The upcoming weekend will be a whole lot of fun thanks to an action-packed calendar of events taking place during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). With the 26^th edition of the biggest and best retail celebration in full swing, organisers Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) have put together a great selection of events, promotions and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

From live performances by two of Arabic pop music’s best-loved singers, stand-up comedy, citywide mega sales and promotions plus wonderful family markets, here are some of the highlights of an action-packed DSF weekend.

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Etisalat Market OTB at Burj Park, Downtown Dubai welcomes residents and visitors to a super Festive theme to celebrate the second week of DSF. Guests will be able to watch performances by the super fun Elf Mischief juggling duo, violinist Olena, breakdancing by the Sleigh Riders, a fun talent contest, the Flame Ignite fire show, live music by artist German Cova, who will play Latino Festive Music, the super singing trio Dolce, saxophonist Flaming Sax, the amazing Spinning Snowflake – Cyr Wheel and the Festive Roly Poly performer plus more great entertainers and live shows. Etisalat Market OTB also welcomes foodies to explore Food Alley, a delicious F&B concept that will serve Korean and Asian-inspired street food treats as well as dishes by some of Dubai’s best loved eateries and restaurants including Soul Sante cafe, The Butcher, Grapes & Dates, Koshari Square, Moshi, Semi Sweet and Bunz. This year’s theme for the kids’ area will be ‘Candy and Slime Park’. It will blend a series of activations including a dedicated ‘Glitterati – Crafts Station’ for decorating, colouring and slime-making workshops. For the first time at the market, the kids area will also include a kid’s bungee trampoline. Etisalat Market OTB will also host regular basketball workshops and competitions at the Slam Dunk Court. Led by players from the  Phases Basketball Academy the workshops are open to kids aged 14-16 and are free to attend. Etisalat Market OTB timings are Sunday to Wednesday from 4pm to 10pm, Thursday from 4pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 12am.

The Dubai Shopping Festival Market at Al Khawaneej’s amazing Enchanted Garden theme, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, will continue with a super new attraction – Mad Hatter’s World. Visitors can watch daily theatre shows, meet Alice as well as the White Queen, the Doormouse and the Frog, take part in fun cosplay competitions and attend a Mad Hatter’s tea party where they can make special crowns, paper tea cups and even the Mad Hater’s hat. Visitors to the market’s Arts Area can make the White Rabbit’s pocket watch, Alice in Wonderland-style bookmarks and also character masks. The market will host a movie screening at 8pm each night as well as an Enchanted Storytelling Tree, three Game Shows each day themed around Alice in Wonderland and the chance to launch floating lanterns on the Wishing Lake each evening. The Mad Hatter’s World will run until 30 December. Opening times are Sunday to Wednesday, 6pm to 12am and Thursday to Saturday, 4pm to 2am.

The perfect place to visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, the Dubai Shopping Festival Market at Al Seef Presented by Al Foah will host Chocolate Week until 30 December. The special theme will see the market stage chocolate tasting experiences while talented artist CorentinVignal will make delicious Dubai-themed chocolate sculptures and treats. Visitors can also experience the magic of 3D virtual art as the Al Seef VR Speed Painter creates incredible 3D skylines, beaches, scenery, animals and many more magnificent creations. Buildings around Al Seef will also be illuminated with projections of calligraphy artist Khalid Al Saai’s work, with letters beamed onto the area’s traditional storefronts, rooftops and walls during the evening. Market timings are weekdays from 4pm to 10pm and weekends from 2pm to 12am.

LIVE CONCERTS

Mohamed Hamaki and Mahmoud El Esseily will each take turns to serenade the audience at the Coca-Cola Arena on 25 December when they sing some of their biggest and best loved hits. The pop stars will each take to the stage for their own individual performances as part of the spectacular MUSAIC Concert. Fans can purchase tickets priced from AED250 at www.dubaicalendar.com and www.dubai.platinumlist.net.

LIVE SHOWS

A family favourite stage show held at an iconic venue, Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the Theatre by QE2 until 27 December. Based on the 18^th century French fairy tale ‘La Belle et la Bete’, the classic saga tells the story of a handsome young prince who is transformed into a monstrous beast by a mysterious enchantress. He meets Beauty, a fair maiden who comes to appreciate and love the Beast and finally lift the curse. Tickets priced from AED120 can be purchased from www.dubaicalendar.com and www.theatrebyqe2.com

An ice show like no other, Cirque de Glace will bring to life the story of the creation of our planet, man’s evolution and take the audience on a journey to the limits of technology. Combining the world of Cirque du Soleil with beautiful ice dancing comprising of jaw-dropping lifts and high-speed throws, the show promises to be a breathtaking experience that will delight and amaze audiences of all ages. Staged at the Dubai Opera, performances of Cirque de Glace will run until 26 December. Tickets are available from AED295. Visit www.dubaicalendar.com and www.dubaiopera.com

SHOPPING AND PROMOTIONS

On 26 December, Majid Al Futtaim Malls across Dubai will invite shoppers to discover super savings on over 100 brands as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival 12-Hour Sale. With prices slashed by as much as 90 per cent and additional offers, residents and visitors who head to Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me’aisem, My City Centre Al Barsha and City Centre Al Shindagha between 10am and 10pm can discover amazing deals. The offers apply to fashion lines, electronics, childrenswear and much more. The super DSF SHARE Millionaire promotion is also underway. Visitors to Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira malls who spend more than AED300 will enter a special draw to win One Million SHARE points each week during DSF. Shoppers need to download the SHARE Rewards app and scan shopping receipts to the value of AED300 or more to have the chance to win.

Saturday 26 December also marks the beginning of the annual Dubai Shopping Festival Sale Season, when malls, stores and shopping centres around the city will drop prices by as much as 75 per cent on a huge range of must-have items, on-trend fashion looks and household essentials.

HOTEL PROMOTIONS

The luxurious Versace Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel has a super DSF deal for guests to enjoy.  The waterfront property is offering 20 per cent off the best room rate for a luxuriously appointed room or suite, designed exclusively by Versace, daily breakfast at Giardino restaurant for two people, 20 percent off F&B at selected venues, AED150 voucher per stay for spa massages, and a late 2pm checkout. Offer is available until 4 January.

The Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa invites guests to discover a super staycation offer. The deal includes overnight accommodation, daily complimentary breakfast at Brasserie 2.0, daily complimentary dinner at one of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, and 25 percent off F&B spends.

Residents and visitors can save up to 40 per cent on a great DSF stay at any of the three Al Habtoor City hotels. Opt to stay three nights and get one night free (a saving of 33 percent) or stay five nights and get two nights free (a saving of 40 percent) all inclusive of a free breakfast. Offer applies to Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts until 30 January.

For more information, please visit @dsfsocial on social media channels and www.mydsf.ae.