Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26: Biggest Sale in Middle East

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2025-26 is back for its 31st edition, promising the biggest city-wide retail celebration in the Middle East.

For 38 days, every major mall, brand, and marketplace across Dubai will offer steep markdowns and limited-edition releases — a scale unmatched anywhere in the world. Official organisers at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) have confirmed that more than 3,500 brands and 1,200 retail outlets will participate this season.

Discount Landscape

Across categories, festival promotions will range from 25% to 75% off, with some clearance items advertised at up to 90% off.

Electronics: The Smart-Shopper’s Playground

Dubai’s electronics sector drives some of the most competitive DSF pricing globally.

Retail chains confirm headline offers of up to 60% off on flagship smartphones, laptops, TVs, and gaming consoles, plus instant-cashback vouchers worth AED 500–1,000 for big-ticket purchases.

Example: During DSF 2024-25, Jumbo Electronics offered a gaming laptop originally priced at AED 18,999 for AED 15,899 — a 16% price cut plus gift vouchers.

Industry sources expect similar or stronger promotions this year as retailers clear Q4 inventory.

Fashion & Luxury: Couture Meets Clearance

From Gucci and Prada to Zara and H&M, every fashion label operating in Dubai schedules its most aggressive sales for DSF.

• Luxury outlets: Start with 30–40% reductions, increasing to 60–70% by late December.

• Department stores: Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette often extend “Buy 2 Get 1” offers across apparel and accessories.

Tip: Visit flagship malls during weekday mornings or mid-festival flash-sale hours for best selections.

Jewellery & Gold: Dubai’s Signature Shine

While gold’s base price follows international markets, festival-period promotions significantly reduce making charges and add raffle incentives.

• The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group traditionally hosts daily draws worth millions of dirhams, offering gold coins, bars, or even Lexus SUVs to ticket holders spending AED 500 or more.

• Shoppers can track live promotions via the official DSF app or kiosks in participating malls.

Souks & Traditional Markets

The Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk remain favourite DSF stops for authentic Emirati shopping.

• Bargaining is part of the experience; typical negotiated savings reach 20–30% on carpets, pashminas, and spices.

• Beyond discounts, cultural performances and artisan pop-ups create an atmosphere unmatched by modern malls.

When to Shop

1. Opening Week (5–12 Dec) – New launches, broadest inventory, moderate discounts.

2. Peak Period (20 Dec – 3 Jan) – Major flash sales and daily raffles; deepest markdowns on electronics and fashion.

3. Final Days (5–11 Jan) – Clearance on remaining stock; expect heavy traffic but strong end-of-festival prices.

Extra Perks

• Tax-Free Advantage: Tourists can reclaim 5% VAT on departure.

• Loyalty Programs: DSF Rewards App aggregates points redeemable for hotel and dining discounts.

• Bank Partnerships: UAE banks offer additional 5–15% cashback or 0% installment plans.

• Travel Packages: Emirates and flydubai offer combined air + shopping vouchers for festival visitors.

Verified Facts & Forecasts

• DFRE confirms 38 days of activities spanning retail, entertainment, and raffles.

• Estimated visitor footfall for DSF 2024-25 was over 4.5 million; projections for 2025-26 exceed 5 million.

• Average per-visitor spend: AED 6,000 – 10,000, contributing significantly to Dubai’s retail GDP.

The Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 stands as the world’s largest and most rewarding shopping event — not only for tourists but for global retail brands seeking visibility.

With verified discounts reaching 75% and beyond, cashback programs, and tax-free benefits, DSF remains an unparalleled opportunity to experience the luxury and excitement that define Dubai.

Plan early, shop smart, and be part of the festival that transforms every purchase into a celebration.