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15th December 2026 - 29th January 2027

Dubai Shopping Festival

A whole city on sale, with fireworks every night — just three hours from home.

Every winter, Dubai turns into one giant celebration of shopping. The Dubai Shopping Festival, or DSF, has been running since 1996. The next edition is expected from early December 2026 to mid January 2027, going by recent years. For five to six weeks, thousands of stores across the city's malls and souks drop prices, with discounts often advertised up to 75 per cent. But DSF is far more than sales. There are fireworks over the beachfront, drone shows in the night sky, and raffles that hand out cars, gold and cash. Free concerts bring in Bollywood and international stars. Entry to the festival itself is free — you pay only for what you shop and eat. For Indian travellers, this is the easiest big international holiday there is. The flight from Mumbai takes about three hours. The visa arrives in three to four working days. And Hindi works almost everywhere in the city.

Dubai in next 3 month

Weather in Dubai

jan

12/29°C

AQI 48

feb

13/33°C

AQI 37

mar

15/35°C

AQI 91

apr

17/36°C

AQI 63

may

18/42°C

AQI 61

jun

26/43°C

AQI 74

jul

28/45°C

AQI 79

aug

29/46°C

AQI 91

sep

26/44°C

AQI 83

oct

24/42°C

AQI 69

nov

18/37°C

AQI 46

dec

19/28°C

AQI 60

August in Dubai continues to be very hot with high humidity and high air pollution levels.

Usual trip duration

3-4 days

A 3-4 day trip to Dubai allows you to explore the iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Palm Jumeirah. You can also experience the desert safari, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and indulge in luxury shopping.

Travel Budget

Dubai offers experiences for every type of traveler and budget. From luxury resorts and fine dining to affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or low-cost attractions, the city makes it easy to plan an unforgettable trip at your own pace. Whether you're looking for indulgence or great value, Dubai adapts to your budget while still delivering world-class experiences.

Prices can vary based on the season and preferences.

Interesting facts

DSF began in 1996, making the 2026–27 edition roughly the 32nd — it is one of the longest-running shopping festivals anywhere in the world.

The 2025–26 edition (the 31st) ran for 38 days, from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 — among the longest editions ever held.

DSF raffles have made ordinary shoppers rich for decades — prizes over the years have included luxury cars, kilos of gold and large cash draws through promotions like Dubai Duty Free's ticket draws.

Entry to DSF is completely free; the festival spreads across the whole city rather than one venue, covering malls, souks, beaches and parks.

Global Village, a DSF-season favourite, charges only AED 25–30 (about ₹600–720) for entry and hosts pavilions, street food and shows from dozens of countries.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do haggle in the souks — at the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira, quoting 30–40% below the first price is normal and expected.

Do carry your passport copy and hotel details when out shopping; some big raffle entries and tax-free shopping refunds ask for them.

Do use the Dubai Metro with a Nol card — it stops at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and the Marina, and beats taxis in evening traffic.

Do keep evenings for Global Village and the fireworks — Dubai's December weather is at its best after sunset.

Do compare gold rates with India before buying — Dubai gold is sold by weight with making charges negotiated separately.

Do book your desert safari and Burj Khalifa tickets online in advance; DSF season is peak season.

Don't wear very short or revealing clothes in souks, old Dubai and government buildings — casual western wear is fine in malls, but modest is safer in traditional areas.

Don't drink alcohol anywhere except licensed venues like hotel bars and restaurants — public drinking is an offence.

Don't photograph local women or families without permission, and avoid photographing government buildings.

Don't show public displays of affection beyond holding hands — the UAE is relaxed but conservative on this.

Don't carry medicines like codeine-based painkillers without a prescription — the UAE has strict drug rules.

Don't wait for the last week to shop — the best raffle promotions and stock run through the festival, and crowds peak around New Year.

Budget Breakdown

Travellers

Days

Flights

₹15,000

Stay

₹16,000

Local Transport

₹2,500

Dining

₹7,000

activities

₹5,000

Visa

₹7,000

Total Estimated

₹52,500

Visa Details

Visa Starting From

₹6,500

Get Visa In

3–4 days

Documents Required:

Passport

Photographs

Return flight tickets

Hotel bookings

PAN card

Bank statements

Things to do

All

landmark

shopping

island

entertainment

waterway

waterpark

historical

market

cultural

sports

aquarium

garden

zoo

museum

4.7

Burj Khalifa

LANDMARK

Tallest building in the world

4.7

Dubai Mall

SHOPPING

Largest mall in the world

4.7

Palm Jumeirah

ISLAND

Man-made palm-shaped island

4.5

Ski Dubai

ENTERTAINMENT

Indoor ski resort in the desert

4.5

Dubai Creek

WATERWAY

Historical heart of the city

4.4

Wild Wadi Waterpark

WATERPARK

Exciting water rides and slides

4.5

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

HISTORICAL

Preservation of Dubai's history

4.6

Dubai Frame

LANDMARK

Iconic new architectural landmark

4.4

Dubai Gold Souk

MARKET

Traditional gold market

4.7

Dubai Opera

CULTURAL

World-class performing arts venue

4.5

Dubai Autodrome

SPORTS

Premier motorsports facility

4.5

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

AQUARIUM

Diverse marine life exhibits

4.6

Dubai Miracle Garden

GARDEN

Largest natural flower garden

4.5

Dubai Dolphinarium

ZOO

Dolphin and seal shows

4.5

Dubai Museum

MUSEUM

Showcasing the city's history

4.6

Dubai Water Canal

WATERWAY

Artificial canal in the city

Best flights to book

From

Departure

Mon, 31 Aug

Return

Travellers & Class

1 Traveller, Economy

Mon, 14 Dec

₹16,277

Tue, 15 Dec

₹16,277

Wed, 16 Dec

₹16,880

Thu, 17 Dec

₹16,880

Fri, 18 Dec

₹16,953

Sat, 19 Dec

₹16,953

Sun, 20 Dec

₹16,880

Mon, 21 Dec

₹25,815

Tue, 22 Dec

₹16,277

Wed, 23 Dec

₹16,869

Thu, 24 Dec

₹16,880

Fri, 25 Dec

₹17,950

Sat, 26 Dec

₹17,684

Sun, 27 Dec

₹16,880

Mon, 28 Dec

₹16,880

Tue, 29 Dec

₹16,880

Wed, 30 Dec

₹16,277

Thu, 31 Dec

₹16,277

Fri, 01 Jan

₹17,173

Sat, 02 Jan

₹20,017

Sun, 03 Jan

₹20,008

Mon, 04 Jan

₹22,843

Tue, 05 Jan

₹17,173

Wed, 06 Jan

₹20,025

Thu, 07 Jan

₹17,173

Fri, 08 Jan

₹27,885

Sat, 09 Jan

₹17,173

Sun, 10 Jan

₹17,173

Mon, 11 Jan

₹17,186

Tue, 12 Jan

₹33,675

Wed, 13 Jan

₹17,167

IndiGo

6E1461

07:40

DEL

2h 55m

Non Stop

09:05

DXB

₹24,351

₹22,451

IndiGo

6E1463

17:40

DEL

2h 55m

Non Stop

19:05

DXB

₹24,351

₹22,451

Emirates

EK517

16:15

DEL

2h 30m

Non Stop

17:15

DXB

₹33,458

₹31,558

Air India

AI929

05:50

DEL

2h 55m

Non Stop

07:15

DXB

₹39,667

₹37,767

Air India

AI995

19:55

DEL

Non Stop

21:25

DXB

₹39,772

₹37,872

Air India

AI917

09:15

DEL

3h 5m

Non Stop

10:50

DXB

₹39,982

₹38,082

Emirates

EK511

10:35

DEL

2h 35m

Non Stop

11:40

DXB

₹42,493

₹40,593

Emirates

EK515

21:30

DEL

2h 39m

Non Stop

22:39

DXB

₹42,493

₹40,593

Emirates

EK513

04:10

DEL

2h 35m

Non Stop

05:15

DXB

₹42,493

₹40,593

Air India

AI915

16:10

DEL

Non Stop

17:40

DXB

₹45,967

₹44,067

Restaurants

4.9

Hurricane’s Grill Dubai Mall

8.7Excellent· 964 Ratings

Kempinski Mall Of The Emirates Hotel

Al Barsha • 11.6 km from The Dubai Fountain

₹16,904/night

8.7Excellent· 68 Ratings

Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai

Dubai Marina • 18.0 km from The Dubai Fountain

₹13,092/night

9.1Exceptional· 214 Ratings

Vida Creek Beach Hotel

Dubai Festival City • 5.3 km from Dubai International Airport (DXB)

₹8,589/night

9.2Exceptional· 576 Ratings

Raffles Dubai Hotel

Bur Dubai • 2.2 km from Dubai Frame

₹18,344/night

8.9Excellent· 861 Ratings

Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Dubai

Al Barsha • 11.1 km from The Dubai Fountain

₹14,773/night

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27?

Official dates are not announced yet, but DSF is expected to run from early December 2026 to mid January 2027. The previous edition ran from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Dates are usually confirmed a few months ahead on visitdubai.com.

Is entry to the Dubai Shopping Festival free?

Yes, DSF has no entry ticket — it happens across the whole city. You pay only for what you shop, eat and do. Attractions like Global Village (AED 25–30) and Burj Khalifa have their own tickets.

How much does a Dubai trip cost from India during DSF?

A 5-day trip costs roughly ₹50,000–55,000 per person on a budget, and around ₹1,00,000 for a comfortable mid-range trip. This covers flights, hotel, visa, food, local travel and activities — shopping is extra, naturally.

How much is the Dubai visa for Indians?

A 30-day single-entry tourist visa starts around ₹6,500 through airlines and travel agents, going up to ₹9,500 with insurance and service fees. Processing takes 3–4 working days. Indians with a valid US visa, green card, or UK/EU residence permit can instead get a 14-day visa on arrival for about ₹2,400.

Are flights to Dubai cheap from India?

Yes, Dubai is one of the cheapest international routes from India. Return fares from Delhi or Mumbai are often ₹15,000–25,000 when booked 1–2 months ahead, on airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express and Emirates. December is peak season, so book early.

Is shopping in Dubai cheaper than India?

For electronics, perfumes, chocolates and international fashion brands, often yes — especially during DSF discounts of up to 75 per cent. Gold is priced by weight and purity, so compare rates and making charges with your local jeweller before buying.

What are the DSF raffles and how do I enter?

DSF raffles are lucky draws that give away cars, gold and cash. You typically enter by buying a raffle ticket (for example at Dubai Duty Free) or get entries with purchases at participating outlets. Keep your bills — winners are contacted directly.

Is Dubai safe and easy for first-time Indian travellers?

Very much so — it is the most familiar foreign city for Indians. Hindi is widely understood, Indian food is everywhere, and the city is extremely safe with low crime. Just respect local dress norms in traditional areas and avoid public drinking.

What is the weather in Dubai in December and January?

Pleasant and dry, with days around 24–28°C and evenings near 18–20°C. It is Dubai's best weather of the year, which is exactly why DSF is held in winter. Carry a light jacket for desert evenings.

Can vegetarians manage food easily in Dubai during DSF?

Easily — Dubai has thousands of Indian restaurants, from Saravana Bhavan to street-style chaat in Karama and Meena Bazaar. Global Village also has Indian and vegetarian food stalls. A decent meal costs AED 15–40 (₹360–960).

Is Global Village part of the Dubai Shopping Festival?

Global Village is a separate seasonal attraction, but its season overlaps with DSF and it is a festival favourite. Entry is AED 25–30, and it runs evenings till midnight or later with country pavilions, fireworks and shows.

How many days are enough for DSF in Dubai?

Five days is ideal — it covers the big malls, the old souks, Global Village, a desert safari and the fireworks. Three days works for a quick shopping-focused trip, while seven lets you add Abu Dhabi and Dubai's beaches.

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