Flying machines writing messages in the air? Yes, the future of robotics is in Dubai and it’s free to watch every night. Thanks to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and the series of fun activations and events that accompany it, Dubai residents can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ in wonder at its annual daily drone show in Dubai.
Where is the DSF drone show happening?
The cutting-edge production returns for DSF’s 30th season after its buzz-worthy debut in 2021. The drone show takes flight every night from December 6, 2024 until January 12, 2025 at two locations: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR.
Nightly performances at the waterfront destinations see fleets of these unmanned aerial robots take off from the ground in perfect synchronisation. Once mid-air, they zoom around to arrange themselves into stunning 3D shapes, patterns and words to tell a story.
The result? Views that look like a thousand fireflies are dancing to the tune of an invisible conductor tracing shapes in the air. These choreographed drone performances are usually set to original music composed specially for this event.
See 1000 drones and skydive stunts
Last year’s 800 drones have been rounded off to even 1000 drones this year to tell two stories. From December 6-26, the drone displays will celebrate the Dubai Shopping Festival completing a milestone of 30 years and recreate its legacy through airborne visuals.
The second show centres around a story of tradition and modernity and will utilise the imagery of Dubai’s iconic landmarks. This show will run from December 27 -January 12. However, on December 13 and January 11, a special twist awaits – the show will include pyro drones that can launch fireworks and epic stunts by skydivers!
DSF Drone Shows have free entry
The shows are absolutely free and open to the public. There are two shows daily happening at 8pm and 10pm at both Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR. But it’s a smart call to arrive there earlier and nab a great viewing spot because of how popular these shows are.