The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will return on Friday, 4 December, for its 32nd edition, running for 45 days until 17 January 2027. Organisers have confirmed nightly drone and light shows on the waterfront, two headline concerts at Coca-Cola Arena and a free curtain-raiser in Hatta to mark Eid Al Etihad.
The festival is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, according to Khaleej Times and Arabian Business.
Key dates to note
- Wednesday, 2 December: Free Khaleeji-themed candlelight concert at DSF x Hatta Wadi Hub, marking Eid Al Etihad
- Friday, 4 December: DSF officially opens; Rashid Al Majed performs at Coca-Cola Arena
- Saturday, 5 December: Steve Aoki performs at Coca-Cola Arena; nightly light show begins
- Sunday, 17 January 2027: Final day of the festival
Nightly drone and light shows at JBR and Bluewaters
The main free attraction for families is the DSF Light Show, which will run every night from 5 December to 17 January between 7.30pm and 10.30pm UAE time. It takes place on the waterfront between The Beach JBR and Bluewaters Island, so visitors can watch from either side.
Each night’s programme includes two drone shows set to music, along with laser displays, architectural laser mapping on selected JBR towers, lighting along the beachfront and the Bluewaters promenade, and a floating installation in the bay with searchlights and lasers. Individual start times for the two drone shows have not yet been announced, Arabian Business reported.
Tips for watching the shows
- Arrive early at weekends, when the JBR and Bluewaters promenades are likely to be at their busiest.
- Consider public transport or taxis rather than driving, as parking near the beach can fill quickly in the evenings.
- Check the official DSF website, mydsf.ae, for drone show timings once they are confirmed.
Concerts and tickets
Emirati singer Rashid Al Majed will open the festival with a concert at Coca-Cola Arena on 4 December, with tickets expected through Platinumlist. American DJ and producer Steve Aoki will perform at the same venue the following night, with more details to come from the arena. Ticket prices and booking dates had not been confirmed at the time of the announcement, according to Arabian Business.
Before the festival officially opens, the free candlelight concert in Hatta on 2 December will feature a Khaleeji-themed musical show set against the Hatta mountains.
Shopping offers and prizes
Participating malls and retail destinations will run shopping promotions and prize opportunities throughout the festival. Discount levels, individual retailer offers and details of prize draws have not yet been released, both outlets reported.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said the 32nd edition “marks an exciting new chapter”, building on more than 30 years of the festival with new entertainment, shopping and family experiences, Khaleej Times reported.
Quick facts
- Dates: 4 December 2026 to 17 January 2027
- Edition: 32nd
- Main venues: JBR, Bluewaters Island, Hatta and malls across Dubai
- Light show hours: 7.30pm to 10.30pm nightly from 5 December
- Official updates: mydsf.ae
DSF adds to a busy winter calendar in the emirate, which also includes the Souk Al Freej winter market.
Sources: Khaleej Times, Arabian Business
