Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival is an annual shopping fest normally held for a month during December/January or February and almost always running alongside the Global Village festivities.  

If you are a shopaholic or a bargain freak, you will be in heaven at the Dubai Shopping Festival.  Here all shopping malls, independent shops, supermarkets, electronic stores take part in explosive promotions offering as much as 75% off the regular retail price.  Some argue the festival is just over hyped nonsense, but we've picked up pretty good bargains in the past and aswell as shopping, lots of entertainment and fun actvities for the kids take place to alleviate any kiddie stress from their parents shopping binges!

Whilst you are visiting Dubai for the shopping festival, you should also pop into the Global Village which normally runs from 4pm till late (check out our section on Global Village for more detail). Here you'll find more in the way of entertainment, live performances and acts with themes ranging from around the globe.  Unique items will be on sale and international food to sample.  Kids will love it and you will love the buzzy atmosphere.  

Please note that if you are booking a holiday around the Dubai Shopping Festival, room rates will be higher and busier then in other months, but generally this is the most popular time to visit UAE as the weather is at its coolest.

Points of note

• If you are thinking of planning a trip around Dubai Shopping Festival, book your air tickets or hotels well in advance.  The Festival starts with a bang on the first few nights with fireworks and big name acts appearing on stage so if you are big on entertainment, aim to visit at the beginning of the festival.  Although if you are a real bargain hunter, going toward the end of the festival may give you even better savings, but maybe less choice?
• Dates of Dubai Shopping Festival are normally mid Jan to mid February.  The 2011 festival was on 20th January to 20th February.  
• Take a jumper. It can get chilly in the evenings during January and February.
• Big name acts such as Amy Winehouse and Farrell Williams made appearances at this years' event.

When – Dubai Shopping Festival runs for one month during mid January and mid February.  For exact dates, please check their website below. Opening times are usually in line with mall opening hours so check out the individual stores
How long – This is totally down to how much shopping you can take!
Location – The whole of Dubai is under Dubai Shopping Festival Fever, the shops who don't partake in promotions are party poopers.  
Cost – The sky is high....or just go for the free entertainment

More info – http://www.mydsf.ae  please note that this website may not always have updated information on the next Dubai Shopping Festival until a few months prior to the event.