Dubai Unveils 2025 Retail Calendar Packed With Festivals, Cultural Experiences

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced its 2025 Retail Calendar. The calendar includes various events and activities to improve the city's retail business.

The 2025 program offers a year-long celebration of shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences, catering to the interests of people from all backgrounds, whether they are residents or visitors, WAM reported.

This calendar aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for business and leisure and make it the best city to visit, live, and work.

The calendar includes 18 unique events supporting this vision, including the world's longest-running retail festival, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF); citywide deals and summer fun, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS); and Ramadan in Dubai which celebrates community and togetherness with special food, shopping, and events.

Furthermore, there is an Eid in Dubai event that marks an important Islamic occasion with gift-giving and charitable acts. These events are designed to offer personalized experiences for millions of residents and visitors from around the world.

The Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) will return for its fourth edition from April 25 to May 11, 2025. The event will feature the GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, Dubai Cosplay Championship and Play Beyond, further solidifying Dubai's role as a global gaming hub with exciting tournaments, industry insights and family-friendly activities.

With over 1,000 brands and 4,000 outlets participating annually, the calendar is designed to meet industry needs and create tailored experiences, boosting both foot traffic and sales in Dubai's retail scene.

Dubai Fashion Season, a major part of the Retail Calendar, will engage fashion lovers throughout the year. The Spring/Summer collection will be presented in the first half of 2025 while the Fall/Winter collection will follow, highlighting Dubai as a leading fashion destination.

DFRE CEO Ahmed Al Khaja explained that the 2025 Retail Calendar is designed to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for events. He noted that the calendar features a year-long schedule of seasonal festivals and campaigns. It aims to meet the interests of Dubai's diverse population while appealing to both business travelers and leisure tourists.

The calendar is expected to take advantage of increased visitor numbers in the coming year, supporting the growth of local businesses through partnerships with key stakeholders. It also enhances Dubai's reputation as a top destination for shopping, tourism and entertainment, contributing to the goals of the D33 Agenda.