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The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the desert city's annual date with shopping enthusiasts from around the world. What started as a retailer's trade fest in 1995 has now attracted approximately 51 million people. This beautiful city turns extravagant during the month long shopping festival.
Apart from shopping, the city also hosts a cosmopolitan mix of culture, glamour and entertaining events during this time. Here are five reasons why you shouldn't miss the DSF:
Tax-free Shopping
For hardcore shoppers, the words 'Tax-free Shopping' sound more romantic than 'I Love You'. DSF facilitates duty-free shopping which negates the import or custom duty. Gold, electronic goods, clothes, perfumes, spices and artifacts are the most popular items on offer.
Visit the Gold Souk to get the best deals on yellow metal products. Malls like the Reef Mall, Emirates NBD, Mercato Mall, Burjuman, Paris Gallery, Al Ghurair, Emax, Arabian Centre etc. are all part of DSF.
It is the best time to indulge in your favorite brands, as majority of the products are available at a highly discounted rate while assuring quality and variety. Another exciting feature of DSF is that shoppers get a golden chance to win prizes worth several million dollars including cash, gold, luxury cars etc.
Cultural Shows
The festival kicks off with stunning fireworks along with traditional singing and dancing. The unique musical fountain show at the Dubai Mall features entertaining music and theatrical lighting. Treat yourself to musicals, film festivals, street performances and carnivals during the DSF.
Global Village
The Global Village is an open-air theme park that hosts pavilions from around 70 countries. Each country is allotted a dedicated pavilion wherein they exhibit their products. Featuring the shopping gala, amusement rides and various entertainment-based shows, the Global Village is a major highlight of the DSF.
Taste of Dubai - for foodies
Apart from retail therapy, DSF also offers you the opportunity to satiate your taste buds. Visitors can participate in the food fiesta, which offers mouth-watering delicacies prepared from around the globe.
From Chinese noodles to Italian pastas this festival features a wide variety of cuisines. The drool-worthy Arabic cuisine including kebabs, falafel balls, shawarma and sweet dishes made of dates are an absolute must-have.
Fun Activities for Children
DSF also hosts exciting shows and play zones for children. The Dubai Dolphinarium Spiderman zone, Ski World, cartoon, and circus shows are nothing short of a paradise for the young at heart.
Enthralling amusement rides and enjoyable water sports add more fun. Jugglers, magicians and other entertainers offer an action-packed time for children and adults, alike.
Other attractions include Burj Khalifa (world's tallest man-made structure), Atlantis in Palm Jumeirah (a cluster of islands with a breathtaking view of the Gulf) and the desert safari (an open-air camp with music, dancing and dinner). A number of tour packages are available that can chalk out a great itinerary for you. Plan well, avail travel insurance and book in advance to avoid the last-minute rush!
