When the festival runs and why you want a car
The Dubai Shopping Festival is an annual season of discounts, promotions and entertainment. It usually falls in winter and lasts several weeks, but exact dates change every year, so check the current schedule before you travel. We do not quote specific dates, to avoid misleading you.
Dubai's malls are far apart: Dubai Mall in Downtown, Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina Mall by the waterfront, Ibn Battuta on the western edge of the city, City Centre Mirdif closer to the airport. Each hop is 20 minutes or more, and longer during the festival. Taxis work too, but with shopping bags and several stops in a day a car is more convenient and often cheaper.
How to plan a route between malls
The main rule: group malls by area and do not criss-cross the city.
| Day | Area | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| First | Downtown: Dubai Mall and nearby streets | The busiest area, arrive at opening time |
| Second | Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Barsha: Mall of the Emirates | The highway is dense in the evening, go in the daytime |
| Third | Marina and Jumeirah: Marina Mall and the coastal blocks | Easy to combine with the waterfront and dinner |
| Fourth | Mirdif or Festival City | Calmer traffic, good for families |
For mall opening hours, sale times and evening shows, check the malls' own websites. What we can tell you is something else: the longest queues for car parks and access roads happen in the evening and at weekends.
Parking at the malls during the festival
During the sales season car parks fill faster, and it is better not to count on finding a space right by the entrance. A few practical tips:
- arrive at opening time or after the main evening peak, to avoid queuing at the entrance;
- remember your level and zone and photograph the sign: in huge multi-storey car parks this saves time;
- do not leave shopping visible in the cabin, put it in the boot;
- paid parking terms depend on the particular mall and area, so read the signs at the entrance and in the app, and do not use a space if you are not sure of the rules;
- do not leave the car on the kerb or in no-parking spots, even for five minutes.
We cover paid parking in the city in a separate article, including how to pay for it from your phone.
Traffic: when to go and when to wait
In Dubai the peaks on ordinary days are the morning and evening of the working day, and during the festival the flow to the malls is added on top. The busiest time is Friday and Saturday evening, when roads to Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are hard going. If you can, shop on weekdays and before lunch.
Salik gates operate on the main highways, and the renter pays tolls at actual cost. Speeding fines are also paid by the renter. On an empty road it is easy to pick up speed without noticing, so watch the limits, especially at night.
Which car to take for shopping
For shopping, boot space and easy parking matter. These options work well. Prices are as of October 2026, and the current price is always on the car page:
- Toyota Raize 2024: 109 AED per day, 750 AED per week, 2,490 AED per month. A compact city option, easy to park in multi-storey car parks;
- Honda HR-V 2025: 160 AED per day, 1,040 AED per week, 3,500 AED per month. A crossover with a good seating position;
- Toyota Camry 2025: 180 AED per day, 1,170 AED per week, 3,950 AED per month. A roomy sedan with a large boot;
- Kia Carnival Noblesse 2022: 199 AED per day, 1,390 AED per week, 4,990 AED per month, 8 seats. For a big group or anyone coming back with many bags.
Most of our cars need no deposit, and insurance and 250 km per day are included. Partner cars have their own terms: a 1,000 AED deposit and a minimum of 3 or 7 days, shown on the car page.
Delivery, payment and return
On rentals of 7 days or more, delivery and return in Dubai are free. For shorter rentals, delivery and return together cost 210 AED. This is handy in shopping season: the car is brought to your hotel and you do not spend time getting it after you land. You can pay in cash, by card or with e-wallets. When paying by card, the rental amount may be held as a pre-authorisation and charged at the end. The office in Princess Tower, Dubai Marina, is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
