What is Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)?
Launched in 1996, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the world’s longest-running retail festival. Spanning over 35+ days from early December through mid-January, DSF turns the entire emirate into a citywide celebration of retail sales, celebrity concerts, daily gold and supercar raffles, and free nightly drone shows at The Beach JBR and Bluewaters Island.
DSF 2026–27 Dates & Mega Sale Highlights
DSF 2026–27 is scheduled to begin in early December 2026 and run through mid-January 2027:
- 12-Hour Opening Sale: Up to 90% off across select malls (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif/Deira) during the first 12 hours.
- Final 3-Day Clearance Sale: Radical discounts in mid-January on luxury fashion, perfumes, and footwear before the festival concludes.
- Nightly Drone Shows: Twice-daily synchronized drone spectacles illuminating JBR and Dubai Marina at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM (free of cost).
Buying Gold in Dubai during DSF
Gold is one of the top reasons Indian travelers plan their trips around DSF:
Bareeq Hallmarking
Dubai Central Laboratories strictly regulate gold purity (18K, 22K, 24K).
Making Charges
The gold rate is fixed, but you can negotiate 20%–40% off on making charges in Deira Gold Souk.
Win Gold Daily
Every AED 500 purchase earns a raffle coupon to win kilos of 24K gold daily.
How to Claim Your 5% UAE Tourist VAT Refund
As an Indian tourist, you can reclaim the 5% VAT on purchases made at registered Planet Tax Free retail outlets:
- Request a Tax-Free tag when shopping (minimum spend AED 250 in a single transaction).
- Ensure the store attaches the Planet Tax Free QR sticker to your receipt.
- Before checking in at Dubai International Airport (DXB), validate your receipts at the Planet self-service kiosks.
- Receive your refund instantly back to your Indian credit/debit card or in cash AED.
DSF 2026–27 FAQs
Are electronics cheaper during DSF?
Yes! Retailers like Sharaf DG, Jumbo, and Virgin Megastore bundle popular laptops, cameras, smartphones, and gaming consoles with free accessories, vouchers, and extended warranties during DSF.
What is Indian customs gold allowance on arrival?
Male passengers who have stayed abroad for over 6 months can bring up to 20 grams of gold (duty-free value up to ₹50,000). Female passengers can bring up to 40 grams (duty-free value up to ₹1,00,000). Any excess is subject to applicable customs duty.