DUBAI · WINTER SEASON
Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27 and the Dubai winter season
Dubai’s cooler months bring the Shopping Festival, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the city’s busiest social season. What to expect and when to plan.
Published 30 September 2026 · Updated 30 September 2026 · ATLAS MAISON
- Dubai Shopping Festival
- Expected December 2026 to January 2027 (official dates to be announced)
- Previous edition
- 5 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
- Nearby
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 3–6 December 2026
- Official source
- visitdubai.com
Every winter, Dubai’s cooler weather brings its busiest season, and at its heart is the Dubai Shopping Festival. First held in 1996, it is one of the world’s longest-running city-wide shopping festivals, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
When is it?
The festival traditionally runs from early or mid-December into January. The most recent edition ran for 38 days, from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Official dates for 2026–27 are usually confirmed a few months ahead, so we recommend planning around a December or early January visit and confirming once the organiser announces the calendar.
More than shopping
Alongside offers at the city’s major malls and boutiques, the festival brings opening-weekend concerts, drone shows, fireworks along the coast and family events across the city. For many visitors, it is simply the backdrop to a winter break in the sun: beach mornings, long lunches and dinners outdoors in perfect evening weather.
A busy December
The festival overlaps with the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (3–6 December 2026), the festive season and New Year’s Eve, when demand for hotels, restaurants and cars is at its peak. Rooms with views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks on New Year’s Eve, beachfront resorts and the best restaurant tables are typically committed well in advance.
Dates are as published or reported at the time of writing and may change. Always confirm with the official organiser.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026–27?
Official dates are usually announced a few months ahead. The festival traditionally runs from December into January; the 2025–26 edition ran from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
Is December a good time to visit Dubai?
Yes. December is in Dubai’s cooler season, with pleasant daytime temperatures and comfortable evenings, which is why it is one of the busiest months of the year.
Should I book early for New Year’s Eve in Dubai?
Yes. Hotels with fireworks views, beachfront resorts and popular restaurants are often committed months ahead for New Year’s Eve.