme, DSF will bring together shopping experiences, retail promotions and opportunities to win prizes across participating malls and destinations, with further details to be announced. Stay tuned for all ticket announcement dates. Visit www.mydsf.ae and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram and TikTok for the latest announcements, reveals, and festival highlights.

Strategic partners 
Public-private collaboration has long been a cornerstone of Dubai’s approach to growth and a defining part of how DSF is delivered on a citywide scale. Each edition brings together government entities and leading private sector partners to create a festival that encompasses retail, entertainment, raffles, and destinations throughout Dubai. For the 2026-2027 edition, Dubai Shopping Festival is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners, which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Automotive, Dubai Holding Asset Management (Souq Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba, Palm Jumeirah Mall and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, Enoc, etisalat, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat.