Dubai: Biggest-ever cash prize of Dh3 million announced for one lucky DSF shopper

This year, UAE residents and visitors stand a chance of winning Dh3 million in cash in a grand raffle at the end of the 30th edition of the iconic Dubai Shopping Festival. This is the biggest ever single cash award being given away at the festival. The prize can be won by shopping at the Dream Dubai website and entering an online draw. The announcement was made at a press conference to announce the full calendar of events of DSF.

Shoppers who purchase Dh1,000 worth of items also stand a chance to win a grand prize of Dh1.5 million and over 20kg of gold as part of a raffle draw by Dubai Gold and Jewelry group. For the first time ever, the tickets to win gold will be available online as well. Other prizes during DSF include daily Dh10,000 cash prize, brand new luxury cars and one million skyward points.

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To be held from December 6 to January 12, DSF will have more than 50 concerts and events during the 38-day festival, which authorities promise to be the best-ever edition of the festival.

DSF, which started 30 years ago as a sales event at just five shopping malls, has evolved into the world’s longest-running retail festival with events, entertainment, , concerts, immersive experiences, fireworks, and drone shows.

Shopping deals

Sales and discounts of up to 90 per cent will be on offer during special periods throughout the festival, said Mohamed Feras, associate vice-president of retail calendar and promotions at the DFRE.

“Unfortunately, we cannot disclose the dates of these beforehand. However, it is coming soon and everyone needs to keep an eye on it," he said.

From December 26, there will be several shopping deals across the emirate, including a 12-hour flash sale across city centres and Mall of the Emirares with up to 90 percent off and daily surprise deals. This will continue until February 2.

Events and entertainment

The much-awaited drone show will return as a prime attraction, featuring 1,000 drones twice a day at 8pm and 10pm at Bluewaters Island and The Beach, JBR. The first theme will pay tribute to DSF’s 30th anniversary, from December 6 to 26. The second theme — which will run from December 27, 2024, to January 12, 2025 — will celebrate the fusion of tradition and modernity through powerful beats and innovative sound effects. There will be daily fireworks by Al Zarooni Group at Dubai Festival City Mall at 8:30pm. Weekend fireworks will also be there at Hatta.

The highly anticipated 321 Festival will kick off during the opening weekend, spread across two brand-new locations. The concert series will bring together a star-studded line-up of A-list acts at Coca-Cola Arena and feature legendary icons including Georges Wassouf, Kadim Al Sahir, Kaifi Khalil, Norwegian dance group QuickStyle, and Shae Gill, among others.

Local talents will take centre stage with X Factor, the region’s top talent show which will take place at Dubai Festival City Mall every Sunday from December 8.

Several festive family entertainment is also available, with shows like Aladdin, The Nutcracker and a musical featuring Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas being staged at various locations around the city. There will also be festive markets, tree lightings, winter wonderlands, and holiday events at Dubai’s top malls, hotels, and attractions.

New attractions

For the first time, the Uncommon x DSF festival will transform Al Marmoom into a magical wonderland. Visitors will be able to enjoy an outdoor cinema and camping experience along with engaging activities like guided stargazing 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, 2025, the destination will offer free entry for all.