Dubai: Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) on Tuesday announced a Dh3 million grand prize for one shopper, along with new shows, a brand new auto season and a desert special experience.
The latest 30th edition of DSF will run from December 6, 2024 to January 12, 2025.
One shopper making purchases through an online platform of the Dubai government will be chosen as the winner of Dh3 million - the biggest ever DSF cash prize - officials of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) announced at a press conference.
In total, prizes worth more than Dh50 million will be given away through various raffles, which includes a prize valued at Dh1.5 million for those shopping for gold worth Dh1,000.
How to win big
The biggest cash prize, which will be announced on the closing day of DSF, can be won by shopping on the website or app of the ‘Dream Dubai’ platform. Shoppers have to purchase merchandise branded after Modhesh, the mascot of DSF, and Dubai Fitness Challenge to enter the draw, explained Abdalla Hassan Al Ameeri, associate vice president, Raffles and Promotions, DFRE.
For the first time, he said, shoppers can enter gold raffles by making purchases online as well. Shoppers purchasing gold for Dh1,000 will receive one raffle coupon for a prize valued at Dh1.5 million from Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group. Over 20kg of gold will be given away as part of the group’s raffle draws.
Other prizes during DSF include daily prizes of brand new luxury cars through DSF Mega Raffle, which will also offer Dh100,000 cash prize to one winner.
Residents and visitors can also look forward to savings with deals from loyalty programmes and top brands across the city, including DSF Amber Millionaire with Al Tayer Group, the chance for shoppers to Win 1 Million Miles with Emirates Skywards every day, the DSF Golden Tickit, Dubai Festival City Mall’s Modesh Blue Rewards Millionaire campaign, and many more.
The DSF Sales Season will bring together over 1,000 local and global brands, offering unique shopping experiences, exclusive offers, flash sales, and major discounts across 38 days. Deals span Dubai's malls, high-street shops, boutiques, markets, and traditional souks. Shoppers can win big with DSF Daily Surprises and the DSF Lucky Receipt programme.
‘Most extraordinary season’
As this year will mark the “most extraordinary season” in DSF history, Dubai will be entertained with 38 days of experiences for everyone, in every corner of the city, the officials said.
Apart from grand raffles with mega prizes, the jam-packed calendar spanning 38 days will be filled with exhilarating daily entertainment, captivating retail offers, free-to-attend twice-daily shows of 1,000 drones, and breathtaking fireworks every night, they said.
What started 30 years ago as a key sales event at just five shopping malls has evolved into the world’s longest-running retail festival. Today, DSF is Dubai’s biggest and most highly anticipated annual festival, showcasing everything that makes the city extraordinary, including world-class events, entertainment, gastronomy, concerts, immersive experiences, fireworks, and drone shows, to name a few.
“DSF solidifies Dubai’s position as the world’s premier destination for festivals and events,” pointed out Mohamed Feras, Associate Vice President of Retail at DFRE.
Pyro drones, skydivers
The epic DSF drone shows presented by Emarat and AO Drones will reach new heights on the second weekend of DSF with an all-new pyro-drones show exclusively at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR, featuring captivating skydive stunts and dazzling pyrotechnic displays set against the stunning backdrop of Ain Dubai. Viewers can witness 150 pyro drones and skydivers on December 13 at 8pm, as well as 150 pyro drones on 13 December at 10pm, and 150 pyro drones on January 11 to mark DSF’s closing weekend.
Meanwhile, Dubai Lights will have immersive installations, transforming some of the city’s most iconic destinations into enchanting light districts with one-of-a-kind, interactive installations. During Dubai Lights, the city will become a glowing canvas for extraordinary artworks at various locations, including Bluewaters Island, Palm Nakheel Mall, Palm West Beach, Al Seef, Dubai Design District, and Al Marmoom.
The Uncommon x DSF
“This year The Uncommon x DSF, a new type of activation which is more like a desert camping experience, will take DSF to a special landscape showcasing a different side of Dubai,” said Feras.
The first-ever edition of THE UNCOMMON x DSF, promising an extraordinary experience where the Al Marmoom transforms into a magical wonderland after sunset. Captivating lighting, cosy fire pits, and stunning setups will await visitors, along with engaging activities like guided stargazing, outdoor cinema, and Oud music nights.
Families will also be able to explore the walking maze, enjoy thrills in the arcade zone, or unwind by the lake. Running daily from December 20 to January 12, and with free entry for all, this enchanting experience will bring the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and delightful flavours to the heart of the desert.
DSF Auto Season
The debut edition of DSF Auto Season brings an exhilarating lineup of diverse automotive experiences across Dubai from January 1 to 12. From cutting-edge vehicles to exclusive classic cars, attendees can explore the finest craftsmanship the industry has to offer. The event promises a dynamic mix of vehicle showcases, interactive competitions, and unique drifting experiences, providing excitement for all car enthusiasts. Not-to-be-missed experiences will be hosted at Dubai Hills Mall, DXBike, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Autodrome, Mirdif City Center, and many more. The key events include a supercar majlis, a parade of super cars in association with local clubs, and a 24-hour indoor race, an international endurance event at Dubai Autodrome. Visitors will also be able to enjoy captivating parades across the city, in addition to specially curated, car-themed dining experiences at some of Dubai’s leading cafes.
DSF Nights
Launching for the first time this season is DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall, from 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. The mall’s Festival Bay will come alive with free-to-attend Saturday night concerts, featuring top stars like Shamma Hamdan, Diana Haddad, Yara, Hams Fikri, and Ibrahim Al-Sultan. The performances will be accompanied by two brand-new iconic IMAGINE DSF edition shows, the magical Dubai Kawkab Akhir and the captivating Ya Salam Ya Dubai, playing twice daily at 6:30pm and 8:30pm, along with a dazzling fireworks show at 8.30pm. Adding to the thrill of this unforgettable celebration will be pop-up experiences from leading brands, as well as unmissable raffle draws held five times a week from 7pm to 8pm.
Amazing voices will take centre stage with X Factor, the region’s top talent show, which will be broadcast live on Dubai TV in partnership with DSF. The live shows of the season will take place at Dubai Festival City Mall every Sunday from December 8 to January 12.
Mesmerising venues, events
The city will transform into a holiday paradise with festive markets, tree lightings, winter wonderlands, and spectacular holiday events and will also host several local and international sporting events.
The 321 Festival, returns bigger and better to kick off the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) from December 6-8 across two new locations. At Coca-Cola Arena, audiences can enjoy electrifying concerts from global Arab and Southeast Asian superstars. Opening night, December 6, features icons Georges Wassouf and Kadim Al Sahir. On December 8, Coke Studio Live presents stars like Hasan Raheem, Kaavish, and more. Meanwhile, City Walk will host free activities, roaming performers, and special dining offers, creating a vibrant outdoor destination for all.
The DSF calendar features premier lifestyle events, including Sole DXB from December 13-15, celebrating contemporary culture with extended hours, diverse music genres, fashion, and art. Other highlights include concerts by 30 Seconds to Mars (December 12), Sherine Abdel Wahab (December 13), Ricky Martin (December 14), and a cultural performance by the China National Symphony Orchestra on December 15. Lionel Richie will perform on December 31.
