It's that time of the year again! Dubai is gearing up to end 2019 and welcome the New Year on a high note with its annual shopping, merrymaking and feasting extravaganza - the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

2020 is the year of many milestones for Dubai. The emirate will host the Expo2020 Dubai this year. DSF2020 will also see more glorious celebrations this year, as the festival runs in its 25th edition. This means it’s packed with loads of fun, entertainment, best deals to make it an ultimate shopper's paradise and visitors delight.

The grandeur of the DSF is unmatchable. The city transforms into a mega carnival ground, and it’s the most joyful time to spend with family and friends.

So, what's in for me, you ask.

Dubai shopping festival 2020 dates and highlights

Throughout the 38-days of DSF, starting this year from December 26 to February 1, Dubai will celebrate its heritage and glamour. You will get a glimpse of Dubai's cosmopolitan culture, the vibrant culinary scene, art, architecture, music and cultural events.

If this does not seem to be good enough to lure you, then the retail market of Dubai is ready to spoil you with choices, offering premium brands and incredible deals and discounts. This ensures that with every purchase you make during the DSF, you make significant savings.

As a tourist, there are plenty of reasons to travel to Dubai during DSF. You can explore the city and its iconic landmarks that host a range of entertainment and shopping delights. The weather in the city is at its best during the DSF season, and massive discount offerings at retail stores, make every shopping experiences the most valuable one.

For those few lucky ones, whose fortune stars are shining favourably, you may even leave the country taking home a beautiful car, a marvellous home makeover, and other exciting giveaways from the numerous raffle draws that happen during this time.

Now if we have tempted you enough to head to DSF 2020, here is a sneak preview of what’s in-store.

Dubai shopping festival 2020 offers

DSF's city-wide retailers ensure that every resident and visitor indulges in some retail therapy. This year more than 1,000 brands will be participating across 4,000 retail outlets offering 25 per cent to 75 per cent discounts on international fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle brands. Now it's time to set a wish list for you and your family's needs and make mega savings on your purchases.

Whether you love the latest fashion lines or precious jewellery, want to shop for your kids, or plan to get a new car for yourself, you have a grand deal waiting for you. If you are looking for the latest video game console for your child, or want to pick up gifts for the holiday season and spruce up your home, there's nothing better than the DSF to make all essential purchases.

The 12-hour sale at the Majid Al Futtaim Malls offers up to 90 per cent off plus a chance to take home Dh10,000 vouchers when you spend at the MAF malls. Shoppers must also keep an eye on the daily DSF surprises offered by various brands. The retail and entertainment experiences at the DSF Outdoor Markets are also worth exploring.

Get entertained

DSF 2020 is also the best time to spend some memorable time with family and friends. There are numerous cultural shows and family-friendly events, ranging from live concerts, operas, children's activities, fireworks, musical shows, and foodie delights.

Whether you head to any of the malls, the creek or the iconic landmarks of Dubai and the open-air markets, the festive atmosphere can be experienced in every corner of the city. International theatrical shows, musicians and artists perform at multiple locations throughout DSF, promising exciting moments for every age group.

Don’t miss the Market Outside the Box (MOTB) that stages local, regional and international musicians and bands, fashion and food vendors and a special kid zone, ensuring all guests are engaged and well entertained.

You can choose to enjoy a night of ballet hosted by the Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet, reflecting the spirit of the beautiful country. Speaking of the live shows, in 2020 expect the classic fairy tale of Cinderella that will be showcased in as a pantomime. This DSF you can even experience the first-ever hologram concert happening in the city at the Dubai Opera.

For those who love romance and philosophy Khalil Gibran's autobiographical love story, Broken Wings, will be performed on stage at Dubai Opera this January.

The world on a platter

Before you get to experience the enormity of a world event, such as the Expo2020 Dubai, enjoy the Global Village as a prelude to it. Here you have the diversity of the world on a platter. From music, dance, food and culture, experience the world's variety and global cultural treasures all under one roof.

There are internationally themed country pavilions, each offering its own unique leisure activities, food delights and retail offerings. Take home a hand-woven carpet from Afghanistan, some spices from Syria, taste the cheese Kunafa from Syria, or maybe a bottle of olive oil from Palestine.

Learn how the Austrians prepare their apple strudels and maybe even spend a whole evening at the Indian chaat bazar tasting the delicious street fare. For more entertainment and fun, Global Village’s main stage hosts 20 nights of concerts with international stars on the line-up.

Lucky raffles

Nothing is more gratifying than winning a prize at the raffle draws. This 25th edition of DSF gives you a chance to win an INFINITI daily and 33 Nissan cars, at the annual festival's life-changing Mega and Grand raffles. Just spend Dh200 on a raffle ticket for an INFINITI raffle or shop for items worth a minimum of Dh 25 from any EPCO or ENOC station to enter for the Nissan draws.

Shop at the Dubai Mall and grab a chance to become one of the five DSF Millionaires in Skywards Miles. Buy products to beautify your home from Home Center and avail a chance to win a stylish home makeover.

The shopping fun and bonuses do not end here in this year's DSF. Purchase your desired items at the DSF2020; shopping here can even avail more shopping rewards. Spending Dh100 at Meraas participating outlets gives you a chance of receiving Dh1,000 gift card.

Fireworks fun

Enjoy watching the spectacular fireworks that light up the city's skyline during DSF. Travel to the city's vantage points, such as The Beach at JBR, the beautiful waterfront promenades of Al Seef, La Mer, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek, The Pointe and The Dubai Frame to watch the gorgeous display of light, colour and sound.

If luck supports you, then you can also get to see the Burj Khalifa light up in magnificent colours. The interactive light installations at Burj Plaza that start from January 7 will simply add a unique touch to the festive vibe.

Food fiesta

DSF 2020 adds to the city's gastronomic traditions. This year, DSF along with online food app Zomato offers Zomato Gold members a 25 per cent off for in-dining experiences at over 1,000 restaurants. Dubai’s renowned restaurant chains also get ready during this time to cheer up guests, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience during the DSF with high-quality services and thoughtfully designed themes.

App amusements

Now a mobile game app makes the DSF a tech-driven winning experience. Yalla DSF by Club Group Apparel is an interactive and mobile game app that engages visitors and residents, directing players to move around Dubai, giving them a chance to win exclusive prizes.

So, what are you waiting for? Be it for the love of shopping, or the love of art and culture, the DSF is a great way to usher in the New Year.