The Dubai Shopping Festival

You don’t need to have spent time in the City of Gold to know what it’s about. The mere mention of Dubai conjures a mirage of shimmering glass sky rises, marinas filled with luxury shared boat ownership yachts and a heady sense of opulence and 21st century lustre. This is Dubai as the world has come to see it – a reputation nurtured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai’s ambitious ruler. Rumours of such an exuberant Shangri-la-esque city are not exaggerated, so it comes as no surprise that the Dubai Shopping Festival has been coined the biggest (and probably the most impressive) shopping festival in the world.

Early 2019 will see the Dubai Shopping Festival return, more alluring than ever. To prepare you for this exciting event, we have broken down some of the FAQs below. Looking for high fashion, huge prizes and incredible savings? Read on…

When and what is the Dubai Shopping Festival?

From 26th December to 2nd February, Dubai dons its best dress and dusts off the sale signs, for the largest shopping event in the calendar. Shopaholics from around the world are drawn to the glitz and glamour the city has to offer, sating their appetite for fine fashion at a discount.

The Dubai Shopping Festival is also famed for its incredible raffles, held throughout – and even during the run-up to – the festival. You could win big; a few of the top prizes include an Infiniti QX50 and AED 150,000 cash, as well as many more daily giveaways.

Where is the Dubai Shopping Festival?

All over the city! Across Dubai, shops and malls hold sales through the day and even into the night, with reductions, raffles and weekend surprises. Bargain hunters can look forward to the six-week sale that kicks off the event, which includes 700 participating brands across 3,200 outlets.

What sales should I look out for?

If you’re looking for something a little different, (and fancy a break from the glitz of Dubai’s numerous shopping malls), try The Market Outside The Box (MOTB). Set in the Burj Park, MOTB welcomes budding artists and emerging designers to flaunt their creative prowess in the limelight of Dubai Shopping Festival. Here, you can channel your inner fashion visionary and pick out a few less mainstream pieces from up-and-coming local and international stylists.

Is there anything else to do but shop?

There comes a point in every shopping trip when hunger to browse the sales is overcome by actual hunger. When thoughts turn to food there’s no need to limit yourself to the malls; keep your shopping strength up with a delicious plate of street food from one of the many food trucks at MOTB. And if you fancy putting your feet up after perusing the 80 or so stalls, why not enjoy one of the many live music, dance and drama performances.

Once the shopping’s done (for the day, at least), don’t even think about heading home until you’ve witnessed one of the Dubai Shopping Festival’s spectacular firework displays. These jaw-dropping explosions of light and colour are the perfect way to round off an incredible shopping experience – one you’ll probably return to year after year.

Want to attend the Dubai Shopping Festival by fractional yacht charter? Get in contact today – our friendly team will help you plan your perfect trip.