4 days left to catch Dubai Shopping Festival fireworks, drone show

Dubai: As the curtain falls on the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) this Sunday, residents and tourists have just a few days left to experience the state-of-the-art drone shows, fireworks and light installations.

This year’s epic 30th-anniversary programme features shows powered by groundbreaking technology, brought to life with larger-than-life spectacles and immersive storytelling.

“The DSF Drones Show Presented by Emarat is nothing short of a masterclass in cutting-edge technology, sensory immersion, and innovative storytelling that redefines live entertainment,” said Kaltham Al Shamsi, Assistant Manager at Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).

Using brand-new GPS software and a sophisticated communication system, a total of 1,000 state-of-the-art drones – with 4,000 propellers combined – operate with centimetre-level precision. They are choreographed to deliver stunning flying sculptures and luminous animations. Using advanced 3D software, the show’s first-person view pilots capture the performance from spectacular angles, adding an extra layer of visual immersion.

“Our partnerships with innovative companies like AO Drones allow us to transform creative visions into reality, following months of meticulous planning and collaboration by a team of over 20 world-class specialists, including art directors, 3D animators, drone designers, music producers, and software engineers.”

From conceptualising a compelling storyline to its final execution, the show brings to life an awe-inspiring spectacle that celebrates the 30th anniversary of DSF.

This year’s programme introduces new interactive elements. Spectators can directly engage with the drone show by scanning QR codes displayed mid-performance. A unique ‘message board’ feature invites participants to submit names, emojis, and short messages via social media. The best submissions are selected to appear in the sky during specific shows.

For the first time in DSF history, the debut of fireworks-drones adds another layer of wonder to the festival’s entertainment lineup. These specialised drones, which carry up to 100 grams of pyrotechnics, combine traditional fireworks with drone technology to create dazzling effects in perfect harmony with the choreography. Each drone integrates seamlessly with the lighting and animations, transforming the sky into a masterpiece of fire and light.

“DSF’s innovative and tech-driven entertainment has evolved dramatically over its 30-year history, reflecting advancements in technology and delivering dynamic experiences that have never been seen before across the city,” Al Shamsi added.

DSF’s tech-driven experiences extend beyond the skies, blending art and technology to transform Dubai into a city-wide canvas. Dubai Lights reimagines iconic city locations—including Bluewaters Island, Palm Nakheel Mall, Palm West Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Design District, Al Marmoom, City Walk, and Hatta—into immersive installations that celebrate the five elements of water, air, fire, energy, and connection. Curated in collaboration with renowned international and local artists, Dubai Lights’s cutting-edge installations invite visitors to explore, engage, and connect with art in new and innovative ways.