 |
The Dubai Shopping Festival is more than just a month of discounts and sales across Dubai’s shopping venues. Every year, the festival grows brighter, grander, and more spectacular, affirming its status as a flagship event heralding memorable and eagerly awaited occasions each year in tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment. |
Until January 11, 2026, Dubai will shine on the global tourism stage with a dazzling display of fireworks, both literal and metaphorical: drone shows, concerts featuring world-class stars, interactive family performances, and dance tournaments, along with celebrated DJs and opera singers, dancing, food, entertainment, and shopping all in one grand setting. The new season brings fresh events and new reasons to witness it all firsthand.
Nearly a thousand local and international brands await you in malls, markets, and fairs with massive discounts. So, during the day—shopping pavilions, in the evenings—shows. Give your tourists a navigator through the ocean of winter entertainment in Dubai for a comfortable journey.
Drone Shows
When: From December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Where: Bluewaters and The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence.
Two completely different dazzling programs will unfold throughout the evening. LED drones will shine even brighter, the show will last longer, and pyro-drones will embellish the performance with fireworks.
The program «Dubai, City of Dreams» will sketch in the sky images of the emirate’s main attractions, while «Celebrations» will create a whirlwind of colors and shapes in the sky. Both projects can be experienced in one evening. Admission is free, but it’s advisable to secure a good viewing spot in advance.
Fairs and Family Entertainment
The Dubai Shopping Festival will be accompanied throughout December by New Year and Christmas fairs. Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai is already open and will last until December 25, while the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah awaits guests until the year’s final day. In the Mall of the Emirates, you can meet Santa throughout the month, and guests of Expo City can enjoy the festive celebration Winter City from December 6 to 31.
Holiday Marathon DSF Nights
When: From December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026
Where: Festival Bay waterfront near Dubai Festival City Mall, next to The Bay by Social.
The marathon will take place for the second time, always in Dubai, under the motto «faster, higher, stronger,» or rather—bigger, cooler, more interesting. DSF Nights offer shows, concerts, interactive events, performances, and non-stop entertainment for the entire family: 3 shows daily, circus acts, theater, concerts, and dance marathons all in one venue.
Next to the festival grounds, there will be a market and lounge areas, with concerts by local stars every Friday and Saturday, plus fireworks every evening. Children will meet their favorite cartoon characters, while adults can let loose on the dance floor during the Just Dance tournament.
e&MOTB Fair
When: From January 1 to 11, 2026
Where: Dubai Design District (d3)
The e&MOTB Fair will take place for the 13th time this year. It aims to combine shopping, gastronomy, and various entertainments for both children and adults in one huge venue. This includes shopping from luxury to vintage, nearly thirty dining setups, creative workshops, contests with prizes, and a separate entertainment program for young guests.
Additionally, there will be futuristic installations for photos: the theme of e&MOTB this year is «100 years ahead.» Is there a portal to a monochrome future at the fair? Dubai certainly knows how to surprise. The organizers promise a festive concert along with free admission and parking.
Star Concerts
December 19. David Guetta
Where: Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour / Dubai Marina
This artist needs no introduction—fans chase after him worldwide. 2 Grammy awards, an MTV Music Award, millions of album sales, global hits, and three-time DJ of the year as per DJ Magazine.
David Guetta will perform in Dubai on December 19 at the key outdoor «DJ» and music venue, Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour—top sound, special effects, and unforgettable experiences are guaranteed. You can reserve a table or purchase tickets for the dance floor.
December 22. Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Hibla Gerzmava.
Where: Dubai Opera
A truly enchanting evening awaits classical music enthusiasts and opera fans. At the concert «Stars of the Century,» Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Hibla Gerzmava will shine alongside the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra under conductor Valery Gergiev. Expect world-renowned arias and orchestral masterpieces. Tickets start at 2000 AED.
December 31. Maroon 5. New Year’s Gala Dinner.
Where: Atlantis The Palm
Maroon 5—global pop stars—will perform for the guests of the luxurious Atlantis The Palm during their New Year’s gala dinner. The celebration will feature worldwide hits on a specially constructed terrace at the hotel, open air with panoramic views of the city and Palm Jumeirah. Exquisite dishes plus a concert from a world-famous group, dazzling fireworks, and 28 degrees of warmth—this is the perfect New Year.
January 3. Thomas Anders
Where: Dubai Opera
On January 3, Thomas Anders, the pop icon of the 80s, will perform live. His beloved hits are sure to get everyone dancing, so feel free to grab tickets for the dance floor. Years may pass, but the magic of Thomas Anders’ gaze, smile, and voice, as well as the hits of Modern Talking, remain timeless. Tickets range from 600 to 2000 AED.
January 4. Till Lindemann
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Former frontman of the world-renowned metal group Rammstein, Till Lindemann—an icon for metal fans of several generations—will hold a concert in Dubai as part of his «Meine Welt» tour in celebration of his birthday. Expect a special program and an extraordinary show. The most thrilling start to the year you can imagine. Tickets start at 350 AED.
Remarkable, welcoming, vibrant, diverse, generous, and surprising—this is Dubai during the winter shopping festival and New Year. December offers travelers and guests not only a cascade of entertainment but also wonderful weather—
December will pass, but the sense of celebration will remain—there will surely be enough impressions to last until next New Year.
Contact:
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
Telegram
www.visitdubai.com
