One of the largest retail and entertainment festivals in the world, Dubai Shopping Festival (until January 30, 2021) is in its 26th year, and has seen the participation of over 800 brands across 3,700 outlets in the city.
What’s more exciting is that this festival is also hosting raffle draws, live concerts, drone light shows, outdoor markets and pop-ups, movie nights, and, of course, has some amazing deals.
Let’s look at what makes the Dubai Shopping Festival worthy of your next travel itinerary!
Where to shop
The Dubai Mall- Prada store
The Dubai Mall- Touted as one of the largest malls in the world with an astounding 12 million sq. ft space, one can spend the whole day exploring The Dubai Mall, which stands at a very close distance from Burj Khalifa. The mall houses high-end brands including Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Balmain, Burberry, Dior, Cartier, Chopard, Elie Saab and Apple.
Mall of the Emirates- Truly a luxury empire of shopping, entertainment and games, fine dine and affiliated 5-star hotels such as the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Hilton Garden Inn and Novotel Suites Dubai Mall of the Emirates, this 15-year old mall gives its guests every reason to splurge and celebrate.
Mercato Shopping Mall- Leisure, luxury and the good life go hand in hand at Mercato. Located in the city’s plush Jumeirah Beach area, the mall takes guests back to the regal Renaissance period with its European-style architecture. At its DSF event, shop luxury fashion, gourmet confectionery, home décor and tech gadgets, and attend comedy and theatrical acrobatic shows.
Dubai Festival City- This is an upscale business and entertainment hub, which also houses a luxury mall of the same name. It is a must-visit for tourists, as it overlooks a beautiful creek and is just a 3-km drive away from the Dubai International Airport.
Where to stay
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Directly connected to the Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road, Kempinski Hotel boasts luxurious 392 rooms and suites with stunning views of the city’s skyline. For the lovers of skiing, the property also offers 20 Aspen chalets bordering the indoor snow ski resort.
Dining options include Olea, which masters the Levantine cuisine, Spanish Tapas Salero and Noir. It also provides special limousine transfers.
Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts
Located in the vibrant Dubai Festival City, Intercontinental Hotel towers the silent waters of the creek and offers its guests uber-luxurious experience at its rooms, suites and award-winning SPA Intercontinental. The property has direct access to the buzzing Dubai Festival City Mall and is only a 10-min drive away from the Dubai airport. There is also a spectacular water, light and laser show IMAGINE that people can witness every day at Festival Bay.
Bvlgari Resort Dubai
Sitting elegantly on the man-made Jumeirah Bay island, Bvlgari Resort Dubai brings it’s iconic extravagant Italian-inspired living in the Emirate city. The discerning guests here not only get to revel in the beachfront suites and lounges, but also the captivating ocean views and the exclusive Bvlgari Yacht Club & Marina.
Address Sky View
Address Sky View is a stone’s throw away from the popular Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. A choice hotel for luxury travellers from around the world, the hotel is a chic 58-storey property with plush 169 rooms. Gourmet fete can be enjoyed at the all-day diner The Restaurant at Address Sky View and unwinding at the Club Lounge.
Where to dine
Kyo, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah
Kyo is a Japanese fine dine that serves Southeast Asian cuisine. Located inside The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, the restaurant and lounge have, both, indoor and outdoor terrace seating with stunning views of the fountain.
On menu are options of DIY sushis, meats, seafood and vegetarian preparation, accompanied with assorted teas, mocktails and cocktails.
At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa
No trip is complete without visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa in downtown Dubai, and certainly not without dining at At.mosphere. Known as the highest restaurant in the world, it is perched on 122nd level of Burj Khalifa.
One can opt for a private dinner here, which allows a maximum of 16 diners at once. Th menu includes exotic cold seafood tower, hot seafood platter, caviar and oyster selections and fresh vegan delicacies. Breakfast, high-tea and secret ladies nights are At.mosphere’s other options to entertain guests.
Ossiano, Atlantis
We’ve all heard of the Dubai desert safari. How about an underwater dining experience? Yes for that too. Ossiano at the Atlantis, The Palm engulfs the diners with a cosy ambiance, thanks to its underwater aquarium that has over 50,000+ fishes swimming inside. On the food table is a striking seafood variety, from lobsters and scallops to Sea Bass, octopus and salmon.
