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What To Know
- The first segment titled Dubai City of Dreams runs until December 25 and features city icons through animated formations with the second segment titled Celebration takes over from Christmas onward with a soundtrack created by composer Hans Zimmer which adds a cinematic layer to the program.
- Prize programs return with a set of official raffles and draw events published by Visit Dubai which gives shoppers a shot at significant wins during the festival period.
- Early January picks up speed with the return of e and MOTB from January 1 to 11 which features twenty seven new culinary setups plus a beauty zone by MAC Cosmetics.
The long-running shopping festival returned with a wide set of attractions that kicked off on December 5 and continues until January 11. The festival marks its thirty-first chapter and draws locals and travelers who track its signature sky shows and mall-wide bargains. This edition expands its pull with drone sequences, major music acts and prize events that add fuel to the season.
Fireworks And Drone Spectacles Light Up The Season
The festival activated a nightly routine of fireworks at Dubai Festival City Mall at 8.30pm which anchors the sky lineup. Hatta added fireworks on select dates in December with shows at 8pm for visitors who traveled toward the mountain area. Waterfront spots join the action at year’s end with New Year’s Eve shows at Souk Al Seef, Bluewaters and The Beach JBR.
The drone program set at Bluewaters introduced a twin-show format with displays at 8pm and 10pm which run every night until January 11. There are roughly 1,000 LED drones drive the aerial sequences which shift themes mid-festival. The first segment titled Dubai City of Dreams runs until December 25 and features city icons through animated formations with the second segment titled Celebration takes over from Christmas onward with a soundtrack created by composer Hans Zimmer which adds a cinematic layer to the program.
Festival Deals, Mega Draws And Retail Action
The festival stages a wide network of mall and brand activity with roughly 800 brands active in 3,500 outlets across the city. Customers move fast for discounts which hit fashion, tech, beauty and home categories with some of the strongest seasonal offers of the year. Prize programs return with a set of official raffles and draw events published by Visit Dubai which gives shoppers a shot at significant wins during the festival period. This retail chapter drives heavy foot traffic which historically plays a key role in the event’s identity. Malls run extended hours which gives festival visitors extra time.
Concert Icons, Lifestyle Events And Cultural Withdrawals
This edition scores major stage talent with Pitbull, Franz Ferdinand and David Guetta performing on festival weekends which heightens demand for tickets. Candlelight concerts add an intimate contrast with classical and contemporary sets staged at the Hatta mountains which creates a dramatic natural frame for music fans. Tickets start at AED 70 according to official listings which makes the experience widely approachable for new audiences.
Sole DXB returns from December 12 to 14 and features a roster of global headliners along with retail pop ups that drive fashion fans toward the district. Early January picks up speed with the return of e and MOTB from January 1 to 11 which features twenty seven new culinary setups plus a beauty zone by MAC Cosmetics.
Conclusion
The shopping festival is one of the city’s signature winter anchors with fireworks, drone art, retail wins and global
concerts. This edition showcases a wide canvas of attractions which keeps crowds active from launch day until the
closing week in January. Visitors jump between malls, mountain venues and waterfront stages as the city maintains its pace through peak travel season. With confirmed dates, artist appearances, brand participation and sky show details, this captures the festival’s frenzy for readers who track Dubai’s entertainment pulse.
