Dubai has announced an extensive line-up of festivals, cultural celebrations and retail moments set to take place throughout 2026. The Dubai 2026 Retail Calendar, revealed by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, outlines a full year of shopping, entertainment and community-focused experiences designed for residents and visitors.
Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, the 2026 edition marks a decade of elevating the city’s leisure and lifestyle landscape through collaborative partnerships and a diverse programme of events.
The calendar begins with the conclusion of the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival, running from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, featuring citywide sales, nightly drone shows and live entertainment. The festival will close with major discounts across more than 3,000 outlets.
Celebrations for Chinese New Year will take place from 13 to 22 February, with cultural performances, fireworks and themed dining as the Year of the Fire Horse begins on 17 February.
Dubai Fashion Season will continue its year-round format, showcasing Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter collections across leading malls, giving shoppers access to the latest trends each season.
Ramadan in Dubai will run from 16 February to 22 March (subject to moon sighting), bringing a variety of iftars, suhoors and night markets offering traditional Emirati clothing and artisanal items. Eid Al Fitr will follow with festive décor, family-focused activities and retail promotions.
The Great Online Sale will return with significant markdowns across fashion, beauty, electronics and more, with dates to be confirmed.
The Dubai Esports and Games Festival will be held from 8 to 24 May, bringing gaming activations, esports competitions and industry showcases to the city for its fourth edition.
Tentative dates for Eid Al Adha fall between 22 and 31 May (subject to moon sighting), and will feature seasonal offers, dining experiences and entertainment.
The biannual 3-Day Super Sale is scheduled for two editions in May and November, bringing major discounts across participating malls.
Dubai Summer Surprises will run from 3 July to 30 August, offering family-friendly entertainment and seasonal promotions, culminating in final sales of up to 90 percent across the city.
The Dubai Home Festival returns from 16 October to 1 November, offering deals on homeware, furnishings and décor across leading retail destinations.
The city will celebrate Diwali with cultural performances, themed dining and shopping promotions, reflecting the festival’s significance for Dubai’s large Indian community.
The Dubai Fitness Challenge starts on 3 October and continues throughout November, encouraging residents and visitors to stay active with complimentary fitness sessions, community sports events and the return of Dubai Run, Dubai Ride and Dubai Stand Up Paddle.
The year concludes with Eid Al Etihad, marking the 55th UAE National Day with citywide celebrations, retail promotions and fireworks from 30 November to 3 December.
