The Executive Director of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Corporation, Ahmed Al Khaja, confirmed that the 29th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival succeeded in creating wonderful moments and memories for both residents and visitors of the city, and enabled retailers and emerging companies to reach new customers, noting that since its launch in 1996, The festival evolves every year, and this year hosted a host of new events, including the “Exceptional 321 Festival” and “Canteen “Dubai Ringtones” in its largest tournament ever.
Al Khaja added: “The festival also provided unique and inspiring experiences, entertainment shows and cultural activities for Dubai’s residents and visitors, as well as increasing demand for the city’s leading shopping destinations, providing growth opportunities for small and medium-sized companies, and contributing to strengthening Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit, especially This coincided with it being chosen as the Best Global Destination in the Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for the third year in a row, which is the first time that a city has achieved such an important achievement in the world.”
He continued: “The Dubai Shopping Festival is currently a long-awaited city-wide celebration every year, as it enhances the lives of individuals who live in the city, through unforgettable moments that surprise and inspire everyone who attends. The festival continues to innovate, just like Dubai itself, and we are proud to present this amazing edition that was the biggest and best ever. I extend my thanks to the distinguished teams, strategic partners, events and marketing partners from the government and private sectors, whose commitment and dedication helped us organize this amazing tournament.”
The 20th session of the festival will be held from December 13 to January 19, 2025.
The festival concluded a wonderful session that extended over 38 days, providing many experiences and exceptional moments that Dubai residents and visitors enjoyed, through an agenda full of excitement that began on the eighth of last December and continued until the 14th of this month, during which the event presented the best entertainment activities, promotions, prizes and celebrations at the level of… The city, which contributed to the revitalization of the retail, tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors in the emirate.
The last edition was considered the biggest and best, as it witnessed family moments full of fun and entertainment, with more than 200 artists participating in 45 concerts, 14 sporting events, and many other exciting competitions. Attendees also enjoyed 26 live performances and plays in 46 different locations across Dubai from international artists, such as Russell Howard, Omid Jalili, and Michael McIntyre, in addition to a Blippi show at the Coca-Cola Arena.
436 winners won prizes worth 25 million dirhams in 436 draws.
The festival invited everyone to participate and attend its activities, as hundreds of free activities contributed to creating a comprehensive and lively atmosphere throughout the emirate. The “Dubai Ringtones” event highlighted 70 local and regional musicians, dancers, singers and songwriters who presented their live touring performances and entertained the audience in a music festival that extended over 10 days in 16 locations across the city.
To support the SME sector in Dubai and contribute to strengthening the cultural fabric of the city, 350 local and regional entrepreneurs and vendors at this year’s edition of the festival had the opportunity to showcase their products of fashion, delicious food and beverages, sustainable homewares and traditional designs in many destinations throughout Dubai, including This includes “The Hub” food festival, “ICONS” fashion exhibition, Al Freej Market, and others.
The “Etisalat MOTP” market, the pioneering alternative shopping concept at the Dubai Shopping Festival, and the all-new “Canteen The 11th edition of the Etisalat MOTP Market achieved great success, as the number of visitors doubled compared to last year, with a record number of 157,554 visitors attending over 10 days.
Every day was a celebration thanks to unique light displays across Dubai, with a drone show sponsored by Emirates Petroleum, which was held twice every night during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The dazzling fireworks displays were held as part of the “Dubai Lights” event, lighting up the city’s sky in five locations with a special display at the “321 Festival” at “Skydive Dubai” on the 13th of this month. Among the other decorations and models that were part of the “Dubai Lights” displays was the “Neon Lighting” event.
Ahmed Al Khaja:
• The festival contributes to enhancing Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit.
• The last session was considered the biggest and best, as it witnessed family moments full of fun and entertainment.
• Next December 13, the new session will begin, which will continue until January 19, 2025.