The launch of the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai, December 5, 2026 – The Dubai Shopping Festival, the longest-running annual retail festival in the world, kicked off today, celebrating its most distinguished and amazing 31st session ever, which is organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Corporation this year coinciding with the weekend starting today (Friday), December 5, until January 11, 2026.
It offers events full of continuous entertainment, attractive retail offers, grand raffles, huge prizes, amazing fireworks displays and exclusive experiences for everyone, every day, in every corner of the city, as Dubai turns into a vibrant destination, attracting millions of visitors to enjoy its exceptional offers that combine innovation in the retail sector, cultural activities and international events, especially since the festive events this year will kick off in a dazzling manner, as the opening weekend will witness lively concerts, captivating family entertainment activities, and performances. Advanced visuals, which promises a season full of enthusiasm, excitement, and family entertainment over 38 days.
On this occasion, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khaja, Executive Director of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Corporation, affiliated with the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: “The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival reflects the meanings of excellence, innovation and diversity that are unique to Dubai, as it celebrates society and contributes to advancing economic and cultural growth.”
He added: “This edition reaffirms the ambition of our wise leadership to transform Dubai into the best city in the world to visit, live and work, in addition to being an important stop in the busy journey of this pioneering festival. With world-class performances by international artists in the opening weekend, along with innovative drone displays and distinctive fireworks displays, we promise a full season of unforgettable moments and distinctive opportunities for residents and visitors from all over the world.”
International star Nora Fatehi is adding a touch of elegance and glamor to the weekend, as she will perform in front of visitors at the Dubai Shopping Festival &e Nights, which are the daily celebrations held at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Nora Fatehi is known for her energy-packed dance performances and unique rhythms, and her live show will take place on December 6, 2025 in the scenic Festival Bay area.
The prestigious destination also hosts a spectacular fireworks display at 8:30pm, providing visitors with a wonderful evening of vibrant cultural atmosphere and festive events.
The Canadian actress, dancer and international star of Moroccan origins is admired by audiences from all over the world, due to her exceptional performances in Bollywood films and her famous songs such as Dilber and Grimy.
She is also distinguished by the precision of her movements, her distinct presence, and her unparalleled creativity in dancing. Her performances are characterized by elaborate dance movements, prominent visual elements, and enthusiastic rhythms, which allow the audience to spend enjoyable moments celebrating music and dance.
The brilliant artist delivers exceptional performances that fill the stage with enthusiasm and fun, and leave in the minds of attendees memories that last long after the show ends.
The Dubai Shopping Festival’s Nights & e series also includes interactive areas, tourist facilities on the waterfront, and free public activities, providing visitors of all ages with a comprehensive experience full of fun and special moments.
For the second year in a row, the Dubai Shopping Festival includes an immersive mountain experience at Hatta Wadi Hub, including candlelit concerts by Fever, a Dinner in the Sky experience, and the Roxy Cinema Dome.
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a series of outdoor candlelit concerts, listening to some of the most beautiful songs and pieces by artists such as Vivaldi and Coldplay, with a stunning view of the Hatta Mountains. Tickets are available for sale at a price of 70 dirhams. Children aged eight and under can also attend the children’s concert for free on December 13.
For the first time in the Hatta Mountains, the Dinner in the Sky suspended restaurant experience will be launched, providing guests with an exceptional meal in an imaginative atmosphere amidst the clouds. The suspended restaurant is 50 meters above the ground, and it provides a unique dinner experience at a price of 300 dirhams.
This year’s edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival includes an exciting drone show and all-new fireworks displays, a magical technical event in which more than 1,000 drones participate, including 100 drones equipped with fireworks.
The event combines art and innovation, and presents viewers with enchanting creative performances that light up the night sky with colours, and reflect Dubai’s forward-looking vision and passion for innovation.
The performances are accompanied by a musical piece inspired by the atmosphere of Dubai by the famous composer Hans Zimmer, with synchronized planes harmonizing with it, transforming the sky into a dazzling cinematic and musical show.
Tickets for Dubai Shopping Festival Nights &e at Festival Bay are now available on the PlatinumList.net platform, with a limited number of early bird tickets, with prices starting from 50 dirhams.
The public is recommended to reserve their tickets early to ensure their attendance, as they are expected to sell out quickly. Two additional concerts will also be announced soon, featuring a group of the most famous stars in the world, at the Coca-Cola Arena stage and at Dubai Shopping Festival nights & e, making the festival’s agenda even brighter and more diverse.
Since its inception, the Dubai Shopping Festival has been known for its ability to transform everyday shopping into exceptional experiences that enrich the lives of the winners. In this year’s edition, excellence rises to an unprecedented level, as the festival gives shoppers the opportunity to win a new Nissan car and 100,000 AED daily in the Dubai Shopping Festival Grand Prize, leading to the grand prize of 400,000 AED on the last day of the festival.
The 2025-2026 edition of the festival is supported by Commercial Bank of Dubai as the main sponsor, in addition to a group of strategic partners, including Al-Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Festival Plaza), Al Zarouni Group (Mercato), Abdul Wahed Al Rostamani Group, and Dubai Holding Asset Management (Seef Souq, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall, The Outlet Village), Emirates Airlines, ENOC, &e, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Center Mirdif, City Center Deira), Merex Investments (City Walk, The Beach, opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence), Talabat, and other partners who will be revealed later.
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