Dubai : This winter, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) had cemented its reputation as a truly family-friendly festival, rolling out a citywide programme of experiences designed to entertain, engage and inspire all ages. From toddlers and teens to parents and grandparents, DSF’s 31st edition has offered families dozens of ways to spend time together — blending live shows, interactive entertainment, outdoor adventure, and large-scale spectacles across Dubai.
As DSF enters its final week, families are encouraged to make the most of the festival’s citywide programme of family-friendly experiences. With schools now back in session, there is a last opportunity to enjoy the activities of DSF before the season closes on 11 January 2026.
Festival Bay Comes Alive for Families at e& DSF Nights
Location: Dubai Festival City Mall – Festival Bay
Dates: Now in its final week, running until 11 January 2026
Entry: Free access to festival zone and concerts
Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall is the epicentre of DSF’s family entertainment programme, hosting free nightly celebrations that combine stage shows, waterfront visuals and interactive experiences. Ideal for after-school and early-evening outings, Festival Bay offers free, easy entertainment that fits neatly into weekday routines.
On 10 January the duo Dalia Al Turky & Mahmoud Al Turky are set to deliver energetic performances, combining catchy rhythms and cutting-edge Arabic pop stylings for a truly immersive musical journey as the last concert of e& DSF Nights.
Daily kids’ shows and character appearances
Free daily stage performances bring globally loved children’s characters to Festival Bay, including:
- Sesame Street
- Nickelodeon’s DORA
- DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls
- Animaccord’s Masha and The Bear
- PJ MASKS
These shows are complemented by dancers and musicians, creating a lively, festival-style atmosphere that allows families to drop in, explore and stay as long as they like.
Gaming, play and interactive competition
Adding an extra layer of engagement, True Gamers brings interactive family-friendly gaming competitions to Festival Bay, featuring quizzes, tournaments and challenges with prizes totalling AED 30,000. Designed to be accessible to children, teens and parents alike, the zone reinforces DSF’s focus on participation and shared experiences. The zone has proven especially popular during DSF as a post-school activity for older children and teens.
Nightly waterfront visuals
Each evening, Festival Bay hosts free light, fountain and laser shows across the waterfront, providing a constant visual backdrop that keeps younger audiences entertained while parents enjoy dining, strolling, or relaxing by the water.
The DSF Drone Show: A Must-See Family Spectacle
Location: Bluewaters and The Beach JBR
Dates: Final week – until 11 January 2026
Times: 8pm and 10pm daily
Entry: Free
A firm family favourite, the DSF Drone Show presented by Emarat had delivered two free nightly performances over Bluewaters and The Beach JBR. The 2025/26 edition introduced daily pyro-drone fireworks, making it the largest aerial show in DSF history.
With faster, brighter drones and dynamic skyline storytelling, the show is designed to captivate audiences of all ages — offering clear sightlines along the beachfront and an experience that feels magical for children and impressive for adults. With only a handful of performances remaining, this is the final chance to catch the show this season.
e& MOTB at Dubai Design District (d3)
Dates: Final week – until 11 January 2026
Entry: Free
e& MOTB continues as a vibrant, open-air lifestyle destination featuring:
- Over 80 F&B outlets and retail pop-ups, showcasing homegrown brands, emerging designers and independent food concepts
- MOTB-exclusive menus, limited-edition drops and interactive brand activations across food, fashion, beauty and lifestyle
- Live music, DJs and roaming entertainment creating a constant day-to-night festival atmosphere
- Community-led programming, including dance performances, fitness sessions and creative showcases
- Hands-on workshops and customisation zones designed for children, teens and adults
- Dedicated family-friendly spaces and relaxed social zones, ideal for after-school visits and early evening outings
- The Glow Bloc, a premium showcase featuring established global and regional brands through immersive beauty, lifestyle and dining experiences
SEE IT NOW: DSF Auto Season – Family-Friendly Automotive Experiences
Family-friendly highlights to catch before DSF ends:
- Middle East Car & Bike Week
- Dates: 10–11 January 2026
- Location: Dubai Studio City
- Entry: Ticketed
- Tickets: AED 75 (one-day) | AED 100 (two-day) via Platinumlist
- Why families will love it:
- A safe, festival-style environment where children can see supercars, bikes and custom builds up close
- Stunt zones, displays and live entertainment designed to keep all ages engaged
- Open spaces ideal for exploring together over a full or half day
- Mirdif Motor Show x DSF Auto Season
- Date: 10 January 2026
- Location: City Centre Mirdif (Rooftop)
- Entry: Free
- Why families will love it:
- Over 1,000 vehicles on display, from supercars and classics to bikes and RC models
- Easy, walk-through format in a mall setting with nearby dining and amenities
- Live DJs, entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere suited to children and teens
- The Mirdif Motor Show Parade, featuring 500+ bikes, adds a memorable spectacle for all ages
A Festival Designed for Families
Across 38 days, DSF has given families the freedom to experience the festival in ways that suit their routines — from quick after-school shows and relaxed evening outings to full day adventures and weekend escapes. With dozens of free experiences, accessible locations and programming that runs day and night, the festival has made it easy for every generation to take part, from toddlers meeting their favourite characters and teens exploring gaming zones and drone shows to parents enjoying outdoor dining and winter evenings. Now in its final days, DSF encourages families to make the most of these moments before the season wraps, offering a last chance for easy, joyful family outings across the city as routines resume.
Dubai Shopping Festival runs until 11 January 2026.
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.
