DUBAI: The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has wrapped up its 30th edition in grand style, solidifying its legacy as one of the world’s premier citywide festivals. Running from December 6 to January 12, this milestone season spanned 38 days of non-stop entertainment, shopping and cultural experiences, attracting millions of residents and visitors to Dubai.
This year's festival was the biggest and most spectacular to date, featuring over 125 events and activities spread across more than 60 citywide venues. Highlights included 60 twice-daily drone shows with over 1,000 drones lighting up Dubai’s skies and a record 51 nightly fireworks displays spanning a total of 150 minutes, including breathtaking weekend displays at Hatta. DSF also introduced the first-ever fireworks-drones combination, which integrated cutting-edge drone technology with pyrotechnics for a dazzling spectacle.
The festival's inaugural DSF Auto Season thrilled automotive enthusiasts with 16 citywide events, parades and over 2,000 vehicles, while unique experiences like Hatta x DSF and The Uncommon x DSF offered serene escapes in mountain and desert settings, catering to adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. CanteenX and e& MOTB made a triumphant return, showcasing 24 local food brands, urban fashion trends and street culture, drawing over 250,000 combined visitors.
DSF 2024 also stood out for its incredible giveaways, with AED 50 million in prizes awarded to 1,115 winners across 295 raffles. Retail promotions spanned more than 3,500 outlets and 850 brands in over 100 malls, offering unmatched shopping experiences and exclusive deals. Additionally, the festival featured 619 concerts and entertainment shows, attracting A-list artists and thrilling audiences citywide.
Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), DSF’s 30th edition was a testament to Dubai’s visionary leadership and bold ambition to transform the emirate into a global destination. Ahmed al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, remarked, “This edition of DSF marked a milestone like no other, celebrating 30 years of welcoming the world to experience the very best that Dubai has to offer. It stands as a testament to the extraordinary partnership between the public and private sectors, delivering unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
From cutting-edge drone displays to curated gastronomy experiences and adrenaline-fueled motor events to awe-inspiring fireworks, DSF 2024 reaffirmed Dubai’s status as a global hub for innovation, culture and retail excellence. As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of celebration, innovation and opportunity, inspiring millions around the world.
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