The countdown to the 23rd edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival is nearly over, with just two days to go until the month-long extravaganza commences. But whether you love shopping till you drop or you loathe it to the point that you get a nasty rash at even the mention of the word "mall", this DSF will still have much to offer. Here are some things for us to all get mildly excited about.
Day one flash sale
From noon to midnight on December 26, retailers at Mall of the Emirates, City Centres Deira, Mirdif, Me'aisem, Al Shindagha and My City Centre Al Barsha will offer a 90 per cent discount across fashion, jewellery, homeware and electronics. Shoppers who spend Dh200 during the flash sale can also enter a draw to win a grand prize of Dh50,000. The winner will be announced on December 26 itself, at midnight at City Centre Mirdif.
The return of Shop & Win
It does what it says on the tin – spend Dh200 during the festival and you can win cash prizes, as well as Dubai experience vouchers, with raffle draws happening every week. The total amount of cash up for grabs is Dh720,000, and winners will be announced at the Global Village Main Stage on January 6, 13, 20 and 27. The biggest single cash prize on offer will be Dh100,000, with another of Dh50,000 and three of Dh10,000 available in each of the four draws.
Save even more with the DSF Pass
The DSF Pass enables residents and visitors alike to visit top attractions and dine at many of the city's finest restaurants and receive discounts of up to 65 per cent. There is a huge array of offers available and, if you haven't yet witnessed the spectacular La Perle live show, then this is your chance to see what all the fuss is about while paying less for your seat.
Light up the sky
Undoubtedly a highlight of recent festivals, the twice weekly firework displays at The Beach at JBR and now Al Seef and La Mer, will be taking place at 8pm every Thursday and Friday night for the duration of DSF. There will also be displays on the first night, as well as on closing day - January 27.
Win cars and cash
At Eppco and Enoc fuel stations, as well as selected malls, Zoom outlets, metro stations and Global Village, you’ll be able to purchase raffle tickets for Dh200 apiece. Each day of the festival and up until February 3, one lucky shopper will have a chance of winning an Infiniti QX60 plus Dh150,000 in cash. A weekly draw for four prizes of Dh50,000 will also take place.
Get the room of your dreams
Spend Dh1,000 or more at ID Design, Ikea, Home Box, Cottage Chic or Home Centre and you can enter a draw to win a special DSF room concept, complete with top-quality furniture up to the value of Dh10,000. One winner will be chosen each week.
Festival al fresco
It’s the return of Market Outside The Box, which will showcase emerging designers in a host of pop-up shops, alongside a packed programme of outdoor entertainment. Live music performances, DJs, evening yoga classes and an outdoor cinema will provide plenty for visitors to do. Youngsters haven’t been left out, either, and there will be some special activities put on just for them. The market will be open at Downtown’s Burj Park between January 11 and 20.
Win big with your loyalty cards
If you’re a member of either the Shukran, Club Apparel, Air Miles or Jashanmal Home Store loyalty programmes, don’t forget to get your cards out at the till. If you use your loyalty cards to earn or redeem points during the festival, you guessed it, you’ll be entered into a raffle draw to win "huge prizes". To be eligible you need to enter your details at dsfloyalty.com
Bring the tropics to Dubai
If you fancy experiencing a totally tropical vibe, head over to La Mer. This newly opened destination by Meraas will be creating a Caribbean atmosphere, with parading stilt walkers and a fiesta troop.
Experience light and musical shows
The newly opened Al Seef shopping district will be hosting a series of light and musical shows, including The Lighting Fairies and Light Umbrella, as part of its Layali Al Seef programme of festival events.
Train your nose
Between January 2 and 15, anyone visiting Dubai Mall will be able to explore the fascinating art of perfume-making. Brands such as YSL, Armani, Lancome and Ralph Lauren will have experts on hand to explain about the processes involved and the ingredients used to create our favourite scents.
For up-to-date information on Dubai Shopping Festival, visit www.visitdubai.com/en
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