Dubai shoppers guide: Mega sales, discounts in 2019

The calendar showcases 18 events spread over 247 days, versus 12 events over 178 days in 2018.

The Department of Economic Development and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment have jointly announced the 2019 Retail Calendar. Featuring more city-wide events, activities and experiences throughout 2019, the calendar showcases 18 events spread over 247 days, versus 12 events over 178 days in 2018.  These events also offer broader and more diverse range of product categories and brand segments, while raising competitiveness in the global retail market. So, it's time to get the pen or open your app and mark your calendar.
26 Dec 2018 - 2 Feb 2019
DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL (DSF)
The Dubai Shopping Festival was launched in 1996 and is a global attraction today, offering an unbeatable combination of shopping, winning and family entertainment to visitors from all over the world.  Celebrating its 24^th anniversary, DSF 2019 will offer Dubai's residents and visitors rewarding shopping experiences including the opportunity to win mega prizes and watch concerts, musicals and shows.
4 - 12 January
RUSSIAN HOLIDAY
This is a new retail initiative with the objective of increasing spend and driving visitation from Russians and the resident community. It is the perfect opportunity for Russians to avail of timely shopping savings for the festive & holiday season.
3 - 13 February
CHINESE NEW YEAR (CNY)
Dubai is a fantastic place to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The celebration includes activities such as launching Union-credit discounts targeting Chinese visitors in partnership with key retailers, hosting events targeted at Chinese visitors, concentrating offers on high valueadded luxury deals that are highly appealing to Chinese visitors.
21 February - 9 March
DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL
Dubai Food Festival is the only truly citywide food festival in the Middle East. Held every year, it celebrates Dubai's emergence as a gastronomic destination. The festival offers a calendar of exciting food-related events and promotions, highlighting Dubai's unique food scene, its personalities, world-class dining experiences, F&B outlets, plus exclusive deals on kitchen and dining segments.
28 Feb-16 Mar / 8-24 Sep
COLLECTION LAUNCHES
The Collection Launches are inspired by fashion trends. This period of activation is to position Dubai as the destination that offers the most 'up-to-date' shopping proposition, where consumers are likely to see the most exclusive products and have the opportunity to be the first ones in the region to own looks that are fresh 'off-the-runway'. Spring/Summer collection is from Feb. 28 to March 16, while fall/ winter is from September 8-24.
18 April - 1 May
HOME FESTIVAL
This Home Festival will provide a great platform to offer fantastic savings on a range of home furnishing products, as well as boost the overall home ware retail category. The home wares segment will be activated through engaging with home stores in the city who will create special promotions.
5 May - 8 June
RAMADAN AND EID IN DUBAI
Ramadan in Dubai is a time of enlightenment and reflection. This special period calls for cultural activities, family gatherings as well as gifts for the near and dear. While Eid in Dubai which follows the holy month brings a great deal of buzz and excitement, featuring retail promotions at malls and souks, as well as special holiday packages offered by hotels across the city.
(Eid Al Fitr - From 1^st Day of Eid till 8 June)
(Eid Al Adha - 12 - 15 August)
 21 June - 3 August
DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES (DSS)
In the summer season, Dubai Summer Surprises presents wonderful experiences for residents and visitors alike with amazing bargains and incredible entertainment throughout the city. This summer shopping extravaganza offers everything from spend-and-win promotions to exciting competitions, plus daily deals featuring world-famous brands at unbeatable prices, entertainment and much more.
16 Aug - 7 Sep
BACK TO SCHOOL
Back to School is an exciting time of year, and parents can share in their children's enthusiasm. This season positions Dubai as the best place to do back to school shopping and also encourages parents to spend time with kids while teaching them smart shopping habits.
18 Oct - 2 Nov
DIWALI
The Indian Festival of Lights, Diwali, is a time for celebration, family and positivity. The festival is a period for gift giving and shopping, with many of Dubai's top retailers offering exciting shopping promotions on gold & jewelry, bridal wear, fashion accessories and home décor.  The city's shopping malls and entertainment destinations put on an array of festive themed events and activities.
18 Oct - 16 Nov
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE
The Dubai Fitness Challenge is a city movement towards health and happiness for all with an action-packed public engagement programme that includes fitness events, classes, sporting activities, plus exciting deals and promotions across a wide range of retail, sports and fitness providers, and healthy F&B concepts.
18 Oct - 2 Nov
DIWALI
The Indian Festival of Lights, Diwali, is a time for celebration, family and positivity. The festival is a period for gift giving and shopping, with many of Dubai's top retailers offering exciting shopping promotions on gold & jewelry, bridal wear, fashion accessories and home décor.
The city's shopping malls and entertainment destinations put on an array of festive themed events and activities.
12-14 December
GIFTING WEEKEND
Gifting weekend is a pre-festive event aimed at increasing spend as well as the footfall across Dubai and allowing the visitors as well as the resident community to have a wide range of gifts at special promotions.
3-DAY SUPER SALE
Dubai aspires to retain its top position and ranking as an important international shopping destination. Among the many initiatives that supports this endeavor is the Super Sale weekend. This aims to increase spend and boost tourism from shopping oriented segment with discounts from 25 to 90 per cent on an array of items.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai