Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) launches a citywide programme of sporting events taking place throughout December and January, spanning elite competition, community participation, endurance challenges and outdoor fitness. From professional basketball and baseball fixtures to polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport.
The diverse line-up strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Basketball
Dubai Basketball at Coca-Cola Arena
Horse Racing
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: 19 December (Festive Friday), 2 January, 9 January and continuing dates until 13 March.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
- About: The flagship winter racing season featuring international horses and top jockeys.
- Event links:
Polo
AHPC Festive League
Silver Cup
Cycling and Endurance Running
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge – Build-Up Ride 4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
SKECHERS Performance Run – Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSFreinforces Dubai’s winter as a vibrant season for sport, wellbeing and outdoor experiences.
Strategic Partners
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.
For more information about Dubai Shopping Festival please visit mydsf.ae or follow @dubaifestivals on social media
