Dubai announces 2026 Retail Calendar: Festivals, Retail and Megaevents revealed
The 2026 Edition features 18 major city festivals, nationwide campaign collaborations and branding campaigns designed to strengthen Dubai’s status as a global destination for shopping, culture and entertainment.
This year’s program includes returning events such as the 31st edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and the Dubai Summer Wonders (DSS), as well as a new edition of Dubai – Dubai’s best shopping.
Dubai sales and festivals in 2026
The 2026 Retail calendar builds during a different performance. During its 30th edition, DSF brings world-class shopping, entertainment and rewards, giving away more than AED50M ($13.6m) in prizes to 1,11 winners.
A DFRE survey of retailers showed DSSs increased spending by 110 percent from June to August, with 1,400 participants winning 180 raffles and 3,000 promotions across 3,800 stores.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE, said: “The 2026 Retail Calendar ensures a commitment to excellence and differentiation, as we continue to deliver on Dubai’s global reputation as a destination for shopping, lifestyle and culture.
“We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and stakeholders, whose cooperation is instrumental in bringing these unforgettable moments to life and contributing to the continued growth of the Dubai industry.”
Since its launch in 2017, the sales calendar has met with more than 1,000 brands and 4,000 retail stores, driving billions in sales increases, stimulating creativity in the areas of the sales area.
Major events and festivals in 2026
The 2026 Retail calendar includes special occasions such as celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, Ramadan and ESPORTS and the Duwali festival (DIWALI festival (Festival of 3.8m who compete in all 90 Tournaments.
Some highlights include:
- Dubai Shopping Festival (December 5, 2025 -January 11, 2026): 2026): 31 Edition with Drone and Pyro features over 1,000 drones, auto season, E & MotB and interactive experiences
- Chinese New Year (February 13 – 22, 2026): Firefighters, dining experiences and traditional canals
- Dubai Fashion Season (Q1-Q4 2026): Spring / summer and fall / winter
- Ramadan & Eid in Dubai (February 16 – March 22, 2026): Night markets, community events and festive merchandise offerings
- Best online sales: The three-day digital event is 95 percent closed
- Dubai esports and games festival (May 8 – 24, 2026): Contests, expos, cosplay and game showcases
- 3-Day Super Sale: Double annual city discounts of up to 90 percent
- Dubai Summer Month of Wonders (July 3 – August 30, 2026): Modesh World, Mega Raffles and back-to-school campaigns, and Dubai’s new summer sales
- Dubai Home Festival (October 16 – November 1, 2026): Furniture, Décor and Home Solution Solutions
- Diwali – Festival of Lights (November 2 – 12, 2026): Gold mining, cultural performance and firefighting
- Dubai Fitness Challenge (October 31 – November 29, 2026): 30 × 30 jobs Citywide
- Eid al Etihad (November 30 – December 3, 2026): National Day celebrations with fireworks, cultural performances and merchandise promotions
Strengthening the Dubai Global Retail Ecosystem
Aligned with the economic agenda, D33, the sales calendar emphasizes the city’s position as a hub for Global Retail Innovation while supporting community involvement and tourism growth.
With more than 1,000 brands and 4,000 stores expected to participate again in 2026, DFRE expects a greater impact and deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors.
