Ashwin Kuttan and his family flew from New Delhi to Dubai to experience the much-awaited Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which runs from December 6 to January 12. Excited by the reputation of DSF for offering unique shopping deals, Ashwin, 22, shared that his visit has lived up to his expectations. “I was able to get the Samsung S23 for nearly Dh700 (Rs15,000) cheaper than in India,” he said, adding that he also scored great deals on perfumes, novelty items, jackets, and premium chocolates.
Social media, especially Instagram reels and online videos, played a significant role in raising Ashwin’s interest in the event. A recent YouGov survey confirmed the impact of social media, revealing that 73% of people aged 35 and above rely on it for updates on major sales events like DSF.
Exclusive Deals for Loyal Customers
Karina Shashkova, a regular shopper at high-end stores like Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols, looks forward to DSF’s exclusive shopping experience for loyal customers. “The VIP pre-sale events let me browse without crowds and reserve my choices, ensuring I can buy them at discounted prices on the sale day,” she shared. About 36% of shoppers wait for such offers to purchase luxury items. For Karina, finding a quality handbag at 50% off is the perfect deal.
She recalled her most expensive purchase, “A few years ago, I bought a few Cartier watches at the Mall of the Emirates.” This year, Karina plans to shop for discounted ski gear as part of her upcoming winter holiday.
Strategic Shopping for Big Discounts
For many residents like Bernadette Lalog, the DSF is the perfect time to make essential and luxury purchases. Bernadette plans to buy a kayak for her husband’s birthday, which falls during the sale. “With DSF, I can find it at 50% off – a deal too good to miss,” she said. “I also plan to buy bicycles and other essentials for my home. With two kids, everything I buy doubles in cost, so these discounts are a lifesaver.”
Bernadette strategically plans her shopping by using tools like shoppinginformer.com to track sales and redeem credit card points for extra savings, ensuring she gets the best deals during DSF.
The Dubai Shopping Festival continues to be an iconic event in the city’s shopping culture, drawing both residents and tourists looking to take advantage of the unbeatable discounts and festive atmosphere.
