10 Things to do during Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the biggest shopping extravaganza in the Middle East that is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.  The 19th edition of DSF will be held from 2nd January to 2nd February 2014 under the theme “Shop at your Best’.

The DSF is a grand celebration of shopping, winning and entertainment with a plethora of activities including nightly fireworks, international concerts and shows, fashion events, and numerous activities and events for families and children, as well as other cultural and entertainment based programs. 

It is also the time for shopping for the best deals and bargains and to avail oneself of discounts of up to 75 % across a wide range of merchandise, from haute couture fashion to high tech electronics, glistening gold to diamond jewellery and the opportunity to win life-changing prizes in the daily DSF Mega Raffles. 

Some of the favourite buys at the DSF are appliances, electronic goods and apparels which are at really lower prices during DSF. Buying gold in Dubai, especially during the shopping festival period, is another must-do given the high quality and variety of jewellery designs. And of course the one-of-its-kind delicacy: almonds wrapped inside dates and coated with the finest chocolate!

In addition to the shopping, the Top 10 activities to do during the festival are as below:

1. Dubai Shopping Festival Opening Day

DSF 2014 opens on 2 January with a wide range of entertaining events and activities aimed at ensuring that the festive spirit permeates throughout the city and giving many residents and visitors an indication of the excitement to come during the 32-day extravaganza. The opening day will culminate with fireworks that are amazing to watch. 

2. Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil  

Your chance to watch Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil, a stunning show that captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop through a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy.  

3. DSF Carnival

A colourful line-up of roaming, stage and street artistes will get together to perform at the biggest carnival in the history of DSF in key DSF Destinations like the Al Seef Street, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Street, Al Riqqa Street and Global Village.

4. Fashion events

DSF 2014 will feature a series of fashion events including the attention grabbing Vertical Fashion Show that will be done at lofty heights with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Mall offering the perfect backdrops.

5. DSF Music Nights

DSF Music Nights concerts will feature some of the popular artistes and entertainers in the Arab world including Mohamed Mounir, Nancy Ajram, Rabeh Saqer, Balqees, Mohammed Abdo, Hatem al Iraqi and Majid Al Mohandes. 

6. Fireworks

In addition to the spectacular fireworks show on the opening day, there will be daily fireworks at 9pm at Al Seef Street and during the weekends, there will be special fireworks shows at various locations long the Dubai Creek at 8pm in addition to the daily fireworks at 9pm at Al Seef Street. 

7. Bedouin Lifestyle

Savour the classic atmosphere of a bygone era at the Bedouin Lifestyle, where the traditions and customs of Bedouins will be brought alive by nomads from different countries. 

8. Carpet & Art Oasis

An exhibition and sale of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique carpets and rugs from around the world.  Apart from carpets and rugs from the well known carpet producing countries, works of art and handicrafts are also on display. 

9. International concerts and show

DSF 2014 will offer visitors many more events and activities that will further enhance the festival’s image as a hub of shopping and entertainment. They include a wide range of international concerts, theatrical and character shows, and much more. 

10. Al Shindagha Heritage Area

A wide spread of activities showcasing the rich Emirati heritage will include traditional folklore groups, traditional weddings diving shows, traditional games and bands, a traditional souk, traditional food, marine-related handicrafts, a falconry show and a camel caravan.