It’s that time of the year again, and Dubai is ready to dazzle the world with the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2023. Starting on December 8, this 38-day extravaganza promises entertainment, concerts, deals, prizes, and much more. This comprehensive guide delves into the highlights and must-attend experiences that await you during the first few days of DSF 2023.
Get Mesmerized by Dubai Lights
Dubai Lights: Anooki at Al Seef and d3
- Experience Anooki’s Magic
- The Story Behind Anooki
- Dates and Locations
Make sure you charge your cameras for this one – three sets of oversized inflatable Anooki characters are heading to Al Seef and Dubai Design District (d3) this month. These charming characters are here to jump, play, run, and spread joy. But who are the Anooki, and why are they in Dubai?
The Anooki characters were originally created to raise awareness about the effects of climate change and the importance of sustainability. According to their French designers, the Anooki’s house melted due to global warming, forcing them to run around the world to discover different cities. And now they are in Dubai for DSF!
Dec 8 – 14. Al Seef and Dubai Design District (d3).
Watch the Immersive DSF Drone Show
DSF Drone Show presented by Emarat Petroleum
- Unmissable DSF Highlight
- Awe-Inspiring Performances
- Dates and Locations
One of the unmissable highlights of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the awe-inspiring DSF Drone Show presented by Emarat Petroleum, never fails to pull in a crowd. Prepare yourself for awe-inspiring performances that will leave you speechless, and watch enthralling stories unfold every night as over 800 spectacular and innovative DSF drones take flight and paint the nighttime skies bright with a symphony of colors and shapes. But what stories do these drones tell?
The DSF Drone Show shares new stories about the rich culture of Dubai and what lies in the city’s future.
8 Dec – 14 Jan, 8pm and 10pm. The Beach, JBR and Bluewaters.
Meet a Larger-Than-Life Modesh
Modesh at City Centre Mirdif
- Modesh’s Spectacular Presence
- A Visual Delight
- Dates and Location
Modesh is coming out to play this winter and setting up a stall at City Centre Mirdif. A larger-than-life Modesh, standing over 10 meters tall, will welcome guests to the Mirdif neighborhood. The Modesh Inflatable will light up at night, creating a spectacular visual display for people passing by. But who is Modesh, and why is he such a beloved icon?
8 Dec – 14 Jan, City Centre Mirdif.
Ride a Neon-Lit Abra Down the Creek
Dubai Lights: Neon Lighting
- A Unique Abra Experience
- Captivating Neon Signs
- Dates and Locations
You’ve probably taken an abra ride in Dubai, but what about a neon-lit abra ride? Dubai Lights: Neon Lighting will take over 40 abras around Dubai Creek, Al Seef, and the Gold Souq in Deira at this Dubai Shopping Festival, lighting up the waters in a captivating sea of colors. And don’t miss the vibrant neon signs, each radiating uplifting message and enlightening quotes at Gold Souq.
8 Dec – 14 Jan, Dubai Creek Abras, Al Seef, and Deira Gold Souq.
Enjoy the Lights at Nakheel Mall and West Beach
- A Winter Transformation
- The Amazon Wonder
- Dates and Locations
The Palm gets a new look this winter! Nakheel Mall embraces the spirit of the season with a ‘festive garden’ featuring a fascinating installation of a water fountain, a tree, flower installations, and other elements that exude the ‘garden’ feel and atmosphere. More surprises await at West Beach, Palm Jumeirah.
Fri 8 Dec- Tues 30 Jan, 10 am – 12 midnight (Nakheel Mall); Wed 13 Dec – Tues 30 Jan, 9 am – 2 am (West Beach)
Enjoy These Must-Attend Shows and Experiences This Weekend
Sole DXB
- Dubai’s Exciting Line-Up
- Grammy Nominee Busta Rhymes
- Get Your Tickets Now!
Dubai’s buzzing with an extra dose of excitement as SoleDXB returns with a thrilling line-up of world-class artists and DJs for another spectacular edition of the can’t-miss festival of fun at Dubai Design District (d3). This year’s line-up sees the king of hip hop and 11-time Grammy nominee Busta Rhymes take to the stage on Sunday, December 10.
From Dhs 155. Fri Dec 8, 3-11pm; Sat Dec 9, 1.30-11.30pm; Sun Dec 10, 1.30-11.30pm. Dubai Design District.
Be Captivated by Slava’s SNOW SHOW
Slava’s SNOW SHOW
- A Magical Theatrical Production
- Colorful Bouncing Balls and Snowstorms
- Tony Award Nomination
The magical Slava’s SNOW SHOW is finally making its way to our shores during DSF, just in time to get us well and truly in the festive spirit. A mesmerizing theatrical production for adults and children alike, this award-winning show immerses the audience in huge colorful bouncing balls, snowstorms, bubbles, and more, with the magical setting of Dubai Opera making the experience all the more special.
From Dhs225. Fri Dec 8, 8pm; Sat Dec 9, 3pm and 8pm; Sun Dec 10, 3pm and 8pm. Dubai Opera.
Relish International Cuisines at Global Village
Global Village
- Culinary Delights at DSF
- A 28-Year-Old Tradition
- Must-Try Food Experiences
The culinary center of the city during this year’s Dubai Shopping Festival, get yourself down to Global Village for a truly international feast. Now in its 28th year, Dubai’s most popular family attraction is going from strength to strength, boasting a huge array of multicultural entertainment and eclectic shopping experiences.
From Dhs22.50. Fri 8 Dec – Sun 14 Jan; Sun – Wed 4-12pm, Thur – Sat 4pm-1am, Global Village.
Get into ’90s Bollywood Nostalgia Mode
Rewind Reloaded
- Bollywood Music Magic
- Iconic Artists Live
- Sing and Dance Your Heart Out
Suppose you’re eager to relive the Bollywood music magic of your youth. In that case, you’re in luck – Rewind Reloaded will see award-winning artists Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, and Abhijeet Bhattacharya performing live at the Coca-Cola Arena this month for a nostalgia-inducing concert.
From Dhs99. Sun 10 Dec, 8pm (doors open at 6.30pm). Coca-Cola Arena.
Meet Spiritual Guru Sadhguru
Sadhguru’s Presence at DSF
- An Opportunity for Wisdom
- Ask Your Burning Questions
- A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
Meet, mingle, and meditate at the Coca-Cola Arena this DSF, where internationally-recognized spiritual guru Sadhguru will be setting up shop on 9 December. An advocate for spirituality, social justice, and the environment, Sadhguru is a legend to many. Not only will you be able to learn from him timeless wisdom, but you’ll be able to ask your most burning questions to the man himself.
From Dhs120. Sat 9 Dec, from 3pm. Coca-Cola Arena.
Conclusion
Dubai Shopping Festival 2023 is gearing up to be an unforgettable extravaganza. With mesmerizing light shows, larger-than-life characters, captivating performances, and international cuisines, DSF promises an exhilarating experience for all. Don’t miss out on the excitement – mark your calendars for December 8, and immerse yourself in the magic of DSF 2023!
