Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its 2025 Retail Calendar, featuring a line-up of citywide events and activities to further enhance the retail landscape. The 2025 Retail Calendar, showcases a year filled with festivals, shopping, entertainment, and cultural events.
Aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a global city for business and leisure, and make it the best city to visit, live and work in, the 2025 Retail Calendar programme builds on this vision with 18 unique events.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) said, “Driven by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to elevate the city’s position as a global events hub, the 2025 Retail Calendar is structured around a full year of carefully selected seasonal festivals and campaigns. In addition to catering to the interests of our citizens and residents, and reflecting the diverse population of Dubai, the calendar is aligned with the preferences of business travellers and leisure tourists. By enabling Dubai to make the most of the anticipated increase in visitor footfall over the coming year, this approach not only supports the growth of local businesses through essential partnerships with our key stakeholders, but also reinforces Dubai’s appeal as a premier shopping, tourism and entertainment destination, contributing to advancing the goals of the D33 Agenda.”
The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) will return for its fourth edition from 25 April to 11 May 2025. It will feature events such as the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship, and Play Beyond, further establishing Dubai as a key gaming destination. The festival will include citywide tournaments, educational challenges, and immersive experiences in gaming and learning.
Dubai Fashion Season, an important part of the Retail Calendar, will showcase both Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading fashion hub.
With participation from over 1,000 brands and 4,000 outlets, the calendar is designed to meet industry needs and attract diverse shoppers with tailored promotions and personalized experiences, helping to drive footfall and sales.
Dubai Retail Calendar 2025
- Dubai Shopping Festival
Running from 6 Dec 2024 to 12 Jan 2025, DSF offers shopping, live music, and entertainment, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of excitement. - Chinese New Year
From 24 Jan to 2 Feb 2025, Dubai celebrates with cultural performances, fireworks, and exclusive food and shopping offers across the city. - DSF Final Sale
Shoppers can enjoy discounts of 25%-90% at over 3,000 outlets, with the final chance to grab bargains during the DSF Final Sale. - Dubai Fashion Season
Launching spring/summer and fall/winter collections in 2025, Dubai Fashion Season showcases the latest trends, giving consumers access to fresh runway looks. - Ramadan and Eid in Dubai
From 28 Feb to 6 Apr 2025, Dubai celebrates Ramadan with cultural events, followed by Eid with family activities, shopping offers, and special sales. - The Great Online Sale
The Great Online Sale offers exclusive online deals, with discounts of 30%-95% on a range of products, available for a limited time. - Dubai Esports and Games Festival
From 25 Apr to 11 May 2025, the festival features esports tournaments, gaming experiences, and educational events, enhancing Dubai’s position as a gaming hub. - 3-Day Super Sale (3DSS)
Held in May and November 2025, this sale offers discounts of 25%-90% on clothing, electronics, furniture, and more over a three-day period. - Eid in Dubai (Eid Al Adha)
Celebrating Eid from 2-8 Jun 2025, Dubai offers family-friendly activities, retail promotions, and live entertainment, including fireworks and concerts. - Dubai Summer Surprises
Running from 27 Jun to 31 Aug 2025, DSS features incredible shopping offers, entertainment, and activities for visitors of all ages. - Back To School
From 4-28 Aug 2025, Dubai offers attractive back-to-school promotions, making it the perfect time for parents and kids to shop for school essentials. - DSS Final Sale
In August 2025, the DSS Final Sale brings more discounts of up to 90% on a variety of lifestyle, fashion, and beauty brands. - Dubai Home Festival
From 3-16 Oct 2025, the festival offers special promotions on home décor and furnishings, with opportunities to win home makeovers. - Festival of Lights (Diwali)
From 17-26 Oct 2025, Dubai celebrates Diwali with shopping promotions, festive events, and vibrant decorations across the city. - Dubai Fitness Challenge
Running from 1-30 Nov 2025, the challenge encourages 30 minutes of daily exercise for 30 days, with fitness events and promotions citywide. - Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day)
Celebrating the UAE’s unity from 1-3 Dec 2025, the event includes retail offers, fireworks, and festive activities throughout Dubai.
