Bargain hunting
Dubai’s palatial malls draw bargain-hunters from around the globe to scout the sales for designer labels and haute couture. Admire sumptuous hand-woven rugs at Carpet Oasis in Dubai Airport Expo Centre and barter for 24-carat bangles in Deira’s glittering Gold Souk. Wafts of exotic spices and perfumes from the Night Souk on Al Seef Street entice shoppers to keep spending beyond midnight.
Evening entertainment
The festival’s carnival atmosphere continues into the evening with entertainment at Dubai’s hotels, malls, theatres and outdoor venues. Music fans will find a concert to suit their style, be it Bollywood, pop or jazz. Keep kids amused at one of the festival’s numerous funfairs. At weekends, the Al Zarooni fireworks shimmer over Dubai Creek.
Luxury raffles
Strike it lucky in one of the daily raffles and you could return home from your Dubai Shopping Festival holiday with a four-wheel drive or a kilo of gold. Keen shoppers are automatically entered into certain raffles when they spend a minimum amount in participating stores. Other prize draw tickets can be bought from malls and petrol stations. The winners are announced every evening on local TV.
Practical information
When: One month across January and February.
Where: Venues across Dubai city.
Tickets: Free. Some cultural events are ticketed.
