Last week, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) rang in the first week of the new year with some of the best music, live shows and culture Dubai has to offer.  From Chicago the musical, comedy performances, the Big Art Festival at the Burj Al Arab, daily fireworks, drone shows and much more, 2022 is already shaping up to be a year to remember. 

Week five of the 27th Edition of DSF, from 10 to 16 January, heralds more excitement with Harry Potter making an appearance at the Mall of the Emirates, must-see concerts and shows, and a coffee festival at the DSF Al Seef Market. Dora the Explorer and Paw Patrol will also be popping into Dubai Festival City Mall, where footy fans can also dive headfirst into all things Camp Nou, with Barcelona The Exhibition.

And for the shopaholics, the DSF sale season is in full swing, with added Augmented Reality (AR) experiences across the city to boot. Festival goers can enjoy AR experiences across Dubai, by simply pointing their cameras at DSF QR codes in all retail store shop windows  across the city to unlock the doors to a new world of excitement.

Or for those seeking some culture don’t miss the mesmerising Infinita, from UK designer Cecil Balmond at Last Exit Al Khawaneej. Part of the Dubai Lights project, Infinita, is one element of a citywide activation bringing six interactive and mesmerizingly creative lighting exhibits from international artists at popular locations across the city, for the first time. And if that’s not enough, here are some more  of the unmissable highlights for week five of DSF. 

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEK AT DSF (10 to 16 January)

Amr Diab Live in Dubai

Five-time platinum artist, Amr Diab, takes to the stage, performing chart-topping numbers including Tamally Maak during a special White Party in Dubai Media City.  Diab – a record-breaking, multi-award-winning megastar has produced hit after hit during an illustrious career that spans nearly four decades. With the audience all in white on the night it’s sure to be one of the highlights of Dubai Shopping Festival.

When: 15 January 2022
Where: Dubai Media City, Amphitheatre
Price: Starting from AED 350

Najwa Karam and Kadhim Al Sahir Onstage in Dubai

Iraqi mega star, Kadhim Al Sahir and Lebanese pop star, Najwa Karam,  will be live in concert in Dubai this month to perform their latest hits and old favourites. The duo will be joined on stage by Jordanian singer Zeina Emad.

When: 14 January 2022
Where: Coca Cola Arena, Dubai - Tickets available at Platinumlist
Price: 500 AED

Fun at Mercato Mall

The Mercato Mall is back for part two of its DSF entertainment, with the Magritte Acrobatic Dance Group putting on unique stage shows comprising special dance and twists with a modern vision of global art consisting of illusion dance and novelle cirque. The whole family can also enjoy mind blowing speed painting shows, roaming caricaturist acts and various workshops throughout DSF.

When: Until 30 January

Timings: Magritte Acrobatic Dance Group - 4:30pm to 5:00pm & 7:00pm to 7:30pm

              Speed painting - 4:00pm to 4:30pm, 6:00pm to 6:30pm & 8:30pm to 9pm

              Roaming caricaturists: 7:30pm to 8pm

              Workshops: 5pm to 6pm

Where: Mercato Mall, Dubai

Price: Free

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Kids aged one to six will love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, an engaging puppet show that brings to life award-winning author Eric Carle’s classics The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks and The Very Lonely Firefly. The 50-minute production will be performed by three talented artists and their 75 puppets.

When: 15 / 16 January

Where: Mall of the Emirates Theatre

Price: Starting from AED125

Harry Potter at Mall of the Emirates

Step into Hogwarts at Mall of the Emirates during DSF for a one-of-a-kind Harry Potter Experience.  In collaboration with Warner Bros, the first of its kind experience in the region, will feature large-scale artistic installations of some of the most iconic scenes from the books and films. A must for all Potterheads with themed entertainment and activities centered around the magical world of the boy wizard.  Shoppers who spend just AED300 across Mall of the Emirates will enter for free. 

When: 10 January – 10 February

Time: Sunday to Wednesday 10am-10pm; Thursday to Saturday 10am-12am

Price: Shop for AED300 or more to enter

The Hub Food Festival

Head to Majlis Al Khawaneej this DSF for The Hub Food Festival, a one-stop destination for family, friends and visitors of all ages to grab some delicious bites from local eateries, while chilling out to the sounds of groovy tunes spun by local DJs. Spanning two weeks of DSF, The Hub is a unique modern outdoor concept that offers a great way to enjoy Dubai’s beautiful winter weather.

When:  6 - 23 January

Time: 4pm to 11pm on weekdays & 4pm to 12am on weekends

Price: Free

DSF Skywards Millionaire

Head to The Dubai Mall and Emirates Skywards everyday partners citywide for the opportunity to become   a DSF Skywards Millionaire, with one winner each week in January  earning 1 million Skywards Miles. Until 30 January, spend at least AED100 at The Dubai Mall and double your chances of winning when you shop with Skywards everyday partner brands at The Dubai Mall. Pay with an Emirates Skywards Credit Card you earn even more Skywards Miles and get 1 Tier Mile for every four Skywards Miles you earn.

SHARE Millionaire

Shoppers at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira can take home more than just the latest high-end designer labels and cult favourite fashion for less, this DSF. Until 30 January, single or cumulative spends of AED300+ will see shoppers enter a weekly draw by scanning receipts on the SHARE app, for a chance to become a SHARE millionaire and take home 1 million SHARE points each week.

Fireworks and Drones

Head to the charming Al Seef District for a family focused DSF Market packed with fun activities, workshops, live entertainment and amazing fireworks, brought by Al Zarooni Group, until 12 January every night at 8:30pm. Then head to Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR as they take over the spectacular with daily drone and fireworks shows. And on some days the two will be integrated!

Where: Bluewaters and The Beach opposite JBR

When: 13 to 16 & 20 to 22 January - integrated drone and fireworks shows

            17 to 19 January - for separate fireworks and drone shows

Time: 7pm and 9:30pm (except on 17-19 January, only at 9:30pm)

Run and Ride the World at Expo 2020

Fulfill your New Year’s resolution by heading over to Expo 2020 on a Sunday  for some fitness to ride or run the world from the Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub there. Until the end of the World’s Fair, run or cycle through all three of Expo’s thematic districts as you pass a host of breathtaking country pavilions and the rest of the site’s landscape. All ages and abilities are welcome and strollers are especially encouraged!

When: Sundays until 27 March

Where: Mobility Gate entrance, Expo 2020 Dubai

Time: 6:30am doors open for a 7:00am start - cyclists

          9:30am start - runners

Price: Entry to Expo - register to take part at Premiere Online

DSF Al Seef Market - Coffee and Date Festival

This year’s DSF Market at Al Seef is designed for the whole family and features fun activities, workshops, live entertainment and amazing fireworks.  This week it’s Coffee and Date Week at Al Seef, and all coffee aficionados are invited to sip and savour the best of coffee culture from authentic Arabic gahwa to Italian cappuccino. A packed calendar of barista experiences, tastings and workshops will complete the line-up. Additionally 30 finalists, from schools across the city, will display their creations for the DSF Markets X KHDA Art Competition, showcasing local creations based on a “I can change the world through sustainability” theme.

When: 6 - 19 January
Where: DSF Al Seef Market
Price: Free

Nickelodeon Rocks

Sing and dance along with Dora the Explorer and her buddy Boots, Paw Patrol’s Marshall and Chase, and the fabulous Shimmer and Shine stars as they rock the stage with the brand new “ALL STARS” musical show at Dubai Festival City Mall.  Up until 15 January, kids can get involved with special character meet and greets and snap a picture with their favourite stars.   

When: Meet and greets until 15 January

Activities until 25 January

Time: Sunday to Wednesday 10am-11pm; Thursday to Saturday 10am-12am

Where: Dubai Festival City Mall

Price: Free

All this and more for an exciting, packed line up of citywide activations, promotions and opportunities to shop, win and play all day every day during DSF.

For more information, please visit @StyledByDubai, @CelebrateDubai and @DSF_Markets on social media channels and www.mydsf.ae.

Dubai’s malls, retail stores and attractions are all continuing to adhere to stringent COVID-19 health and safety protocols issued by public health authorities, while taking all the necessary precautions to keep visitors and shoppers safe and at ease.