Dubai Unveils Exciting 2026 Retail Calendar

Dubai has officially launched the highly anticipated 10th edition of its Retail Calendar, outlining an exhilarating 2026 filled with festivals, impressive sales, heritage displays, and citywide celebrations. This fresh schedule enhances Dubai's reputation as a leading destination for shopping, fun, and tourism, with 18 significant events lined up for the year.

Following a remarkable showing in 2025, highlighted by the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) that distributed over AED 50 million in prizes through nearly 300 raffles, and a Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) season that saw a staggering 110% increase in average spending, Dubai is set to welcome over 1,000 brands and 4,000 participating outlets again, promising wider engagement and higher foot traffic across the emirate.

The calendar for 2026 kicks off with DSF, scheduled from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Now in its 31st edition, the festival will present exclusive deals, international brand launches, concerts, as well as an upgraded drone-and-firework show utilizing more than 1,000 drones. Popular events like e& MOTB and DSF x Hatta will also return, broadening the festival's outreach from urban attractions to outdoor spots.

February will usher in Dubai’s lively festivities for the Chinese New Year, succeeded by the Spring/Summer segment of Dubai Fashion Season, granting early access to fresh collections from both international and local designers. From mid-February to March, Ramadan and Eid in Dubai will be observed with night markets, cultural activities, and family-centered promotions.

Digital consumers will indulge in the Great Online Sale, a three-day event featuring discounts of up to 95% across major categories, while May will host the ever-expanding Dubai Esports and Games Festival. The 2025 festival attracted 45,000 attendees along with 3.8 million online participants, and the forthcoming 2026 edition aims to surpass these figures with extensive tournaments, cosplay events, and networking opportunities within the industry.

Eid Al Adha will follow, showcasing cultural displays and retail promotions, leading into the citywide 3-Day Super Sales that occur biannually. Summer will be highlighted by Dubai Summer Surprises from 3 July to 30 August, featuring Modesh World, grand raffles, Back-to-School promotions, and the new Great Dubai Summer Sale designed for value shopping during the busy holiday period.

In autumn, the Dubai Home Festival from 16 October to 1 November will present notable deals on home decor and innovations. Shortly afterward, Diwali will be celebrated in Dubai with illuminated streets, spectacular fireworks, and a high demand for gold and festive apparel.

The city will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Dubai Fitness Challenge from 31 October to 29 November, motivating locals and tourists to engage in physical activities through runs, rides, and complimentary fitness events at parks, malls, and beaches. The year will conclude with UAE National Day festivities from 30 November to 3 December, featuring fireworks, patriotic displays, and retail promotions centered around the holiday.

With its structured approach and diverse offerings, the 2026 Retail Calendar serves as a comprehensive guide for shoppers, businesses, and visitors alike to plan for the year ahead. Retailers are encouraged to align their promotions with official events and can register through DET Connect to participate in marketing efforts, promotions, and raffles.

The latest edition marks a decade of advancements in the Retail Calendar since its initiation in 2017, reinforcing Dubai's role as a key global retail and lifestyle center and paving the way for another year of formidable consumer engagement across various sectors.