The Dubai Shopping Festival Has Completed 25 Glorious Years and It’s Better Than EVER

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) might have been around forever,  but there is something super-special about this particular edition.

The Festival has completed 25 years and that calls for major celebrations...and it certainly didn’t disappoint! A last-minute decision to fly down to this beautiful city (literally 12 hours before the flight), I took out the biggest suitcase I could find and hopped on a plane to Dubai. I landed on the day of the Grand Opening and boy, was I glad. 

I checked into the famed Waldorf Astoria (Dubai International Financial Centre), which was close enough to all the spots I wanted to hit in the city while I was there. [It’s always good to find a hotel that’s centrally-located so that you cut down on the travel time.] With a beautiful room on the 45th floor, I decided to soak in the view later and device a plan of attack for the day.

My first stop: Mall of the Emirates. The moment I got to know that it was on a crazy 12-hour sale made me realise that I might just be maxing out my credit card on the very first day. Why crazy, you ask? Well, with luxury and high-street brands like Omega, Missoni, Isabel Marant, Longines, Zara, H&M, among hundreds of others on 50%-90% off, you really can’t blame the closeted shopaholic in me to come to fore.

I didn’t have much time in the mall, so I had to ensure I timed myself and made wise choices. I’m happy to report neither of the two things happened. 

Well, after a satiating shopping experience (and a quick bite at Farzi Cafe!), it was time to explore the Al Seef Market. This historical village is located on the Dubai Creek and gives you an authentic experience of the time when traders and weavers used to flock to the port. Still high on the deals I managed to grab at the Mall of the Emirates (#FeelingLuckyAndBlessed), I decided to just look around and understand what the place signifies.

The old-world architecture was beautifully juxtaposed with modern activations, courtesy of SanDisk. They had built-in small frames featuring sandy beaches, Mediterranean food, candy and more that would take you back to your childhood if you grew up there... For me, it turned out to be a brilliant photo-op, an opportunity I rarely pass. I left Al Seef with a full heart and a tonne of pictures. 

My next stop was the hugely-anticipated opening ceremony of DSF at Burj Park. For those who don’t know, the festival is on till February 1st, 2020, which means you still have time to get in on those amazing deals. Back to the ceremony, which was more like a concert in the park with spectacular fireworks. The highlight: it was free everyone!

The locals, expats and tourists flocked in huge numbers, filling up the massive Burj Park, that offers a great view of...you guessed it, Burj Khalifa. The grand ceremony lasted two days and featured a number of Arabic and international stars. If you’re a 90s kid, you’d know Cheb Khaled, who’s known for songs like Aicha and Didi.
Not to make you feel bad, but I saw him live.

But for major FOMO, I’d like to report that British singer-songwriter Jorja Banks and Ex One-Directioner, Liam Payne played live on the second day, and needless to say, the crowd went berserk. Both days witnessed world-class firework displays, officially kick-starting one of the biggest shopping festivals in the world. 

As I mentioned earlier, this year marks a special milestone for DSF, and to celebrate the same, a series of pop-up markets have been organised all across the city. The Al Seef Market is one of them. The other one that I managed to visit is the Al Khawaneej Market, a winter wonderland in the middle of the desert. If you miss the cold weather, Al Khawaneej offers a bunch of attractions, including an ice rink, a snowman building zone, and a snow-fight pit.

The Al Rigga Market, transformed into the original DSF Market 25 years ago; added a touch of nostalgia. From African dancing, flash mobs and talent contests, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Finally, the Hatta Market, located in the heart of Hatta, offers a traditional outdoor souk experience with cultural games and experiences. 

Another place you just can’t avoid while in Dubai during the shopping festival is the Global Village. It’s like a world without borders featuring pavilions from different countries like India, Africa, Japan, South Korea, Iran, among dozens of others, offering the best that each country has to offer in terms of both food and shopping.

I’d recommend going there in the evening as it’s all lit up. The Dubai Mall is another shopping Mecca you can’t leave town without paying a visit. While the deals weren’t as crazy as we got to witness at the Mall of the Emirates, they were still glorious. Enough to leave with your hands full of bags and your wallet...well, empty! 

If you’re in Dubai currently or planning to visit soon, make sure you get a taste of the magnificent Dubai Shopping Festival.