DUBAI: The Chinese New Year celebrations are in full swing as Dubai unveils a dazzling array of promotions, cultural events, and exciting prizes to mark the auspicious Year of the Snake.
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the festivities, which run from 24 January to 2 February, bring a dynamic mix of shopping discounts, entertainment, and dining experiences to residents and visitors alike.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a festival that symbolises prosperity and unity,” said Mohamad Feras, AVP Retail & Strategic Alliances, DFRE. “With Dubai being home to over 200 nationalities, this event truly reflects our city’s multicultural ethos.”
Unmissable shopping deals
Shoppers can take advantage of discounts of up to 90 percent at leading malls and stores across Dubai. From luxury brands to high-street favourites, the city is buzzing with irresistible offers. Popular malls like Mall of the Emirates are hosting daily prize draws for shoppers spending Dh500 or more, with additional perks for users of Alipay+, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay.
Major prizes are also up for grabs. At Ibn Battuta Mall, visitors stand a chance to win a Nissan Patrol, while Mercato Mall and Town Centre Jumeirah are offering a Jetour 2025 car. Other malls, including Dubai Festival Plaza and Times Square Center, are raffling Dh50,000 in cash.
Prizes and family-friendly fun
Dubai Hills Mall is turning heads with luxury giveaways, including a BMW 8 Series and exclusive Rivoli watches, while Wafi City tempts shoppers with weekly Longines and Union Glashütte prizes. In addition to the shopping frenzy, malls are hosting family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and traditional Chinese performances.
Chinese New Year in Dubai
Top attractions across Dubai are joining the festive celebrations. Global Village promises spectacular laser and fire shows, alongside its new Dragon Lake experience. Motiongate Dubai invites families to a Kung Fu Panda-themed adventure, and AYA Universe is offering a 25% discount on its immersive displays.
For foodies, this Lunar New Year is a feast to remember. Restaurants like Hakkasan Dubai, Hutong, and Demon Duck are serving curated menus inspired by the season’s authentic flavours.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to a magical evening at Expo City Dubai’s Al Wasl Plaza, where the Firdaus Orchestra will perform classical and festive melodies on 26 January. Tickets for the event are priced at Dh120.
Exclusive hotel offers
Several of Dubai’s world-class hotels are offering festive packages for the occasion. Properties like MD Hotel – By Gewan, The Lana – Dorchester Collection, and Al Habtoor Grand Resort have rolled out limited-time deals, inviting families and friends to make their celebrations even more memorable.
Abu Dhabi joins the festivities
The Galleria Al Maryah Island is also hosting a grand Chinese New Year celebration from 24 January to 2 February. Shoppers who spend Dh500 or more can enter weekly draws for Dh150,000 in gift cards. The luxury shopping destination features global brands like CHANEL, Apple, and Hermès, as well as family-friendly attractions such as Zero Latency VR and Mission: Play! by Mattel.