The annual event kicks off on December 17…

Dubai’s love affair with shopping is no secret. Our obsession with retail therapy is so big, in fact, that we have a six-week festival devoted to it. Dubai Shopping Festival is coming back for another season, bringing everything from deals and discounts to concerts and comedy acts.

Here are some of the highlights from Dubai Shopping Festival when it begins on December 17…

Rooftop Market at Nakheel Mall

The rooftop at Nakheel Mall on Palm Jumeirah is being transformed into a winter-themed food and retail stalls. There’ll also be a Santa Village and Grotto, and an ice rink.

Rooftop Market, Nakheel Mall, Dec 10 to Jan 3.

Market Outside The Box

Dubai Shopping Festival MOTB

For homegrown gifts and items you won’t find in the big malls, Market Outside The Box promises “an alternative shopping experience”. It’ll be popping up at Burj Park in Downtown Dubai, from December 17 to January 2, with markets stalls and food kiosks.

Market Outside The Box, Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, Dec 17 to Jan 2.

Winter Wonderland at Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates is teaming up with Ripe Market and Ski Dubai for a Winter Wonderland this season. There’s even a virtual Santa for the safest festive snaps in Dubai.

Winter Wonderland, Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, December 1 to 25, 9am to 9pm, Dhs125 inclusive of a meeting with Santa, a printed photo to capture the special moment, a gift bag from Santa as well as a signature hot chocolate, a regular Ski Dubai ticket can be upgraded for Dhs75. skidxb.com/christmas

Festive fun at Dubai Festival City Mall

Festival Bay’s festive market will include an interactive maze, polar bear valley, candy factory, and socially distanced Santa’s Grotto, from 4pm daily.

Dubai Festival City Mall, Dec 6 to 29, daily from 4pm. 

Win incredible prizes

Fuel up at ENOC or EPCO petrol stations throughout the Dubai Shopping Festival for your chance to win cars and cash prizes. Spend Dhs25 on non-fuel items at ENOC or EPCO for your chance to win one of 45 Nissan cars.

You can also purchase at Dhs200 raffle ticket at selected ENOC and EPCO stations, or spend Dhs200 at the Gold Souk, Global Village and participating malls for your chance to win one of 45 Infiniti QX60s and Dhs200,000 cash.

Jack Whitehall performs

The brilliant Jack Whitehall is slated to headline at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Thursday January 14, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. Produced by GME Events, Jack will bring his Stood Up tour show to Dubai for the very first time. Tickets are available now via the Dubai Calendar app and 800Tickets.com.

For more information on Jack Whitehall’s performance for Dubai Shopping Festival, visit GME Events Facebook and Instagram channels.

Shopping sales

And of course, what would be the Dubai Shopping Festival without some deep discounts. From December 17 to January 30, 3,500 Dubai retail outlets will be offering discounts of 25 to 75 per cent.

For more on the Dubai Shopping Festival calendar, follow @dsfsocial.