Dubai Shopping Festival 2025-26 opens with concerts, fireworks and a packed season of entertainment
Nora Fatehi to lead high-energy performances at e& DSF Nights
DUBAI – The 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival opened today, unveiling a spectacular opening weekend packed with concerts, citywide celebrations, and immersive experiences.
Running until 11 January 2026, the festival marks the latest chapter in what has become the world’s longest-running annual retail celebration of its kind. Over 38 days, Dubai will transform into a global hub of entertainment, retail innovation and cultural vibrancy, drawing millions of visitors to enjoy exclusive deals, raffles and creative showcases across the city.
The launch weekend sets an ambitious tone for the season, featuring international performers, family attractions and cutting-edge visual displays staged across prominent venues. With an expanded programme and heightened focus on live entertainment, this year’s DSF aims to offer residents and tourists an unmatched blend of shopping excitement and world-class spectacle.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the latest edition reflects Dubai’s commitment to excellence and innovation. He highlighted the festival’s role in driving cultural and economic growth, reaffirming the city’s aspiration to be the world’s best place to visit, live and work. The opening weekend, he noted, will be anchored by electrifying performances, pioneering drone and pyro installations, and experiences designed to create lasting memories for audiences of all ages.
DSF Nights performances
Bringing glamour and star power to the opening weekend, Bollywood sensation Nora Fatehi will headline e& DSF Nights at Dubai Festival City Mall. The celebrated actress and dancer, known for viral hits including Dilbar and Garmi, will take the stage on 6 December 2025 at Festival Bay, delivering her renowned high-energy performance style. The evening will also feature fireworks at 8.30 pm, adding a vibrant flair to the waterfront atmosphere.
Fatehi, a Canadian-Moroccan performer with a formidable global following, has built her reputation on precision, rhythm and dynamic choreography. Her appearance forms part of the wider e& DSF Nights programme, which will run daily at the mall and feature interactive zones, free public installations and waterfront attractions designed to entertain families and young audiences throughout the festival. Early bird tickets start from Dh50 on PlatinumList.net, with limited availability encouraging fans to book before they sell out.
Organisers also confirmed that two additional A-list concerts will be announced for Coca-Cola Arena and e& DSF Nights in the coming days.
Hatta attractions
DSF will further expand its outdoor and adventure offerings with a return to Hatta Wadi Hub, where visitors can enjoy mountain-side experiences designed for culture, dining and leisure enthusiasts.
The programme includes the Candlelight Concerts by Fever, which will bring classical and contemporary music to an outdoor candlelit setting. Audiences can expect performances ranging from Vivaldi compositions to Coldplay arrangements, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hatta mountains.
Tickets start at Dh70, while children aged eight and below may attend the dedicated kids’ concert on 13 December free of charge.
Dinner in the Sky will debut in Hatta for the first time, offering guests the chance to enjoy a meal suspended 50 metres above the ground. With panoramic mountain views and a specially curated menu, the experience is priced at Dh300 per diner. Families can also enjoy the Roxy Dome Cinema, an outdoor film screening venue that blends mountainous scenery with urban entertainment.
Drone and pyro spectacle
Adding another layer of innovation to this year’s festival, DSF will introduce an all-new Drone and Pyro Show featuring more than 1,000 drones, including 100 pyro drones. The displays will take place twice every evening, combining visual artistry with advanced technology to illuminate the city’s skyline.
Accompanied by a Dubai-inspired score by acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer, the synchronised drones will form intricate formations in the night sky, transforming the cityscape into a cinematic light-and-sound experience.
Retail prizes and raffles
Beyond entertainment, DSF 2025-2026 will deliver significant incentives for shoppers from the opening day. The DSF Mega Raffle will offer participants the chance to win a new Nissan and Dh100,000 every day throughout the festival. The campaign will culminate with a grand prize of Dh400,000 on the final day, drawing wide participation from residents and international visitors alike.
Strategic partners
This year’s festival is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, alongside an extensive network of Strategic Partners including Al-Futtaim Malls, Al Zarooni Group, AW Rostamani Group, DHAM, Emirates Airline, Enoc, e&, Majid Al Futtaim, Merex Investment, and talabat. Additional partners are expected to be confirmed as the festival progresses.