31 Free DSF Experiences To Enjoy Across Dubai
From waterfront fireworks and drone spectaculars to illuminated mountain trails, family shows and open-air markets, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) offers dozens of memorable experiences at no cost. Here are 31 free ways to enjoy the festival this season:
1–10: Citywide Nighttime Spectacles
1. DSF Drone Show at Bluewaters & The Beach JBR – Twice-nightly aerial displays at 8pm and 10pm featuring the region’s largest pyro-enhanced drone show.
2. Weekend Fireworks at Bluewaters & The Beach JBR – Free waterfront fireworks every Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
3. Weekend Fireworks at Souk Al Seef – Set against Dubai’s heritage district with a festive promenade atmosphere.
4. Hatta Weekend Fireworks – Mountain-side fireworks throughout December.
5. NYE Fireworks at Bluewaters – One of Dubai’s most popular free New Year’s spots at midnight on 31 December.
6. NYE Fireworks at Souk Al Seef – A historic backdrop for Dubai’s end-of-year celebration.
7. NYE Fireworks at Hatta – A dramatic mountain setting for the midnight countdown.
8. Festival Bay Nighttime Fountain & Laser Shows – Free every evening as part of e& DSF Nights.
9. Dubai Festival City Mall Waterfront Light Shows – Daily visual displays integrated with DSF’s entertainment lineup.
10. Illuminated Hatta Night Experiences (The Pulse Zone) – Free access to the central glowing festival hub with DJs, food trucks, and family seating.
11–20: Free DSF Family & Entertainment Experiences
11. Billboard Arabia Beats brought to you by e& DSF Nights– A weekly showcase of rising regional talent.
12. Entertainment at Festival Bay – Musicians, dancers and interactive performers nightly.
13. Free Gaming Competitions by True Gamers – Open community tournaments with chances to win prizes.
14. Hatta Wadi Hub Padel Court – Free to play from 4pm daily (13 time slots, walk-in).
15. Free scenic trail overlooks Hatta – Enjoy open public viewpoints offering panoramic views of the illuminated installations and the surrounding mountain landscape along the “Path of the Wild” immersive hiking trail in Wadi Hub.
16. Hatta Educational Wildlife Touchpoints – Interactive learning on native mountain ecology along public trails at Wadi Hub.
- Free kids’ play zone, “Build Your Own Mini Hatta Farm,” where children can create their own farm using do-it-yourself materials with support from creative supervisors.
- Live Music at Hatta Wadi Hub – Free daily live band performances and DJ
19. Hatta Red Bull DJ Truck Performances – Free live DJ sets on 26–27 December.
20. Live Music & Street Performances at Al Seef – Cultural sets across the heritage waterfront.
21. Open-Air Performances at Global Village Common Areas – Free with park entry (many zones and shows visible from public walkways).
21–31: Free Outdoor, Cultural & Lifestyle DSF Experiences
22. e& MOTB at d3 (1–11 Jan) — Free Entry – 80+ F&B & retail pop-ups, live entertainment, DJs and nightly showcases.
23. Collectors Hub at City Walk – Free automotive showcase – View rare and classic cars on open display throughout City Walk.
24. City Walk Street Entertainment – Free performances and ambient programming tied to DSF.
25. The Beach JBR – DSF Seafront Atmosphere – Free family zones, music and installations.
26. Souk Al Seef Cultural Walks – Beautifully decorated DSF heritage aisles and riverfront ambience.
27. Mirdif Motor Show at City Centre Mirdif – Free auto event – Explore standout cars and bikes in this family-friendly community showcase.
28. Dubai Festival City Mall Outdoor DSF Market Areas – Free browsing across seasonal pop-ups.
29. Path of the Wild – Public Viewing Zones – Parts of the illuminated Hatta trail visible without ticketed activities at Hatta Wadi Hub – Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the activity areas from open-view decks.
30. DSF Lifestyle Installations Across Malls – Free photo moments, décor features and seasonal displays at malls citywide.
31. DSF Opening & Closing Week Citywide Atmosphere – Free-to-attend outdoor moments, performances, and activations across key destinations throughout the festival.
A Season of Free Experiences
With 31 free moments — one for every edition of DSF — this year’s festival offers more ways than ever for residents and visitors to enjoy Dubai’s winter season without spending a dirham. From culture to concerts to immersive light displays, DSF continues its legacy as one of the world’s most accessible, citywide celebrations.
Strategic Partners
DSF 2025-2026 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Strategic Partners, including: Al-Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Souq Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), talabat plus more to be revealed.
For more information about Dubai Shopping Festival please visit mydsf.ae or follow @dubaifestivals on social media