Your Guide to Making the Most of Dubai's Events

Dubai is a world-class tourist destination, known for its breathtaking beaches, high-end shopping opportunities, lively entertainment, and luxurious fine-dining restaurants.

What visitors might not know is that Dubai’s annual calendar is packed with a wide variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and celebrations. Whether you are a sports fan, an epicurean, seeking immersion in the local culture, or looking for some fun for all the family, there is something happening that is sure to appeal.

Here are the ten best annual events that are sure to enrich your trip to the region.

• Time: Typically in the first quarter of the year, between the end of December and the start of February
  
  
• Location: Numerous shopping malls across Dubai, including The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Swissotel Al Ghurair is conveniently connected to Al Ghurair Centre, Dubai's first shopping mall; Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre offers direct access to City Centre Deira Mall; and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai along with ibis Mall Avenue Dubai are just a few minutes' walk from Mall of the Emirates.
   

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) has been operating for over 25 years and is known as one of the liveliest events in the Middle East. Dubai is transformed into a retail enthusiast’s paradise, with sales across the city featuring 70-90% discounts on branded items in most outlets.

No matter how exclusive the store is, everyone gets involved and there are jaw-dropping savings to be made. Huge prize draws and raffles are held, with prizes including high-ticket items like sports cars and even gold up for grabs.

Alongside the sales is plenty of entertainment, such as concerts, fashion shows, parades, game shows, and food-based events, as well as spectacular fireworks displays every night of the event at Creek Park.
 

• Tips: It’s best to plan ahead so you know the items you wish to purchase at discounted prices, and make sure to take advantage of coupons distributed at the event. Weekends can get very busy, so aim to visit during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.
  
  
• Who’s it for: This is an event that captures the whole city, so is ideal for shopping enthusiasts, but all the entertainment on offer makes it just as much fun for families and tourists, too.

• Time: February, sometimes lasting into March
  
  
• Location: Across the city, including Jumeirah Beach and The Beach areas, and in various malls
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Rixos Premium Dubai JBR; Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
   

Dubai is already known as a top destination in the Middle East for incredible culinary delights, but during the two-week-long Dubai Food Festival, the city becomes a dream playground for foodies.

The event focuses on showcasing the best of Dubai’s unique food culture, with food tastings, chef-led experiences, and fine dining events.

The city’s best restaurants create exclusive menus for Dubai Restaurant Week, and there is even a pop-up seafront dining experience, ‘Beach Canteen’, to help you make the most of Dubai's best beaches during the festival.
 

• Tips: Make sure to book early as popular venues will fill up very quickly during Dubai Food Festival.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Food lovers, families, and tourists looking to experience the many delicious cuisines on offer in Dubai.

• Time: Every March, on the last Saturday of the month
  
  
• Location: Meydan Racecourse
  
  
• Nearby Hotels: Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk; Raffles Dubai
   

Nine races culminating in the world’s richest horse race with a prize of $12 million, the Dubai World Cup Night is a highlight of the global horse racing calendar, and has been a yearly event since 1996.

State-of-the-art facilities and the world’s best jockeys, trainers, and thoroughbreds make this an unmissable experience for any racing fan, and it is unsurprisingly one of Dubai’s biggest social events of the year.

Everyone dresses to impress, so expect some spectacular outfits and fashion on show, as well as plenty of entertainment.
 

• Tips: Make sure to dress up, as this event is as much about sartorial elegance as it is the horse racing. It is worth booking a hospitality package to ensure great views.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Sports fans, fashionistas, and socialites will all find something to love at Dubai World Cup Night.

• Time: Every April
  
  
• Location: Al Marmoom Desert, Dubai
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Raffles The Palm Dubai, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
   

One of Dubai’s most culturally significant annual events, the Al Marmoon Heritage Festival is a celebration of Khaleeji heritage and Bedouin traditions of the UAE. The focal point of the festival is the camel racing, a long-standing Emirati sport.

Thousands of camels, many from highly-esteemed breeding lineages and some belonging to the Sheikh, will compete in hundreds of races, ridden by robot jockeys. They vie for spectacular prizes such as golden swords, daggers, guns, and other trophies.

Aside from the racing, visitors can enjoy traditional music and dances, and explore the marketplace to purchase locally-made foods and handicrafts produced using age-old methods.

It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich living cultural legacy of Dubai while soaking in the scenic desert landscape.
 

• Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot with a good vantage point for viewing the races. Make sure to bring a hat and sun cream as the event is in the open desert, and stay hydrated.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Sports, history, and cultural enthusiasts, anyone with an interest in Emirati heritage, and families looking for a great day out.

• Time: Every March
  
  
• Location: Madinat Jumeirah Conference and Events Centre
  
  
• Nearby Hotels: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Raffles The Palm Dubai
   

This three-day event is one of the international art world’s most anticipated yearly art fairs. Art Dubai showcases the incredible works of artists from across the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia (MENASA), displaying a wide range of modern masterpieces and contemporary art across its galleries.

Make sure to catch the talks and workshops with renowned artists and curators for unparalleled insights into their creative processes.
 

• Tips: Leave plenty of time to explore all the galleries, as there’s loads to see.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Lovers of art, collectors, and anyone with an interest in the creative cultures of the MENASA regions.

• Time: Every February
  
  
• Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
   

Legendary recording artists and internationally critically acclaimed contemporary and blues musicians all descend on Dubai each year for a three-day celebration of jazz and music.

Held in the open-air Media City Amphitheatre, this is a relaxed event that’s sure to delight music lovers. There’ll be music workshops and the opportunity for meet-and-greets with some of the performing artists, too, as well as delicious refreshments from food and drink stalls.
 

• Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the performances, and bring a blanket or foldable chairs to sit on as this outdoor event doesn’t provide seating.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Jazz aficionados, music lovers, and couples looking for a romantic event in the outdoors.

• Time: Every March
  
  
• Location: Dubai Harbour
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
   

One of the premier events in the calendar for marine enthusiasts, Dubai International Boat Show attracts exhibitors and visitors from around the globe. Showcasing the finest luxury yachts and accessories to marine pursuits, cutting-edge boating innovations, as well as supercars and fine art in the Marina Gallery.

One of Dubai’s classiest events, even if you’re not involved in the world of yachting it’s still worth a visit to marvel at the boats and wealth on show and to soak up the elegant vibes of the marina.

There are plenty of events on within the Boat Show, such as the Dive MEN Expo, watersports arena, and Dubai Fishing Championships, as well as a plethora of fashion, real estate, and lifestyle brand offerings to peruse, all in keeping with the luxury lifestyle.
 

• Tips: Register for tickets early, and make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes, as there’ll be a lot of walking around outside between exhibits.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Yachting enthusiasts, lovers of luxury, boating industry professionals, and anyone with an interest in the marine lifestyle.

• Time: Every October to April
  
  
• Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
  
  
• Nearby hotel: Novotel Jumeirah Village Triangle
   

Referred to as a huge multicultural theme park in the open air, this outdoor festival brings together exhibits showcasing different cultures.

The history, culture, and foods of almost 80 different countries are celebrated across nearly 30 pavilions, while entertainment includes celebrity performances and spectacular fireworks displays.

There are a plethora of shopping opportunities, too, making this event one not to miss if you’re visiting Dubai in the winter season.
 

• Tips: Visit in the evenings, when the weather is cooler and the live musical performances are in full swing.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Families, tourists, anyone with an interest in different world cultures; there’s truly something for everyone here.

• Time: Every November
  
  
• Location: Dubai Design District (d3)
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
   

This is the largest festival of design and creativity in the Middle East, and showcases the finest innovations and creations across a variety of artistic disciplines.

Expect to find architectural exhibits, interior design installations, and even displays covering product creation. Local and international designers contribute to this renowned event, delivering talks and educational workshops, and there are plenty of interactive activities for families, too.

• Tips: Explore d3’s many galleries and pop-up events on foot to find hidden gems and fascinating design installations while also appreciating the lively neighbourhood.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Creative types, artists, designers, architecture enthusiasts.

• Time: Every year on December 2nd
  
  
• Location: Nationwide celebrations across the UAE, with major events in Dubai
  
  
• Nearby hotels: Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach
   

Commemorating the union of the seven emirates to found the United Arab Emirates in 1971, the occasion is marked by celebrations across the region, including enormous fireworks displays, parades, patriotic displays, and performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

National landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab are illuminated in the UAE’s colours of red, white, and green, creating spectacular light displays across the iconic Dubai skyline.

Families and friends come together to revel in the spirit of unity, and on December 2nd the joy and pride of the nation is palpable, and shared with all.
 

• Tips: Arrive early if you wish to secure a good spot to view the parades or fireworks, and dress in the national colours to show that you are participating in the festivities.
  
  
• Who’s it for: Families, tourists—everyone, really!

Dubai hosts several top-tier sports events that draw international fans and participants. The Dubai World Cup Night is a highlight for horse racing enthusiasts, featuring the world's richest horse race. The Dubai International Boat Show is another major event, attracting marine and yachting aficionados from around the globe. Additionally, the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival offers a unique glimpse into traditional Emirati sports like camel racing, making it a must-visit for those interested in cultural sports.

Dubai offers a plethora of family-friendly events that provide unique experiences for both children and adults. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a city-wide celebration with something for everyone, from shopping enthusiasts to families looking for entertainment. The Global Village is another fantastic option, offering a multicultural experience with exhibits, performances, and shopping opportunities from nearly 80 different countries. Lastly, the Dubai Food Festival is perfect for families who love to explore diverse culinary delights together.