Dubai Shopping Festival kicks off on Thursday (December 17), so get ready for six weeks of sales, prizes, events, live music and more. Here are 100 things to put in the diary for DSF 2020-21.
1. Broaden your horizons at Jameel Arts Centre
UAE-born writer Maryam Al Dabbagh reflects on the conversations around belonging in the latest of the centre’s intriguing ‘Library Circles’ series.
Until January 7. Sat-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri noon-8pm. Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org
2. Treat a friend to themed food nights at Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai
Enjoy a buy one, get one free offer as you sample culinary delights from across the globe. You could also be extra greedy and have yourself as your own ‘plus-one’.
Wed and Fri 7pm-11pm. Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Dubai, Casablanca Road, Al Garhoud, facebook.com/MovenpickGrandAlBustan/
3. Bag a bargain buffet at Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai
Start the weekend with a happy tummy and full wallet with buy one, get one free on Thursday’s Seafood soirée or the Italian night of a Friday.
Thu & Fri 7pm-11pm. Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai, Al Mustaqbal Street (opposite The Dubai Mall), facebook.com/SwissotelAlMuroojDubai/
4. Immerse yourselves in the Theatre of Digital Art
Its latest show, ‘From Monet to Kandinsky. Revolutionary Art’ showcases nine artists who changed the way we saw the medium forever.
From Dhs75 (adults), Dhs45 (children). Ongoing. Hourly from noon-11pm. Theatre of Digital Art, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, toda.ae
5. Watch the sport of kings at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Put on your glad rags and witness the thrilling finale of the inaugural Sir Winston Churchill Cup. Divot replacers are most welcome.
Free. Thu 17 and Fri 18 December. Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club, Dubailand, alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com
6. Savour staycation savings at Armani Hotel Dubai
Receive 20 per cent off a room or suite plus Dhs200 shopping credit per day and free tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and VR Park Dubai.
Ongoing. Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, armanihoteldubai.com
7. Find some family fun in Festival City
Gather the gang for a bit of panto with a production of Jack and the Beanstalk, then delight in the Festival of Lights on the Dubai Festival City Mall promenade.
From Dhs125 for two people (panto). Various times. Dec 16-27, InterContinental Dubai – Festival City, facebook.com/intercontinentaldubaifestivalcity/
8. Sample art with a conscience at Jameel Arts Centre
Hiwa K’s first solo exhibition inthe Middle East, ‘Do you remember what you are burning?’, explores displacement, belonging and resilience.
Free. From Dec 16. Sat-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Fri noon-8pm. Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org
9. Chuckle at comedy from a globetrotting stand-up
Acclaimed comic Adnan Nalwala is bringing his ‘If You Say So’ show to JLT. It promises to be a real rib-tickling set of observational humour and hilarious tales from his past.
Dhs75. Dec 18, 7pm. Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel Dubai, ae.bookmyshow.com
10. Win some wheels with the Nissan Grand Raffle
You could drive off with a top-of-the range Nissan thanks to ENOC’s generous Grand Raffle, with the last pre-Dubai Shopping Festival winner announced tonight.
Dec 17, 9pm. Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, enocdsf.com
11. Explore the Global Village
Embrace the region’s first (and largest) multicultural festival park as it approaches its third decade of wonderment and see how this sprawling site has had a pre-25th birthday upgrade.
Open Sat-Wed 4pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 4pm-1am. Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, globalvillage.ae
12. See if you’re a winner with the Infiniti Mega Raffle
Global Village will be the scene once more as the first lucky ticket is drawn, with an Infiniti QX60 up for grabs, plus Dhs200,000 of daily prizes.
Dec 19, 9pm. Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, infiniti.com
13. Feel thoroughly festive at Fairmont The Palm
The Christmas Show promises a non-stop celebration of all things Yuletide, with classic festive hits, dynamic dance routines and even some comedy elves.
From Dhs120. Dec 17, 7pm; Dec 18, 10am, 3pm and 7pm; Dec 19-27 3pm and 7pm; Christmas Eve, 11am, 3pm and 7pm. Palm Ballroom, Fairmont The Palm, fairmont.com/palm-dubai/
14. Go camping in the city with Salt
The first-ever SALT CAMP x DSF collaboration will see a unique urban camping experience combined with interactive installations and those legendary burgers, alongside the new SUGAR dessert offerings.
Dec 17-19, 4pm-midnight. DIFC, instagram.com/findsalt/
15. Hear some legendary singers kick-start DSF
Tamer Hosny and Hussain Al Jassmi are headlining DSF’s curtain-raising concert at Market Outside The Box. If you can’t make it, you can watch live on the telly.
Free. Dec 17, 5.30pm. Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
16. Be wowed by the fireworks at Al Seef
Couldn’t get a ticket for the show at Burj Park? Book at a table at one of Al Seef’s top restaurants and you’ll have a fantastic view of its own pyrotechnic displays (plus some amazing food).
Dec 17 8.30pm, Dec 18 9.30pm (fireworks). Al Seef, Dubai Creek, alseef.ae
17. Escape the daily grind at the Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel
Help yourself to a fabulous family deal as kids under 12 stay and eat free and you’ll be upgraded to full board if you book a half-board staycay – yay!
Dec 17-Jan 30. Grand Cosmopolitan Hotel, Al Barsha, grandcosmopolitandubai.com
18. Book a festive season staycation with DoubleTree by Hilton
Leave that housework behind and treat yourselves to a ten per cent discount on a getaway for all the family.
From Dec 17-Jan 30 (but not Dec 27-Jan 4). DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Residences Dubai Al Barsha, hilton.com/doubletree/dubai
19. Sing along to the DSF song at The Pointe
The festival’s theme tune has had a remix for 2020 and at The Pointe on The Palm you can bust a move to it while enjoying the recently revamped fountain show.
From Dec 17-Jan 30. The Pointe, The Palm Jumeirah Dubai, thepointe.ae
20. Enter a winter Wonderland at Al Khawaneej Walk
The Last Exit truck stop at this shiny new mall has been given an Alice In Wonderland makeover for its DSF markets, with week one letting you peer Through Alice’s Lens.
Dec 17-23. Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight. Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. Al Khawaneej Walk, Al Khawaneej, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
21. Go out with a bang at La Mer Dubai
For another great venue for festival-opening fireworks, stroll over to La Mer for dinner served with a side of free entertainment.
Dec 17-18, 8.30pm (fireworks). La Mer Dubai, Jumeirah 1, lamerdubai.ae
22. Have a giggle with a Shakespeare comedy at The Junction
This brilliant, independent performing arts venue is hosting a production of the hilarious A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Less bawdy, more Bard-y.
Dec 17-18, 7.30pm-10pm, Dec 19, 2pm-4.30pm and 7.30pm-10pm. The Junction, Alserkal Avenue, thejunctiondubai.com
23. Be a-maze-d by the Festive Forest of Light at Dubai Festival City Mall
Highlights include a festive interactive maze, an enchanted polar bear valley, a sweet factory and Santa’s grotto (socially distanced, of course).
Dec 17-29, from 4pm onwards. Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com
24. Catch some b-boy (and girl) action at American Rag Cie
This consummately cool Californian couturier has joined forces with DSF to bring you a weekend of beats and breaks and augmented reality.
Free. Dec 17-19, 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, instagram.com/americanragcie.me
25. Go walking in the air with The Snowman at Mall of the Emirates
Who doesn’t love Raymond Brigg’s classic Christmas cartoon? See it brought to life on the big screen and watch as your heart melts at the end…
From Dhs45. Dec 18, 11am. The Theatre – Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com
26. Get your groove on for the DSF opening ceremony part two at Burj Park
East Tilbury’s finest export Anne-Marie (she of Rockabye fame) takes centre stage for the second night of the festival’s entertainment entrée.
Dec 18, time TBC. Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
27. Sample some smashing Greek dishes at La Mer
For an authentic taste of the Med under the DSF lights, head to El Greco because as they say, it’s ‘Greekin’ delicious’.
Dec 17-19 noon-11pm. La Mer, elgreco.ae
28. Rock out to festive favourites at DWTC
Starring top West End acts The Barricade Boys (Les Misèrables) and Kerry Ellis (Wicked), Jingle Bell Rock will knock your Christmas socks off.
From Dhs175. Dec 18, 3pm and 8pm. Dubai World Trade Centre, dwtc.com
29. Celebrate 50 years of Simon & Garfunkel at Dubai Opera
This stunning show using huge projection photos and original film footage sold out its entire world tour, with a full live band performing all the hits.
From Dhs145 (including welcoming house beverage). Dec 19, 2pm & 8pm. Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, dubaiopera.com
30. Witness a show to drone on about at The Beach and Bluewaters
DSF is putting these remote-controlled flying machines to good use with two nightly performances by the city’s premier pilots.
Daily 7pm-7.10pm, 9.30pm-9.40pm. The Beach and Bluewaters, mydsf.ae
31. Marvel at Dubai Performing Arts across the city
More than 80 shows in Dubai’s major malls kicks the programme off this weekend, with roaming entertainment and mind-blowing talent at the fore.
Various times and venues, Thu-Sat. mysdf.ae
32. Meet Modesh and Dana at venues citywide
Dubai’s cartoon mascot and his best buddy will be taking part in meet and greets with their throng of fans.
Various times and venues, Thu-Sat. mysdf.ae
33. Dine with your besties under the DSF Lights at City Walk
Have an illuminating evening with friends as you sample the delights of Gran Caffè and its incredible Italian dishes.
Open Sun-Wed 8am-midnight, Thu-Sat 8am-1am. City Walk Boulevard, Al Safa, grancaffe-cafe.business.site
34. Cool off with a cone at iScream
No trip to the seaside would be complete without it, so head to iScream at La Mer and try some of its truly unique flavours while enjoying the DSF Lights.
Open Sun-Wed 9am-10pm, Thu-Sat 9am-midnight. La Mer, Jumeirah 1, iscream.ae
35. Discover a Perle of a night out at Al Habtoor City
The amazing aquatheatre La Perle by Dragone should be on everyone’s (ahem) bucket list. Grab a Super Saver package and you won’t have to splash as much cash.
From Dhs199. Daily 6.30pm and 9.30pm. Al Habtoor City, laperle.com
36. Prove your love is worth its weight in gold with DGJC
Treat your other half to some fancy jewellery and you could win 0.25kg of gold thanks to the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, or 3kg of the stuff in its festival-ending mega draw.
Until January 30. Across the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, dubaicityofgold.ae
37. Watch some aerial amazement with a delicious dinner
The London Project at Bluewaters is famed for it modern take on the fine fare from England’s capital and offers a great spot from which to take in the Dubai City of Adventure Drone Show.
Daily drone show from 7pm throughout DSF. Bluewaters Island, www.thelondonproject.com
38. Spend small and win big with DSMG
Shoppers at Dubai Shopping Mall Group’s venues could be rewarded with a prize of up to Dhs500,000 in its weekly raffle. Even if you only shell out a 50 dirham note, you could still win Dhs200,000.
From Dec 17-Jan 30. Various locations across the city, dubaimallsgroup.com
39. Go bargain hunting at Al Muraqqabat Community Market
Find some big discounts and unusual gifts at this popular Deira hangout before chowing down on some superb street food with your savings.
Daily from 5pm. Deira, mydsf.ae
40. Scream it from the rooftop at Nakheel Mall
This bustling Palm Jumeirah shopping centre is putting on a Rooftop Festive Village complete with Santa meet and greet, ice rink, live music and a whopping 13m Christmas tree.
Until Jan 2. Open Sun-Thu 2pm-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-10pm. Palm Jumeirah, nakheelmall.ae
41. Go walking in a Winter Wonderland at Mall of the Emirates
The west end of the mall (near Ski Dubai) has been transformed into a festive fun-zone with a virtual Santa, kids’ workshops and many other activities besides.
Until Christmas Eve. Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com/events/winter-wonderland
42. Be drowned out by screams as a boyband visits American Rag Cie
Latin American heartthrobs CNCO are set to attract a flock of teenage girl fans to The Dubai Mall on Saturday as they rock up to this trendy threads store.
Dec 19, time TBC. The Dubai Mall, instagram.com/americanragcie.me
43. Treat yourself to some festive fine-dining at Hakkasan
Arguably the city’s finest Chinese restaurant over the years, and winner of several Time Out awards, Hakkasan is generously offering a festive menu for just Dhs310.
Dec 17-23, 6pm-11pm. Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, hakkasan.com/dubai/
44. Have a regal seaside staycation at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa
From a mere Dhs900, UAE residents will be given a cracking room along with breakfast, dinner and a 25 per cent discount on food and beverages. Time to polish that crown.
Until Jan 30. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Al Mamsha St, Dubai Marina, marriott.com/hotels/travel/dxbbm-le-royal-méridien-beach-resort-and-spa/
45. Enjoy a stylish staycay at Palazzo Versace Dubai
We locals will receive 20 per cent off our room and breakfast (plus a potential upgrade), along with a fifth off selected F&B outlets and a Dhs150 spa voucher. Oh, and a late check-out.
Dec 17-Jan 30. Palazzo Versace Dubai, Al Jaddaf Waterfront, palazzoversace.ae
46. Have a Bliss-ful evening with some in-flight entertainment
Grab a seat on the beach at Bliss Lounge and sip on some happy hour mixed drinks as the Dubai City of Adventure Drone Show whizzes through the air overhead.
Daily drone show from 7pm throughout DSF. Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, Al Mamsha Road, blissloungedubai.com
47. Rev up for a city break at Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights
This top hotel has gone DSF crazy and is offering a famous five deals to celebrate the festival, including one that gives you the chance to drive around town in a Lamborghini.
Dec 17-Jan 31 (except Christmas and NYE deals). Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights, mercuredubaihotel.com
48. Extend your stay and splash away at One&Only Royal Mirage
Book for three nights and get a free one-off pass to Aquaventure Waterpark, Dhs500 F&B credit a day, a daily breakfast and a late check-out at the finale.
Dec 19-Jan 30. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage/
49. Make your Snaps snappier at the malls
Snapchat addict? Well simply capture the DSF shopping bags in all retail outlets to unlock this week’s official DSF filter.
At stores across the city. Download the Snapchat app.
50. Vent some pent-up anger at The Smash Room
If, like us, you’ve ever felt the urge to put a sledgehammer through a TV then now’s your chance. Plus there’s 20 per cent off all the smashing packages.
Ongoing. Sun-Wed 12.30pm-10pm, Thu-Sat 12.30pm-11pm. The Smash Room, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, thesmashroom.ae
51. Beat the boredom at Magic Planet
This huge indoor entertainment venue has a special DSF offer: for Dhs400 grab a Family Pack and get that money back in credit plus four wristbands with 40 Blue Swipes to share around.
Ongoing. Sun-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. All Magic Planet destinations across Dubai, magicplanetmena.com
52. Get into the flow at The Pointe
Meet Humaid, the world’s first Emirati circus performer, and witness the flow artist’s eccentric dance moves, slick tricks and amazing laser skills.
Dec 17-19, 6.15pm, 6.45pm, 7.15pm and 7.45pm. The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, thepointe.ae
53. Let out some ‘wows’ for the water skiiing wonders at North Beach
See why the Rock Aqua Jays have been crowned US champions 20 times by witnessing a series of gravity defying displays on DSF’s opening weekend.
Dec 17-19, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. North Beach, Pearl Jumeirah, rockaquajays.com
54. Create some colourful memories at Ibn Battuta Mall
Watch dance troupe Rainbow Wings in all their vibrant splendour as they float like butterflies through this popular shopping centre.
Dec 17-19, 7.15pm, 7.45pm, 8.15pm and 8.45pm. Ibn Battuta Mall, ibnbattutamall.com
55. Ride of with a limited-edition motor in the DSF Supercar Raffle
Dubai-based W Motors are raffling off a Fenyr SuperSport, with 3,500 tickets available at Dhs1,500 a pop. Don’t fancy the car? Swap it for an instant Dhs2million.
Until March 30. Buy tickets at idealz.com
56. Enjoy a French fairy tale on the QE2
Take the family along to see the timeless classic Beauty and the Beast brought to life in this world-famous ship’s very own theatre.
From Dhs108. Dec 17-27. Theatre by QE2, theatrebyqe2.com
57. Grab a discount at Dubai Dolphinarium
Its special DSF offer will give you a 25 per cent discount to the dolphin and seal shows this festive season.
Open daily 11am-6pm. Dubai Creek Park, dubaidolphinarium.ae
58. Lose yourself (or try not to) in the WonderMaze
With three storeys and three exciting themes it will be hard not to get caught up in the sheer wonder at Al Khawaneej Walk. Arrive early to beat the queues.
Open Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight, Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
59. Live life Through Alice’s Lens
Take a peek through the looking glass with this one-of-a-kind theatre show during the first week of the Alice in Wonderland-themed transformation of this superb new mall.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed 6pm, 8pm and 10pm; Thu-Sat 4pm, 6pm, 8pm and 10pm. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
60. Test the grey matter with a Christmas Carroll quiz
If you think you know the classic Lewis Carroll tale Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from back to front then prove it on this live gameshow and win some amazing prizes.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed 6.30pm, 8.30pm and 10.30pm; Thu-Sat 4.30pm, 6.30pm, 8.30pm and 10.30pm. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
61. Dress up as your favourite character and win big
The main stage will be abundant with fancy dress for the Cosplay competitions where only the most convincing will prevail.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed 7pm, 9pm and 11pm; Thu-Sat 5pm, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
62. Meet Alice and the oddballs from Wonderland
Seek out the bizarre folk from this timeless tale, take a socially distanced selfie with them and ask them burning questions such as ‘What is it like down the rabbit hole?’
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed 7pm, 9pm and 11pm; Thu-Sat 5pm, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
63. Chow down and sing along to the festive tunes
Grab a bite to eat from one of the fabulous food trucks and listen to the Last Exit house band belt out some classics live on stage.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed 7.30pm, 9.30pm and 11.30pm; Thu-Sat 5.30pm, 7.30pm, 9.30pm and 11.30pm. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
64. Learn some enchanting facts about trees
Take your little learners down to the Enchanted Storytelling Tree and let them discover a thing or two they never knew about these wooden wonders.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 30mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 30mins from 4pm-2am. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
65. Show a sleight of hand down by the water
There’ll be plenty of arcade games to chance your arm at beside the Al Khawaneej Walk lake, with daily prizes on offer to the highest scorers.
Dec 17-24. Open Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
66. Get crafty with the Mad Hatter
Take your seat for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and recreate those crazy characters using just your wits and a plain old paper bag. Open to all ages and skill levels.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
67. Go barmy for origami
A tea party just wouldn’t be the same without any cups so here’s the chance to make your own and then decorate them however you fancy.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
68. Show off your millinery skills
The Mad Hatter would be practically naked without his famous headwear so come and conjure up a natty design even he would be proud of.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
69. Don’t be late for the White Rabbit
Tardiness will be positively frowned upon for this creative session where you will have the opportunity to craft a mask for that bonkers bunny.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
70. Get a grin like the Cheshire Cat
Known for his mischievousness, this funny feline can’t fail but to bring a smile to your face as you fashion your best Cheshire Cat mask.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
71. Show them some real love with card crafting
Anyone can buy a Christmas card, right? But that special someone surely deserves more. Learn how to make your own and really make them smile this Yuletide.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
72. Put your feet up while the kids play
Al Khawaneej Walk has the children’s entertainment sorted so grab a Cupaghawa and chill while they explore the Enchanted Garden.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
73. Give the little ones a pick-me-up
Energy levels might be low after all that creativity so let them refuel with a doughnut before they head back to the Enchanted Garden.
Dec 17-24. Sun-Wed every 45mins from 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat every 45mins from 4pm-midnight. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
74. Make a wish and set it free
If you’ve forgotten to write to Santa this year you could always buy a wishing lantern and cast it out on to the lake instead.
Ongoing. Open Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
75. Take a leap of faith at the Venus Fly Jump
Feel as diddy as Alice did when she guzzled that ‘Drink Me’ bottle by jumping off the high board and being swallowed up by a venus fly trap (not a real one, of course).
Ongoing. Open Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
76. Unearth a unique Christmas pressie
This brilliant DSF market has a huge collection of local retailers from whom you can pick up a gift that’s as individual as they are.
Ongoing. Open Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 4pm-2am. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
77. Make it a movie night
Head down to the outdoor cinema where they’ll be showing a different flick every night of the week. They have some real family favourites lined up, too.
Ongoing. Every night at 8pm. DSF Market at Last Exit at Al Khawaneej Walk, alkhawaneejwalk.ae
78. Sample a super-sweet symphony
The Korean members of The Emirates Community Symphonic Orchestra will be performing live for the crowds on DSF opening night at Etisalat Market OTB.
Dec 17, time TBC. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
79. Watch out for the kings of neon
Make sure your cameras are at the ready as a gang of garishly attired ninjas descends on the market, surely giving your Instagram following a boost.
Dec 18, throughout the day. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
80. Rock out to some huge hits
Highly entertaining covers band Nicky & The Niceguys (@Nicky_Niceguys) will be showing off their full repertoire of popular classics on the main stage.
Dec 19, time TBC. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
81. Open your ears as tradition meets the modern
Super-talented musician Grace will be performing contemporary classics on the traditional Chinese guzheng plucked instrument. This we have to hear…
Dec 19, 4.35pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
82. See anime come alive
The Etisalat Market OTB Asian Cosplay competition will give fans the chance to put on their greatest get-up and live out their dreams as their favourite personae.
Dec 19, 5pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
83. Join an interactive treasure hunt
Solve clues, quiz stallholders and explore every inch of Burj Park as a participant in a race against the clock based on a popular South Korean variety show.
Dec 19, throughout the day. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
84. Witness the panda-monium
What’s not to love about a Panda Dance-Off? See the giant bear show off his best moves as he gets the crowd dancing in the aisles.
Dec 19, 2.35pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
85. Go K-Pop krazy
Keep fit the fun way with a full dance workout that will help you learn the choreography behind top K-Pop tracks while shedding a few lockdown pounds at the same time.
Dec 19, 2.45pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
86. Transport yourself to the Far East
We’re really looking forward to the traditional Japanese flute performance, wistfully thinking back to that amazing holiday in Tokyo.
Dec 19, 8.10pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
87. Support some homegrown singing talent
Up-and-coming Dubai singer/songwriter Raheleh (facebook.com/rahelehintune/) will be displaying her full vocal range with a set on the main stage.
Dec 19, 8.30pm. Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, mydsf.ae
88. Judge a turntable talent contest
The DJ challenge at American Rag Cie will see Shebani, Jaymie Deville and Fafa go head to head with 30-minute sets, the crowd crowning the champion.
Dec 18, 2pm. The Dubai Mall, instagram.com/americanragcie.me
89. Challenge the family on the track
Sick of being stuck in traffic on SZR? Well shoot over to the Dubai Kartdrome for some high-octane arrive and drive action. Discounted deals are available.
Open daily 9am-midnight. Motor City, dubaiautodrome.ae
90. Thrash a Ferrari around the Autodrome
Learn how to get the most out of a Ferrari GT with a qualified instructor before attempting to set the record lap. They’ll even throw in a free video of your drive to show off at family gatherings.
Dhs2,995 (with free extra lap and video). Ongoing. Open daily 9am-midnight. Motor City, dubaiautodrome.ae
91. Waddle with the penguins at The Dubai Mall
Get your hands on some DSF discounts at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and have the chance to meet its gang of 16 gentoo penguins.
Prices vary. Penguin Encounter: Daily at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. The Dubai Mall, thedubaiaquarium.com
92. Feel the electricity and burn some rubber
Zoom over to EKart Zabeel’s new home on The Dubai Mall rooftop and give these bad boys a whirl as you race past the Burj Khalifa.
From Dhs95. Open Sun-Wed 3pm-10pm, Thu-Sat 2pm-midnight. The Dubai Mall, ekartzabeel.ae
93. See what’s fresh at Ripe Market
Dubai’s favourite community food market is in full flow for the festive season, with great produce and amazing gift ideas in abundance.
Open Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm. Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, ripeme.com
94. Catch the carnival fever
Zabeel Park is awash with Christmas colour as its Winter Carnival takes centre stage. Expect plenty of amazing activities, food and shopping for all the family.
Ongoing. Open daily 4pm-10pm. Zabeel Park Gate 1 & 2, visitdubai.com
95. Explore the great outdoors
City Centre Mirdif is embracing the fresh air with an outdoor cinema, games, fairground rides and fine food.
Ongoing. Open daily 10am-11pm. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Mirdif, citycentre.mirdif.com
96. See Santa on the slopes
Father Christmas is swapping the North Pole for poles of an entirely different variety with a Covid-safe meet and greet at Ski Dubai.
Until Dec 24. Daily from 10am. Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com
97. Book early for a night that’s totally on-Pointe
The fantastic fountains have been given new life at The Pointe so it’s the perfect time to make a reservation at one of the venue’s 40 restaurants.
Open daily 10am-11pm. The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, thepointe.ae
98. Refuel during your retail therapy
Take a break from browsing and grab lunch at Food Central, the new City Centre Deira culinary hub. We can’t get enough of homegrown burger joint Pickl, among others.
Open daily 10am-midnight. Port Saeed, Deira, citycentredeira.com
99. Get progressive at a new art space
Dubai’s newest gallery, Foundry, only opened this month but is already causing a buzz, not least because of its Covid Benches created by a talented local trio.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, facebook.com/foundrydubai/
100. Look into mankind’s mirror at Carbon 12
London-trained, New York-based artist Sara Rahbar has brought her exhibition The Space Between Us to Alserkal Avenue. It’s an uncanny mirror of mankind’s past and present, and likely future.
Until January 5. Open Sat-Thu 11.30am-7pm. Carbon 12, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, carbon12.art
For more on Dubai Shopping Festival visit: www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dsf
