Top 6 things to look forward to during Dubai Shopping Festival

12-hour sale will give customers up to 90 per cent off.- KT file photo

A  fireworks spectacle,  a star-studded event, a hologram concert and a 12-hour flash sale are set to   kick off the highly anticipated Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) as it returns for its 25th run.
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) recently revealed the full line-up of things to look forward to in the landmark edition of the shopping extravaganza that will run for 38 days from December 26, 2019, to February 1, 2020.
An opening ceremony at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai will feature a series of concerts by Emirati and international singers, cultural and family-oriented performances from 2pm to 11pm on December 26 and 27.
The city will also be lit up with fireworks, adding colour and sparkle to Dubai's skyline.
And if you're ready to shop, you can head straight to Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) malls where an exclusive
12-hour sale will give customers up to 90 per cent off.
Running from mid-day to midnight on December 26, the sale will also see 25 winners take home Dh10,000 worth of shopping vouchers for Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me'aisem, My City Centre Barsha and City Centre Al Shindagha.
"As Dubai has evolved in the last 25 years, so too has DSF.  As we unveil our milestone DSF 2020, it highlights and affirms the festival's greatest edition yet," said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE.
"Every DSF, we see Dubai at its best. The weather is wonderful, and our key partners and retailers across Dubai make an incredible effort to ensure that people from every culture, age and background come together in celebration of their love of shopping, entertainment and the opportunity to win great prizes."
With more than 1,000 brands participating across  4,000 outlets, shoppers and deal-hunters will find offers of up to 75 per cent off across the city - on top of showstopping performances, immersive experiences, and family-friendly celebrations.
Here are top six things to look forward to throughout the fest
1-Concerts - including Dubai's first hologram concert
Global superstars from around the world will be flying in for the festival: Pakistani sensation Rahat Ali Khan will be at Coca-Cola Arena on December 27, while British pop star Ellie Goulding will be on the stage on January 10. You can also catch Egyptian superstar Amr Diab at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on January 24.
On top of headliners, the first ever hologram concert in the city will debut this DSF, featuring a hologram of Umm Kulthum accompanied by a live orchestra of 20 musicians on stage. Watch the show at the Dubai Opera Grand Theatre on December 26 and 27.
2-Fireworks every day
A beloved DSF tradition: There will be something in the air throughout the festival as world-class fireworks displays paint the skies with colour and light every night at The Beach, Al Seef, La Mer, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek, The Pointe and The Dubai Frame.
3-A special DSF mobile game!
A unique feature this year, Yalla DSF is an interactive and innovative mobile game that will engage visitors and residents. It's available in English, Arabic, Mandarin and Russian. The game will give players a chance to win exclusive prizes that are instantly redeemable. Saved to phone home screens rather than a downloadable app, it will direct players to move around Dubai to activate levels and win bigger prizes, including an entry to a grand raffle.
4-City lights for the 'gram
Music, mirrors and colourful lights will combine to deliver the most 'Instagrammable' moments in a unique festival vibe. Don't miss the interactive light installations at Burj Plaza from January 7 to February 1, 2020.
5-And for the bargain-hunters ...
Besides discounts of 25 to 75 per cent on thousands of international fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle brands - there will be special sales and retail suprises, too.
In a welcome tradition, DSF will kick off in style with an exclusive '12-Hour Sale' at Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Malls, giving customers up to 90 per cent off at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me'aisem, My City Centre Barsha, and City Centre Al Shindagha.
Then, from January 2 to 26 2020, shopaholics are encouraged to keep DSF on their radar to discover daily surprise deals over 25 days. Deals are announced 24 hours in advance for one brand at one location.
And for the first time at DSF, a series of pop-up markets will appear across the city at Last Exit, Al Khawaneej, Al Rigga Street and City Walk 2, combining the heritage of Dubai with innovative retail experiences
Inspired by the bustling souks of the UAE, a traditional style market stretching 1.8km along the Dubai Creek in Al Seef will allow visitors to experience different cultures, enjoy shopping, dining, art and entertainment from around the world
Running from January 16 to February 1, 2020, Market Outside the Box will showcase the hottest up-and-coming local, regional and international musicians and bands, as well as fashion and food vendors
6-Prizes and freebies
Shop and win promotions will be run at several malls and shops across the emirate - including MAF and The Dubai Mall - on top of the highly popular Infiniti and Nissan raffle draws.
As for the freebies, anyone who purchases an Emirates economy class ticket to Dubai from now until February 1, 2020, - with a return journey between December 26, 2019, and February 5, 2020 - will enjoy an extra 10kg baggage allowance for all their DSF purchases on the return trip home. This offer is limited to certain countries.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

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