{"id":66825,"date":"2026-01-07T16:39:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/?p=66825"},"modified":"2026-01-07T16:39:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T16:39:20","slug":"big-smiles-bright-nights-final-week-of-family-fun-at-dsf-as-schools-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/2026\/01\/07\/big-smiles-bright-nights-final-week-of-family-fun-at-dsf-as-schools-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Smiles, Bright Nights: Final Week of Family Fun at DSF as Schools Return"},"content":{"rendered":"

Big Smiles, Bright Nights: Final Week of Family Fun at DSF as Schools Return<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Dubai, UAE \u2013 7 January 2026:<\/strong>\u00a0This winter, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) had cemented its reputation as a truly family-friendly festival, rolling out a citywide programme of experiences designed to entertain, engage and inspire all ages. From toddlers and teens to parents and grandparents, DSF\u2019s 31st edition has offered families dozens of ways to spend time together \u2014 blending live shows, interactive entertainment, outdoor adventure, and large-scale spectacles across Dubai.<\/h3>\n

As DSF enters its final week, families are encouraged to make the most of the festival\u2019s citywide programme of family-friendly experiences. With schools now back in session, there is a last opportunity to enjoy the activities of DSF before the season closes on 11 January 2026.<\/h3>\n

Festival Bay Comes Alive for Families at e& DSF Nights<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Dubai Festival City Mall \u2013 Festival Bay
\nDates:<\/strong>\u00a0Now in its final week, running until 11 January 2026
\nEntry:<\/strong>\u00a0Free access to festival zone and concerts<\/h3>\n

Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall is the epicentre of DSF\u2019s family entertainment programme, hosting\u00a0free nightly celebrations<\/strong>\u00a0that combine stage shows, waterfront visuals and interactive experiences. Ideal for after-school and early-evening outings, Festival Bay offers free, easy entertainment that fits neatly into weekday routines.<\/h3>\n

On 10 January the duo\u202fDalia Al Turky & Mahmoud Al Turky\u202fare\u00a0<\/strong>set to deliver\u202fenergetic performances, combining catchy rhythms and\u202fcutting-edge Arabic pop stylings\u202ffor a truly immersive musical journey as the last concert of e& DSF Nights.<\/h3>\n

Daily kids\u2019 shows and character appearances<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Free daily stage performances bring globally loved children\u2019s characters to Festival Bay, including:<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Sesame Street<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Nickelodeon\u2019s DORA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0DreamWorks Animation\u2019s Trolls<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Animaccord\u2019s Masha and The Bear<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0PJ MASKS<\/strong><\/h3>\n

These shows are complemented by dancers and musicians, creating a lively, festival-style atmosphere that allows families to drop in, explore and stay as long as they like.<\/h3>\n

Gaming, play and interactive competition<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Adding an extra layer of engagement,\u00a0True Gamers<\/strong>\u00a0brings interactive family-friendly gaming competitions to Festival Bay, featuring quizzes, tournaments and challenges with prizes totalling\u00a0AED 30,000<\/strong>. Designed to be accessible to children, teens and parents alike, the zone reinforces DSF\u2019s focus on participation and shared experiences. The zone has proven especially popular during DSF as a post-school activity for older children and teens.<\/h3>\n

Nightly waterfront visuals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Each evening, Festival Bay hosts\u00a0free light, fountain and laser shows<\/strong>\u00a0across the waterfront, providing a constant visual backdrop that keeps younger audiences entertained while parents enjoy dining, strolling, or relaxing by the water.<\/h3>\n

The DSF Drone Show: A Must-See Family Spectacle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Bluewaters and The Beach JBR
\nDates:<\/strong>\u00a0Final week \u2013 until 11 January 2026
\nTimes:<\/strong>\u00a08pm and 10pm daily
\nEntry:<\/strong>\u00a0Free<\/h3>\n

A firm family favourite, the\u00a0DSF Drone Show presented by Emarat<\/strong>\u00a0had delivered\u00a0two free nightly performances<\/strong>\u00a0over Bluewaters and The Beach JBR. The 2025\/26 edition introduced\u00a0daily pyro-drone fireworks<\/strong>, making it the\u00a0largest aerial show in DSF history<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

With faster, brighter drones and dynamic skyline storytelling, the show is designed to captivate audiences of all ages \u2014 offering clear sightlines along the beachfront and an experience that feels magical for children and impressive for adults. With only a handful of performances remaining, this is the final chance to catch the show this season.<\/h3>\n

e& MOTB at Dubai Design District (d3)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dates:<\/strong>\u00a0Final week \u2013 until 11 January 2026
\nEntry:<\/strong>\u00a0Free<\/h3>\n

e& MOTB continues as a vibrant, open-air lifestyle destination featuring:<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Over\u00a080 F&B outlets and retail pop-ups<\/strong>, showcasing homegrown brands, emerging designers and independent food concepts<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0MOTB-exclusive menus, limited-edition drops and interactive brand activations<\/strong>\u00a0across food, fashion, beauty and lifestyle<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Live music, DJs and roaming entertainment<\/strong>\u00a0creating a constant day-to-night festival atmosphere<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Community-led programming<\/strong>, including dance performances, fitness sessions and creative showcases<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hands-on workshops and customisation zones<\/strong>\u00a0designed for children, teens and adults<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dedicated family-friendly spaces and relaxed social zones<\/strong>, ideal for after-school visits and early evening outings<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Glow Bloc<\/strong>, a premium showcase featuring established global and regional brands through immersive beauty, lifestyle and dining experiences<\/h3>\n

SEE IT NOW: DSF Auto Season \u2013 Family-Friendly Automotive Experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Family-friendly highlights to catch before DSF ends:<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Middle East Car & Bike Week<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dates: 10\u201311 January 2026<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Location: Dubai Studio City<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Entry: Ticketed<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Tickets: AED 75 (one-day) | AED 100 (two-day) via Platinumlist<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Why families will love it:<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A safe, festival-style environment where children can see supercars, bikes and custom builds up close<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Stunt zones, displays and live entertainment designed to keep all ages engaged<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Open spaces ideal for exploring together over a full or half day<\/h3>\n

\u25cf\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mirdif Motor Show x DSF Auto Season<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Date: 10 January 2026<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Location: City Centre Mirdif (Rooftop)<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Entry: Free<\/h3>\n

\u25cb\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Why families will love it:<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Over 1,000 vehicles on display, from supercars and classics to bikes and RC models<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Easy, walk-through format in a mall setting with nearby dining and amenities<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Live DJs, entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere suited to children and teens<\/h3>\n

\u25a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Mirdif Motor Show Parade, featuring 500+ bikes, adds a memorable spectacle for all ages<\/h3>\n

A Festival Designed for Families<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Across 38 days, DSF has given families the freedom to experience the festival in ways that suit their routines \u2014 from quick after-school shows and relaxed evening outings to full day adventures and weekend escapes. With dozens of free experiences, accessible locations and programming that runs day and night, the festival has made it easy for every generation to take part, from toddlers meeting their favourite characters and teens exploring gaming zones and drone shows to parents enjoying outdoor dining and winter evenings. Now in its final days, DSF encourages families to make the most of these moments before the season wraps, offering a last chance for easy, joyful family outings across the city as routines resume.<\/h3>\n

Dubai Shopping Festival runs until 11 January 2026.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Strategic Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\n

DSF 2025-2026 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai, and Strategic Partners including: Al-Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall and Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Souq Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nad Al Sheba Mall, Palm Jumeirah Mall and The Outlet Village), Emirates airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach JBR), talabat, plus more to be revealed.<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Big Smiles, Bright Nights: Final Week of Family Fun at DSF as Schools Return Dubai, UAE \u2013 7 January 2026:\u00a0This winter, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) had cemented its reputation as a truly family-friendly festival, rolling out a citywide programme of experiences designed to entertain, engage and inspire all ages. From toddlers and teens to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":66831,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[29],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66825"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66825"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66830,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66825\/revisions\/66830"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hashtagdubai.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}