Three things to remember about shopping are location, location, location.
– MELINDA ADAMS
Take out those king-sized empty suitcases as the mega festival of the shoppers from across the world is here!
The Dubai Shopping Festival 2021 has begun in full swing to cast a spell on the travellers arriving there. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual extravaganza that takes place in the month of January at Dubai, offering exciting deals, full-on entertainment, swanky events and much more!
If you want to kickstart 2021 with festivities, lights, glamour, adventure, and a marathon shopping spree, then Dubai is THE place to be!
Dates
Marking its 26th anniversary, this month-long festival began on 17 December 2020 and will conclude on 30 January 2021. After over two decades of wooing millions of shoppers, DSF 2021 promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Location
Offers, offers everywhere!
Dubai is known as the “shoppers’ paradise” for all the right reasons and the DSF is the ultimate proof of that. Organized by Dubai Festivals Retail Sector Promotion Establishment (DFRE), together with Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), this fiesta is held across the whole city. From big malls, to small merchants – everyone has some special deals to offer.
Must-visit Markets
If you want to make the most of the festival then following are the main places you must visit:
Global Village, Al Rigga Street, Night Souk, Al Fahidi Fort, Gold Souk, The Layali Dubai Concert, Promenade at Dubai Festival City, Al Seef Street, DSF Desert Camp, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, Dubai Gold Souk, Festival Waterfront Centre, Ibn Battuta Mall, Lamcy Plaza, Dragon Mart, Mercato Shopping Mall, Lulu Village, and Dubai Mall, etc.
What to buy at DSF
It’s that time of the year when Dubai becomes the Mecca for all the shopaholics. Do try your luck with some of the most luxurious brands as those fall well within budget during the festival.
This year, hundreds of brands are offering discounts ranging from 25% all the way up to 75%. You can even find these items at a low price from traditional marketplaces (souks).
Some of the most popular products are as follows:
Cosmetics: Dubai is well-known for some of the most high-end cosmetic & fragrance brand stores. DSF is the best opportunity to stock up on these trending cosmetics!
Apparel: Need a wardrobe upgrade? If yes, then there’s no better occasion to get amazing fashion deals than DSF.
Jewellery: DSF is a one-stop solution when it comes to jewellery. You can find exquisitely crafted gold, platinum, diamond and gem-studded jewellery at an affordable price.
Electronic Gadgets: Are you obsessed with the latest technology? If yes, then DSF is the golden chance to satiate your inner geek. Every shopping mall has many electronic stores selling a variety of modern gadgets.
Accessories: 2021 is the time to up your fashion game. Treat yourself with premium watches, stylish jackets, chic bags and more at DSF!
Apart from these, travellers can shop for several souvenirs, home decor items, dry fruits, spices, copper pots, intricate trays, perfumes, etc.
TOP experiences at the Dubai Shopping Festival
- Shoppers can enjoy spectacular firework displays and drone shows on every weekend until the completion of the festival at La Mer, Al Seef, Dubai Creek, and The Beach.
- To keep the spirit of fun alive across the city, Dubai’s streets, malls and other important landmarks will be illuminated with decorative lightings.
- On 14th January, the Dubai World Trade Centre will host Comedian Jack Whitehall at his International ‘Stood Up Tour’ to Dubai, while the popular live stand-up show ‘The Laughter Factor’ will return for a series of gigs during the DSF.
- Pakistani singer Atif Aslam will be performing on the evening of 15th January 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
- Extremely talented street performers, and musicians will be entertaining visitors at various shopping centres across Dubai, including City Walk, La Mer, Dubai Festival City Mall, Al Seef, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Mirdif, The Pointe, and Mall of Emirates all through the festival.
Other Major Attractions
Tax-free Shopping – Shop till you drop!
Whaaat? Come again!
Yes, you heard it right.Tax-free shopping is a major highlight of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Shopping in Dubai, by itself, is largely tax-free. Further, DSF offers great discounts, wherein, the shopping malls and retailers offer up to 75 percent discount on a range of items, including watches, jewellery, carpets, electronics, textiles, handicrafts of many key brands.
Global Village – Where the world comes together
One of the most-visited places in Dubai, Global Village displays the popular products of different nations from across the globe at one place. It usually opens a little before the festival and runs even after the DSF.
Carpet Oasis – Weaving folklore!
If you have an eye for intricately woven artistic pieces then Carpet Oasis will surely blow your mind. Traders from across the world come up to this exhibition to sell out their best creations.
Gourmets – Variety is the spice!
DSF is incomplete without gorging on the delicious cuisines prepared from each part of the world. Be it French, Italian, Arabic, Indian – Gourmets at DSF have it all! There are several live cooking counters, interactive programmes, celebrity chef events and more for the visitors!
Sports – Less work. More play.
Sports enthusiasts visiting Dubai during the festival will get the opportunity to participate in a range of sport-related events such as Open Tennis Championship, Hockey on Synthetic Surface, Ice Hockey, Football Tournament, Russian Ballet on Ice, Skating, Rowling Championships, Dune Bashing, Horse Riding among others.
Useful Tips
- Download the official DSF app to know about the timings & places.
- Always stay updated about the latest deals & offers.
- Shop early if you want to have many options to choose from.
- Research well about the available products and offers before you head to DSF.
Do comply with the rules and restrictions related to COVID-19 while you indulge in shopping and recreation. Tap here to read the travel advisory for the travellers arriving in Dubai.
The Dubai Shopping Festival spells out unlimited fun, festivity, and a lot of retail therapy! So, book your flight tickets and pack your bags to experience this one-of-a-kind event.
