Sheikh Zayed road decorated to mark Dubai Shopping Festival.Photo by Neeraj Murali.
Dubai - Lots of cars and gold to be won everyday. Plus, there's the fireworks.
Published: Tue 27 Dec 2016, 12:15 PM
Updated: Tue 10 Jan 2017, 2:29 PM
I don't love discounts, said no one ever!
Millions of shoppers and families will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of events at Dubai Shopping Festival when the event's 22nd edition kicks off on December 26.
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), and the organisers of DSF 2017 revealed its plans to make the world take notice - including fashion shows, exclusive product launches, big names in entertainment, as well as opportunities to win cars, cash and gold.
DSF will also kick off the new Retail Calendar of Dubai, with the festival starting earlier than in previous years to take advantage of the holiday season retail buzz. Run under an exciting slogan - 'Shop. Win. Celebrate' - the festival will end on January 28, making this edition one of the longest in the event's history.
Dubai's annual Retail Calendar is developed by DFRE in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development. The calendar contains the full programme of anchor retail activities being conducted and promoted at a city-level including shopping related festivals, promotions and seasonal offer periods, mega-sales and clearance events, exclusive retail experiences and activations.
Also read: Dubai shoppers, here's a list of the biggest sales in 2017
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: "Returning for the 22nd edition, the Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most important on Dubai's annual events calendar that will further enhance Dubai's position as an iconic year-round tourism destination offering unique shopping experiences. DSF is part of our efforts to leverage large-scale events to achieve a bigger goal - that of attracting 20 million visitors to Dubai as envisaged by Dubai's Tourism Vision 2020. This is also a time when the spotlight falls on our solid partnerships in the private sector, whose outstanding support has ensured the continuous success of DSF, contributing to the economic growth of Dubai."
Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al Falasi, Executive Director, Retail and Strategic Alliances, DFRE, said: "We are delighted to announce that Dubai Shopping Festival 2017 is going to be one of our biggest editions to date in terms of exciting offers for shopping, chances of winning great prizes, and spectacular entertainment experiences As the most important fixture in our annual retail calendar, we are expecting millions of shoppers and families to come to Dubai for a DSF that will run for a longer duration of 34 days, and which is set to exceed expectations. Working closely with all our stakeholders, the DSF team has pulled out all the stops to make this annual extravaganza memorable for the whole family, with regular favourites and plenty of new events for everyone to enjoy while offering an even more rewarding retail season for Dubai's diverse business community."
As part of the exciting lineup of activities on the opening day of DSF 2017, one of DFRE's Strategic Partners, Dubai Festival City (DFC), an Al Futtaim Group development, will launch a stunning new waterfront attraction that is set to rival popular waterfront shows in other global destinations worldwide. The DFC launch event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show celebrating the start of DSF 2017.
DSF 2017 events and activations will be run under three themed retail segments - Apparel & Fashion, Beauty & Perfume and Gold & Jewellery - that reflects the varied shopping experiences in store for residents and visitors, and also the important role played by DSF in Dubai's retail sector.
To make the shopping experience even more rewarding, thousands of retail outlets will be offering discounts of up to 75 per cent on a range of merchandise including apparel and fashion, consumer electronics, watches, perfumes, furniture, home appliances, and much more.
Dubai Shopping Festival 2017: Calendar of events
Retail promotions:
12-Hour Exclusive New Year Shopping, starting 12 pm, January 1 - Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Al Barsha, City Centre Al Shindagha
A special promotion running on New Year's Day at the above Majid Al Futtaim Malls across Dubai to ring in the New Year, this exclusive New Year shopping experience will include a private sale from 12pm-12am offering upto 90 per cent discounts at retail outlets. Shoppers can also expect DSF exclusive rewards, promotions and offers for 12 hours, while food and beverage outlets will also have special offers. Visitors can shop to enter a draw for a chance to win Dh50,000 in mall gift vouchers. With every Dh200 spent, they are entitled to one raffle ticket that goes into the draw, which will take place at 12 am at Mall of the Emirates on January 2, 2017.
VISA impossible deals from December 26 to January 28
Every day during DSF, VISA customers will be able to take advantage of incredible, almost impossible deals available for each purchase using a VISA card. The deals will be truly tempting, typically with 20 per cent to 80 per cent off electronics, travel, entertainment, luxury goods and cars. VISA's Impossible deals are possible with Careem, Damas, Ahmed Seddiqi, Jumeirah, Bond exhibition and Sharaf DG.
Mega raffles
Infiniti Mega Raffle: Daily draws from December 26 to February 4
The Infiniti Mega Raffle is back at the Dubai Shopping Festival with one lucky shopper winning an Infiniti QX70 plus Dh150,000 in cash every day. Raffle tickets may be purchased for Dh200 from EPPCO and ENOC petrol stations; Al Ghurair Centre; Madina Mall, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Global Village; Al Fahidi Street; Al Rigga Street; Al Seef Street; Baniyas Road; and the Gold Souk. The daily raffle draw takes place every night at 10pm live on SAMA Dubai TV.
Nissan Grand Raffle: Daily draws from December 26 to January 28
One of DSF's great daily raffle draws, the Nissan Grand Raffle, which will take place with a live broadcast at 10 pm on SAMA Dubai TV. The raffle will give away one of eight Nissan cars - Micra; Sunny; Sentra; Tiida Hatchback; X-Trail; Juke; Pathfinder; and Patrol to a lucky winner. Earn one raffle ticket upon purchase of non-fuel products worth AED 20 at all EPPCO and ENOC petrol stations, as well as Zoom shops in Dubai.
'100 winners to dazzle with 34 kilos of gold': December 26 to January28, Participating Gold & Jewellery retailers of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG)
The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) will change the lives of 100 gold and jewellery buyers. DGJG is running a promotion for shoppers spending a minimum AED 500 at participating gold and jewellery outlets in Dubai the chance to win three fabulous gold prizes every day. Each day, one lucky winner will receive ½ kilo of gold, while two others will each win ¼ kilo of gold. On the final day of DSF 2017, one shopper stands to win 1 kilo of gold. In all, there will be 100 winners over the 34 days of DSF, receiving a total of 34 kilos of gold. Customers who purchase gold jewellery worth Dh500 will get one raffle coupon and customers who purchase diamond jewellery, pearls or watches worth Dh500 will receive two raffle coupons to take part in the daily raffle draws to be held in the Gold Souk Deira.
Dubai shopping malls group promotion
'Happy Shopping, Happy Winnings' promotion: From December 26 to January28, Participating malls of Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG)
The Community Mall promotion is an opportunity to shop and win Dh1 million in prizes. For every Dh200 spent at a participating mall, customers are entitled to one raffle coupon to win prizes up to Dh600,000 (with Dh50,000 for 2 winners given away every week for four weeks); plus a grand raffle will be held on the last day of DSF wherein three winners get to take home great prizes (Dh50,000 + Dh50,000 + Dh100,000). A Scratch and Win portion of the coupon will offer the customer the chance to win instant prizes including gift sets, luxury watches and perfumes.
Other mall promotions
Dubai Festival City Mall promotion
Shoppers spending Dh250 at any outlet in Dubai Festival City Mall will have the chance to win a night's stay for four people at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. There will also be a chance to win a grand prize - a 2017 Lexus LX570.
Explore. Shop. Play. The Dubai Mall from Dec 26 - Jan 28; Daily during Mall operational hours
Shopping, fun and exclusive opportunities - there's never been a better time to explore The Dubai Mall. With great deals, first-in-the-region beauty experiences, a mystifying maze and more, make The Dubai Mall your home for fun this DSF.
Celebrate the Urban Life! December 26 - January 26
The Outlet Village, CITY WALK, THE BEACH, BOX PARK
Celebrate the Urban Life this DSF at MERAAS splendid shopping malls. Stir the espresso and smile to your morning musing at CITY WALK; live Dolce Vita whilst shopping in the Tuscan backdrops of The Outlet Village; vibe along to the urban beats of BOXPARK and finally lay back to watch the sun set to a beautiful day by THE BEACH. This DSF enjoy unique activations, exclusive shopping deals and the most delectable dining options like never before.
Jumbo is Gold from December 26 - January 28
Jumbo Stores across Dubai True to its tradition and as key sponsors of DSF 2016, Jumbo is back with mega offers & amazing bundles on smartphones, laptops, tablets, Apple Products, televisions, cameras, Gaming and Accessories.
Spend Dh500 and get a chance to win half a kilo of gold every week, 3 Solid Gold Limited Edition PS4 and 10 grams gold coins every day. All this and more with the widest selection of world-class electronics brands, exciting bundle offers and attractive giveaways.
Out of This World from December 26 - January 28, Mall of the Emirates
Shop for just Dh450 and win a 2017 Lamborghini Huracan worth Dh1 million! There will be one winner and the draw will take place at the end of the campaign. The car will be on display in the mall through an engaging stand where shoppers will have a taste of the Luxury car experience.
Activation: January 5 - 14
This is an engaging activation highlighting the different brands and categories in the mall and a fun activity to do for shoppers. You can guess the Out of this World image that is hidden and enter the daily draw. Visit the stand, register and get a chance to win daily prizes worth Dh5000.
Shop and Win Daily prizes this DSF at Mercato from December 26 - January 28 at Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road
For every Dh200 spent at any shop or outlet in Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah during Dubai Shopping Festival 2017, customers will be entitled to receive one coupon for the prize draw and could win one of the following: Daily prize of Dh5,000 or a weekly prize for a couple to different regions in Italy (Rome, Tuscany, Venice and Milano) courtesy of dnata Travel.
Explore Surprises this DSF December 26 - January 28 at Ibn Battuta Mall
This Dubai Shopping Festival, shop for Dh300 at Ibn Battuta Mall and get a chance to win a Mercedes CLA 250 every 2 weeks. Play the Ibn Battuta Travel game and win instant prizes. The Ibn Battuta Travel game will be available between 5th to 19th January from 03:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Celebrate New Adventures at Dragon Mart 2 this DSF from December 26 - January 28
This Dubai Shopping Festival, Dragon Mart is giving away four BMWs! Spend just AED 200 or more at any outlet in Dragon Mart 2, between 26 December 2016 and 28 January 2017, and you'll be entered into the weekly prize draw for a chance to win a brand new BMW!
Start the Year like a Star at City Centre Mirdif & City Centre Deira from December 29- January 28
This Dubai Shopping Festival, pamper yourself with offers on your favourite brands to win 1 kg gold, 2 carat diamonds and GiftCards worth Dh150,000 every week. Simply spend Dh250 at City Centre Mirdif and Dh200 at City Centre Deira to be entitled to enter into the draw to win. That's not all. Your Najm card gives you a chance to shop now and pay in March. What are you waiting for? Make your grand entrance. Raffle draw will take place on January 8, 18 & 29, 2017.
Main events
DSF Fireworks
December26-29; January 5-7 and January 19-21 at THE BEACH (JBR);
December 26-29, January12-14 and January 26-28 at Kite Beach;
Festivals and fireworks go hand in hand and Dubai has become synonymous with both - each becoming even more spectacular every year.
During DSF, the fireworks shows will start at 8.30pm at various key locations in the city.
Market Outside the Box
January 19-28, Burj Park
Taking place next to the pride of Dubai - Burj Khalifa - Market Outside the Box focuses on emerging local and regional designers, and gives them a chance to take centre stage during DSF.
Market OTB showcases the emerging artists of jewellery design and accessories, home décor and fashion. More than 100 designers will display their products and promote grass-roots engagement.
To make the outing truly exciting for the whole family, the 10-day Market OTB will also offer visitors the opportunity to experience a number of entertainment activities, including live shows and music concerts as well as food trucks and food from favourite local eateries.
Roaming Artistes from 26 December - 28 January
DSF 2017 will offer visitors many more events and activities that will further enhance the festival's image as a centre of shopping and entertainment including hundreds of roaming artistes and musicians who will spread the festive cheer in malls across the city including Gypsy Bigs- a troupe of professional jazz musicians, Car Stilt Walkers, Brimborians, three gliding bubbles, Crybtonia- a musical group with glowing LED costumes, Sparks Fire Dance circus acts, Wood & Wood featuring mime performances, Nutkins, the walkabout squirrels, and much more.
Beauty and perfume platform, Beauty District, from January 6-14, at The Fashion Catwalk, The Dubai Mall
Retailers will be offering promotions, and launching products while also conducting tutorials on how to achieve that special look at the Beauty District, featuring the region's top beauty influencers. Shoppers can also find great in-store promotions across the city as stores showcase their wide range of beauty products. This year, DSF introduces new innovative products from the Asian market as well as products that are not currently available in the UAE. DSF will also create exclusive beauty boxes with a range of beauty and perfume products endorsed by celebrities.
Beauty Week from January 5 - 14, 2017 at Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall
Keeping the French fashion spirit truly alive in the shopping capital of the Middle East, Galeries Lafayette is the biggest department store in Dubai. The Beauty Week features Joelle presence on 12 January at 7pm with a Meet & Greet session with customers, skin consultations by Joelle Skin Lab and hair consultation and treatment by Maison De Joelle. Three fans selected from Facebook will run a makeup competition on stage with a popular blogger as judge. There will also be a violin performance, illustrator artist by Aqua Di Parma and demos by international make-up artists, free nail polish application by Kure Bazar and makeover by a regional makeup artist from Givenchy.
Gold and jewellery platform
Dhamani Argyle Pink Diamond launch from January 10- 16, at Dubai Mall, Grand Atrium Waiting Area and VIP Lounge Dubai Mall
Renowned jeweler Dhamani has delivered the finest quality jewels set in world-class designs since 1969. This glittering event features the unveiling of Dhamani's Argyle Pink Diamond collection & launch of a limited edition of pink diamond jewelry exclusively for DSF 2017 by Dhamani 1969 followed by a ballerina dance.
Korloff Diamond Exhibition with Amal Alawadhi from January 11 - 16, Korloff Boutique at The Dubai Mall
This dazzling Jewellery and Diamonds exhibition showcases the distinctive and unique styles and haute creations in jewelry and watchmaking of Korloff Paris, one of the most exclusive diamond brands in the world. Within the last 29 years the company has grown into a mighty international jewelry empire, with 50 exclusive boutiques worldwide and more than 450 points of sale.
Van Cleef The Poetry of Time from January 22-February 5, at The Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates
The Poetry of Time, presents French jewelry and Time Pieces Maison Van Cleef & Arpels timepieces in VCA poetic universe highlighting elements featured in their timepieces (butterflies, flowers, nature). Founded in 1896 by Alfred Van Cleef and his uncle Salomon Arpels in Paris, its pieces often feature flowers, animals, and fairies, and have been worn by style icons such as Farah Pahlavi, the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly, Jordan Paterra, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Damas - Launch of Farfasha collection with Nancy Ajram from January 17, Grand Atrium, at the Dubai Mall
Damas Jewellery, the Middle East's leading jewellery and watch retailer, in collaboration with DSF, will be hosting a Meet-and- Greet event at The Dubai Mall, giving visitors and fans the chance to meet Iconic Arab singer, Nancy Ajram, on the occasion of the launch of the new Farfasha collection.
Apparel and fashion platform
Fashiontainment from January 19 to 21, at the Mall of the Emirates
Fashiontainment brings together a fusion of Fashion and Entertainment to create a fashion show with musical performances by an international celebrity. Top designer brands from around the world work as one with a celebrity musical act to showcase the latest fashion styles. Fashiontainment will be the opening act for a series of luxury & mid-luxury fashion shows that will run across two days along with in-store promotions.
Fashion Express from January 12-14 at the Ibn Battuta Malll; January 19-21 at the Dubai Festival City Mall;January 26-28 at the City Centre Deira
Fashion Express combines the very popular 'flashmob' with a 'pop up' concept to create an exclusive in-store event that not only entertains customers in the traditional common mall spaces, but also drives shoppers into the stores. Visitors will also have plenty of chances to be part of in-store promotions and to experience product launches taking place.
Street Runways
29 December - 3D Office (Dubai Future Foundation);
5 January: THE BEACH;
17 January: Gold Souq;
25 January: CITY WALK
This features a series of fashion shows partnering with high-street brands in specific locations across the city featuring the city's iconic landmarks as a canvas to showcase the next fashion styles, using four key locations as the backdrop. Each of these fashion shows will complement the area with the designs and fashion that the models will be wearing.
Arabic Calligraphy personalised products by Patrizia Pope on December 28, at THE BEACH - opposite JBR
The Patrizia Pepe store in The Beach, JBR will showcase a limited edition DSF collection of beautiful bags that have been customised by a calligrapher especially for the occasion.These bags will be sold at a special price only available for that day. During the event the calligrapher will be in-store doing the calligraphy on the bags while customers watch. Customers are then able to purchase the bag of their choice and order their own customised Patrizia Pepe bag. The bag will be delivered to them at the store's cost when the calligraphy has been completed.
Patrizia Pepe is an on-trend contemporary fashion brand for men and women combining well-groomed minimalism with a passion for detail.
Shopping mall events
Ice Age Live Show and Workshops from January2 to 7 at the Ibn Battuta Mall; 3pm to 10pm
Meet the sub-zero heroes of Ice Age in this live show of the licensed show Ice Age at the Ibn Battuta Mall featuring Manny the no-nonsense mammoth and Sid the loudmouthed ground sloth, as well as Diego, the sabre-tooth tiger. Also including Kid's workshops, it promises unstoppable fun this DSF!
Ibn Battuta Travel Game from January 5 to 19 at Ibn Battuta Mall
Head to the uniquely themed Ibn Battuta Mall named after the ancient explorer by the same name and boasting six individual courts named after the countries he visited, to participate in this live big travel game and win instant vouchers on a daily basis.
Loony Tunes Live Show and Workshops from January 16 to 25, at the Dragon Mart 2
You'll enjoy the Loony Tunes live show and workshop featuring the unbeatable pair, Tweety & and Sylvester. Even as the ever hungry Sylvester does everything he can to lure Tweety out of his cage and into his jaws, smart little Tweety is always one step ahead! Watch classic cartoons based on this duo and hone your artistic skills in the bargain.
Cinderella Live Show from January5 to 14, Dragon Mart 2
A live stage show based on the timeless folk story of a peasant girl living with her evil step mother and her two daughters, who later became a princess. One special evening due to a magical charm she visits a royal ball and dances with the prince of the land himself. But as the charm wears off at the stroke of midnight, she rushes back but loses her glass slipper, with which the prince later locates her and marries her.
Enjoy time with shopping and entertainment at DFC from December 26, 2016 - January 28, 2017
Enjoy time with shopping and entertainment at Dubai Festival City with the launch of the global attraction and the launch of DSF 2017. Don't miss the highly riveting and interactive light laser tunnel as well as exciting and interactive roaming entertainment mall wide. Head to the landmark urban retail resort during Fashion Express weekend from 19 to 21 January and enjoy special offers by select retailers and in-store activities. Weekdays: 10am-10pm; Weekends: 10am to 12am
External events
Carpet and Art Oasis from December 29- January 15, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 & 2, Dubai World Trade Centre
One of the longest-running events of DSF, the Carpet and Art Oasis is an exhibition and sale of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique handmade carpets and rugs from around the world. Carpet and Art Oasis will give visitors, carpet and art lovers an extraordinary range to choose from and a glimpse into the culture and history of countries represented at the exposition. Spread across thousands of square metres, the exhibition features carpets that represent the heritage and history of countries renowned for their carpet industries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China Iran and Turkey.
Ripe Market - DSF Edition: Every Friday through January 9am - 5pm, Zabeel Park
The Ripe Markets are the only place in the UAE where locals, expats and tourists come together to share their love of fresh, seasonal, organic, local and handmade produce. Run across a number of locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this community event supports local businesses, giving them a platform to sell to the residents and tourists visiting. There are also lots of live cooking food stalls, arts, crafts, fashion, jewelry, fitness workshops, live entertainment, yoga, children's activities and much more.
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