Dubai has launched the 10th edition of its Retail Calendar, a year-long schedule of festivals, promotions and cultural events coordinated by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The 2026 calendar includes 18 major events and highlights the city’s efforts to strengthen its position as a global centre for retail and leisure.
Dubai Releases 2026 Retail Calendar, Marking a Decade of Citywide Festivals
The calendar’s flagship events - the Dubai Shopping Festival, entering its 31st edition, and Dubai Summer Surprises - anchor a programme that spans seasonal sales, cultural celebrations, and industry-specific festivals. Following strong results in 2025, DFRE reported that the most recent Dubai Shopping Festival awarded more than AED 50 million in prizes through 295 raffles, while Dubai Summer Surprises generated a 110 percent rise in average consumer spending, supported by thousands of promotions across nearly 4,000 outlets.
Ahmed Al Khaja, DFRE’s chief executive, said the 2026 programme reflects a decade of collaboration between the public and private sectors and supports Dubai’s broader economic agenda. Since its launch in 2017, the Retail Calendar has brought together more than 1,000 brands and 4,000 retail outlets, contributing to sales growth and positioning Dubai as the region’s retail hub.
The 2026 line-up also includes the 10th Dubai Fitness Challenge, Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Eid in Dubai, the Festival of Lights, and a series of digital and in-person shopping events such as the Great Online Sale and the 3-Day Super Sale. The Dubai Esports and Games Festival, which drew 45,000 attendees and 3.8 million online participants in 2025, returns with tournaments, exhibitions and industry programming.
DFRE said the calendar serves as a planning tool for retailers and visitors, offering a structured overview of the city’s retail and entertainment cycle. Businesses can align campaigns with the scheduled events and register participation through the DET Connect online platform.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Oksana Bozhko
