25 Reasons Why The Dubai Shopping Festival Is The Place To Be This Winter

No one needs a reason to plan a vacation. Especially to Dubai - the paradise for all shoppers! But in case you are looking for one, we have 25 reasons ready for you. And they'll convince you that you could do with a quick winter break in Dubai to enjoy the city in all its festive glory during the 25th year of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

1. Global Superstars to perform at DSF Concerts

Jorja Smith and Liam Payne are announced to play in DSF¡¯s opening weekend on the 27th of December. The Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk will host Pakistani sensation Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on 27th December. At the outdoor Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Egyptian superstar Amr Diab will perform his chart-topping hits including Nour El Ain and Ana 3ayesh on 24th January, in what is anticipated to be another sell-out gig.

2. The first-ever hologram concert

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, as well as the special performance of Sana¡¯a Nabil, the granddaughter of Umm Kulthum. Taking place on 26 and 27 December at the Dubai Opera Grand Theatre, this is a performance simply not to be missed.

3. Le Petit Prince at Dubai Opera

Based on the original book by Antoine de Saint-Exup¨¦ry and presented through the poetic vision of director and choreographer Anne Tournie, audiences will be completely immersed in this poignant story about a little boy who visits different planets in space. Expect stunning sets, aerial straps, colourful costumes, circus tricks, video mapping technology and jaw-dropping acrobatics. With original music by Terry Truck, this performance on the 23rd-25th January at the Dubai Opera guarantees to transport you to the land of the little prince.

4. Kapil Sharma at Coca-Cola Arena

Mark your calendar for 24th January, when one of India¡¯s top comedy exports, Kapil Sharma, is set to headline at the Coca-Cola Arena. Returning to Dubai after a three-year hiatus, the comedian is all set to bring his family-friendly humour to the 17,000-seat arena.

5. Prateek Kuhad at The Rotunda

On 24th January, the indie rock artist will perform from his repertoire of Hindi and English hits, including 'cold/mess' and 'Tum Jab Paas'. Don't miss this chance to see him live in Dubai.

6. An Evening with Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United and England football legend, Rio Ferdinand will present a live, unscripted interview at W Dubai ¨C The Palm on 9th January where football fans can expect to hear personal stories and behind the scenes anecdotes of his illustrious career.

7. World-Class Performers

International theatrical shows, musicians and artists will come together to offer exciting moments for family and friends across multiple locations throughout DSF.

8. City Lights Installations

Art and technology will come together to create astounding interactive light installations at Burj Plaza from 7 January 2020 to 1 February 2020. Music, mirrors and colourful lights will combine to deliver the most ¡®instagrammable¡¯ moments in a unique festival vibe.

9. Skies Lit Up With Fireworks

A beloved DSF tradition, world-class fireworks displays will splash the skies with colour and light every night at The Beach, Al Seef, La Mer, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek and The Pointe. The Dubai Frame will have a fireworks display every Friday during the DSF.

10. Yalla DSF (presented by Club Apparel)

A unique feature this year, Yalla DSF is an interactive and innovative mobile game to engage with visitors and residents, 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, the game will direct players to move around Dubai to activate further levels and win bigger prizes including entry to a grand raffle.

11. DSF DINE-IN SPECIALS WITH ZOMATO GOLD

In celebration of the 25th edition, and powered by the online food app Zomato, DSF will include more than 1,000 restaurants providing discounts starting from 25 percent for in-dining experiences to be used when signing up with the Zomato Gold membership program, which will also provide a 25 percent reduction in membership fees.

12. DSF Outdoor Markets

New to DSF this edition and created in tribute to the festival¡¯s inaugural year, a series of pop-up markets will appear across the city in Al Khawaneej Market, Al Rigga Market, Hatta Market and the Citywalk Market, combining the heritage of Dubai with innovative retail experiences and entertainment for all.

13. One World Global Village

At Global Village, you have more than 150 days to explore the best from continents near and far, indulge in exotic flavours and enjoy live shows, funfair rides and bargain buys. Experience all the highlights in a day with our guide to Global Village.

14. Market Outside the Box (MOTB)

Running from 16 January 2020 to 1 February 2020, MOTB is a live showcase of the hottest up-and-coming local, regional and international musicians and bands, as well as fashion and food vendors. Additionally, an enclosed experiential Game Zone taking up to 24 gamers, and a dedicated Kids Zone will make hearts race with adrenaline and keep visitors coming back for more.

15. INFINITI Mega Raffle

This year, the INFINITI Mega raffle is offering DSF visitors the chance to drive away in an INFINITI QX50 car plus AED 200,000 in cash every single day of DSF. To enter, simply buy a raffle ticket for AED 200 for the chance to win the daily prize. In addition, one lucky DSF shopper will go home with a grand prize of AED 1 million in cash at the end of DSF. Tickets can be purchased from Enoc and Epco petrol stations, Dubai Metro stations and Global Village.

16. DSF Surprises

From 2nd to 26th January 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.

17. Souk Heritage

Inspired by the bustling souks of the UAE, the Souk Heritage concept will become the cultural hub of DSF, with a traditional style market alongside 1.8km of the Dubai Creek in Al Seef Market allowing visitors to experience different cultures, enjoy shopping, dining, art and entertainment from around the world.

18. DSF 25 SHARE Millionaires

In collaboration with strategic partner Majid Al Futtaim Malls, DSF presents an exciting promotion with their new SAHRE app giving consumers 25 Million reasons to shop. Shop at Majid Al Futtaim Malls for a chance to enter into the draw to become one of the 25 DSF SHARE Millionaires where each winner receives 1,000,000 SHARE points.

19. DSF Skywards Millionaire

In collaboration with strategic partner The Dubai Mall, DSF has introduced a new promotion with the Emirates Airlines Skywards program. On a certain spend at any of The Dubai Mall stores, shoppers will have the chance to enter into a draw to become one of 5 DSF Millionaires in Skywards Miles, with each winner receiving 1,000,000 Skywards Miles.

20. DSF 25 Home Makeovers

In collaboration with Home Centre, one of Dubai¡¯s leading home furnishing brands, DSF has created a promotion at Home Centre, Mall of the Emirates, where shoppers have the chance to enter the draw to become one of 25 winners of a stylish home makeover.

21. DSF x 1000

Shoppers spending AED 100 at any participating outlet in Meraas¡¯ destinations: City Walk, La Mer, Al Seef, The Beach, Box Park, Bluewaters and The Outlet Village will receive a raffle coupon to be in with a chance of being selected as one of 25 daily winners of an AED 1,000 gift card. One thousand winners are waiting to be selected, with AED 1 million worth of prizes to be awarded.

22. New Year's Eve at Atlantis The Palm

A glamorous evening under the stars, the theme for this new year's bash is inspired by the extravagant ¡®roaring 20s¡¯, brought to life by a 30-piece live band. Start with a round of canapes before tucking into the buffet and live cooking stations. The best is saved for last as a grand display of fireworks will usher in 2020 with good wishes and festive cheer.

23. New Year¡¯s Eve Gala at Emirates Golf Club

Emirates Golf Club is ringing in the New Year in style with a sumptuous gala dinner and a double bill of tribute acts to Elvis Presley and Madonna. As midnight strikes, admire the spectacular fireworks over the lush lawns and enjoy top tunes from resident DJs.

24. Explore Al Seef traditional market

Situated near the iconic Dubai Creek, the Al Seef market is on top of the must-visit as it beautifully combines tradition with modern designs. It has an old-world charm with its open-air floating markets, regional crafts and textiles, and an Arabian 1950's style souk. The best way to soak in the fun is to head on a cultural walking tour and indulging in some fine shopping and dining.

25. Meet SpongeBob SquarePants in Dubai

SpongeBob SquarePants and friends are wading out of the water and coming over to spend time with the city¡¯s little residents this Dubai Shopping Festival. Visit Citywalk with your family from 2nd to 25th January for meet-and-greets and live shows with the characters.

Still not sure these 25 reasons are enough? Check out more on the Dubai Shopping Festival 2020 here.