Dubai announces the 2026 Retail Calendar with major festivals, sales and megaevents, including DSF, DSS, Diwali, Ramadan and more
Retail
Dubai South
New mall opens in Dubai in community with 3km waterfront promenade
Dubai South launches South Bay Mall, a 200,000 sq ft retail and lifestyle hub featuring 60 stores, dining and wellness spaces
Dubai
Emirates launches the Signature Series, jerseys with autographs of football’s finest
The signed jerseys come in a custom-designed box and are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity as well as a security hologram
Black Friday discounts
UAE Black Friday shoppers prioritise experience over deep discounts, says Initials Middle East
Retailers urged to view Black Friday as a test of customer experience rather than a one-day sales spike
Abu Dhabi
A new luxury rewards experience is coming to The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Aldar and ADIO have unveiled a new retail initiative that gives back big to its most loyal shoppers
decarbonisation
Tanmiah advances push for Saudi sustainability with three MoUs
Agreements with Schneider Electric, Strataphy, and Kayes Arabia aim to fast-track decarbonisation and energy efficiency in line with Vision 2030
Artificial intelligence
97% of GCC retailers increasing investment in AI – report
Doha Festival City’s report reveals AI adoption is reshaping regional retail while fashion, beauty, and experiential shopping continue to dominate consumer behaviour
Dubai
Lulu opens 17th store of the year with a mini market in Oud Metha
The retailer says it is on track to add another three before the year ends, in line with its 2025 store expansion strategy
Abu Dhabi
ADNOC Distribution launches Hubs, its enhanced roadside retail concept
Will feature a retail footprint three times larger than service stations, The Hub by ADNOC blends family, recreation and food with traditional services
Abu Dhabi
Aldar and ADIO launch luxury rewards programme at The Galleria in Abu Dhabi
The programme, called Unlock Luxury Rewards, will run from Dec. 1-14 at The Galleria, one of the capital’s main luxury retail destinations
AI in finance
UAE moves towards AI-powered payments with major Mastercard pilot
UAE has become the first market outside US to launch Mastercard’s Agent Pay, partnering with Majid Al Futtaim on AI-powered payments
Dubai
Luxury spending slowdown masks rise of a broader buyer base, Visa says
Visa data show luxury purchases are spreading beyond the ultra-rich as middle-class consumers and younger generations enter the market despite 2025’s spending slowdown
Burger King
Burger King set for push in China with $350m joint venture
Partnership between RBI and CPE aims to expand Burger King’s footprint from 1,250 to more than 4,000 restaurants by 2035
Amazon
Amazon UAE 11.11 sale: Up to 60% off top brands, 15-minute delivery and exclusive Prime savings
Amazon.ae 11.11 sale offers up to 60 per cent off leading brands, 15-minute delivery via Amazon Now, and Prime savings in UAE
Changi Airports International
Dubai Chocolate: Fix Dessert Chocolatier announces pop-up store at Singapore’s Changi Airport
From November 3 to January 30, FIX chocolates will be available to passengers passing through Terminal 1
Dubai Duty Free
Dubai Duty Free records record $221m sales as perfume, gold and fashion soar
Dubai Duty Free achieved record October sales of $221m with perfume, gold, and fashion driving growth during Diwali
Entrepreneur
Fitness influencer’s Neutonic drink makes unusual promise
If you don’t like James Smith’s products, he’ll refund you from his own bank account
