# Dubai Shopping Festival: what to do between sessions in Dubai

Source: https://eventweekends.com/seasonal/dubai-shopping-festival/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## In short

- **When:** 6 December 2026 to 13 January 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
- **Where:** Malls and souks across Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- **Free time:** The main event takes a day or an evening; plan the other days around day trips.
- **Best base:** Downtown and Business Bay: Near the Burj and malls.
- **Getting there:** Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away.
- **Weather:** In December and January, Dubai temperatures average about 22°C, with roughly 17 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 10 h 37 min of daylight.
- **Top things to do:** Burj Khalifa At the Top; Old Dubai and souks walking tour; Museum of the Future

## Weather and what to pack

In December and January, Dubai temperatures average about 22°C, with roughly 17 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 10 h 37 min of daylight.
- Comfortable shoes for crowds, and keep valuables in a front pocket.

## Airport to venue

Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site.

Metro to the big malls.

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Deira and Bur Dubai. Older districts on the metro.
- **mid:** Downtown and Business Bay. Near the Burj and malls.
- **luxury:** Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Beach resorts.
- Hotels we would book: Rove Downtown (budget), Vida Downtown (mid), Atlantis The Palm (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### The main day (Sunday 6 December)

Build the day around the event itself. Arrive early for the best spots.
- Free: Dubai Fountain shows.
- Eat: Time Out Market Dubai, Food hall

### The day before or after

Use the second day for the city and a half-day tour.
- Half-day: Burj Khalifa At the Top. Book a sunset slot.
- Eat: Arabian Tea House, Emirati breakfast in Al Fahidi

### Day trip

A full day out of the city.
- Full day: Aquaventure water park. On the Palm.

### Evenings

After dark.
- Evening: Desert safari with BBQ dinner. Dunes, camel ride and shows.

## Tours worth booking

- [Burj Khalifa At the Top](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Burj%20Khalifa%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): Book a sunset slot.
- [Desert safari with BBQ dinner](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Dubai%20desert%20safari&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): Dunes, camel ride and shows.
- [Old Dubai and souks walking tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Old%20Dubai%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): Abra ride, gold and spice souks.
- [Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Dubai%20marina%20dinner%20cruise&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): Skyline at night.
- [Museum of the Future](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Museum%20of%20the%20Future%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): Interactive museum.
- [Aquaventure water park](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Aquaventure%20tickets&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): On the Palm.
- [Abu Dhabi day trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Abu%20Dhabi%20day%20trip%20from%20Dubai&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-dubai-shopping-festival): Grand Mosque and Louvre.

## Where to eat

- Al Ustad Special Kebab: Persian kebabs since 1978
- Ravi Restaurant: Pakistani in Satwa
- Time Out Market Dubai: Food hall
- Arabian Tea House: Emirati breakfast in Al Fahidi

## With kids

- Dubai Aquarium.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure.

## Rainy-day backups

- Dubai Mall.
- Etihad Museum.

## Getting around

- Metro red and green lines; Nol card. Dubai World Trade Centre has its own metro stop.
- Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
- Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
- Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.

## Questions people ask

### When is Dubai Shopping Festival 2026?

The next edition is 6 December 2026 to 13 January 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

### What is the weather like during Dubai Shopping Festival?

In December and January, Dubai temperatures average about 22°C, with roughly 17 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 10 h 37 min of daylight.

### How do I get from the airport to Malls and souks across Dubai?

Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site. Metro to the big malls.

### Where should I stay for Dubai Shopping Festival?

For most visitors the best base is Downtown and Business Bay: Near the Burj and malls.

### What else can we do around Dubai Shopping Festival?

Good short outings in Dubai include Burj Khalifa At the Top, Old Dubai and souks walking tour, Museum of the Future. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

### What is there for kids and families near Dubai Shopping Festival?

Family-friendly picks: Burj Khalifa At the Top, Desert safari with BBQ dinner, Museum of the Future. Dubai Aquarium.

### How far is Malls and souks across Dubai from Dubai centre?

About 1 km in a straight line. Metro to the big malls.

More in Dubai: https://eventweekends.com/city/dubai/