Events in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival
January - February
Dubai is a year-round shopper's paradise, the month of January is no exception. Over two million visitors flock to Dubai for this month-long Shopping Festival that is any bargain hunters dream. Visitors can enjoy a break from the shopping frenzy by attending any of the many concerts, family entertainment, firework shows and other events that are happening city-wide.
Dubai Marathon
January - February
Dubai Marathon is a charitable funding event the whole family can take part in and there’s even a chance to win a hefty cash prize. With three different race types this event attracts all ability levels.
Dubai Desert Classic
February - March
Many of the world's leading swingers gather every year in the most popular golfing event in the UAE. The competition is held at the famous Emirates Golf Club and generally attracts many tourists each year.
Dubai International Jazz Festival
February - March
An event for all the music lovers, the Emirates Airlines Dubai Jazz Festival has been running for over 15 years. Some of the biggest names in jazz, as well as music in general come together in a celebration of all things jazz, blues and more. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance, because tickets sell out fast every year.
Dubai Tennis Championships
February - March
The Dubai Open is one of the most exciting events that brings together some of the world’s best tennis players, including Roger Federer and Serena Williams. Held at the Aviation club, the championships consist of an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and a WTA (Women's Tennis Association). Come watch some of the best stars play in one of the greatest cities of opportunity.
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
March
This international literature festival is fast becoming one of the major UAE festivals. The festival holds upto 250 different sessions with hundreds of writers from around the world. There are writing and poetry workshops, readings, discussions and lots more catering to literature lovers. The festival focuses on cultivating the writers of tomorrow and promoting talent within the country.
Art Dubai
March - April
The annual Art Dubai fair has been a significant showcase for artists from throughout the region. This event gives the city's enigmatic mix of artists', curators' and art lovers a growing platform for their innovative artwork. The thriving contemporary art galleries and burgeoning art scene make Art Dubai an essential event to visit for any art connoisseur.
Dubai World Cup
March - April
Every year Dubai is home to the world's richest horse race, with a US$10 million dollar prize fund! Amidst the presence of the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers, the action takes place at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, where state-of-the-art facilities and a superb track provide race goers with a unique and atmospheric venue at the city's largest social event.
The Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)
April
MEFCC is a speculative fiction convention celebrating all things comic books, science fiction, fantasy, film, television, and all forms of the popular arts. The convention is the first and largest of its kind in the Middle East region. The event features panels, seminars, workshops with comic book professionals, previews of upcoming films, portfolio review sessions with comic book companies, a cosplay contest, and also regionally created content.
The Bride Show
April - May
Dubai hosts the annual Bride Show attracting hundreds of exhibitors from all over the region to exhibit a variety of events centred on the theme of weddings. The main events are held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
Festival of Taste
April - May
This festival is dedicated to all the food lovers. Over the period of one week, the top global chefs congregate in Dubai Media City to prepare their most delicious specialties and even share cooking tips.
Dubai Summer Surprises
June - August
The city of Dubai comes alive with live concerts, entertainment, shopping, fireworks and discounts across town making the most of the summer period. Shopaholics can rejoice with a plethora of incredible discounts and offers at all of Dubai’s leading malls and entertainment spots. World-class hotels and resorts make highlife luxury more affordable during this period with discount packages. Families can have a blast together with all the special offers at Dubai’s world-class waterparks and theme parks.
Motexha Textile Show
September - October
This annual trade fair the largest of its kind in the Middle East, is dedicated to showcasing every branch of the clothing and textile industry. Located at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, this event attracts about 500 exhibitors spread out over 30 international pavilions.
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November - December
Every year, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club hosts the first round of the World Rugby Sevens Series, with upto 16 international teams competing over three days for the prestigious trophy. During the duration of the competition other shows and events keep visitors of all ages entertained alongside of the sporting event.
Dubai International Film Festival
November - December
The Dubai International Film Festival focuses on promoting independent and art-house cinema to the general local public. Featuring many special guests such as George Clooney and Morgan Freeman, the festival attracts large audiences each year.
Events in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
November - January
Named after the founding father of UAE, thousands of locals and tourists flock to Abu Dhabi to experience this popular heritage festival showcasing the rich cultural diversity and traditions of the Emirates. The bustling festival holds various interactive exhibitions, cultural pavilions, traditional cafes offering local and international cuisines as well as hundreds of interesting shops selling handicrafts and other items.
Abu Dhabi Art
November - January
The engaging exhibitions, talks and installations of Abu Dhabi Art transcends the boundaries of a traditional art fair whilst positioning itself in the midst of many sought-after Abu Dhabi festivals.The 4-day event brings art closer to the people, drawing more than 20,000 visitors each year to admire as well as buy various art works and installations from talented artists and up to 40 participating art galleries.
Al Dhafra Festival
December - January
This is a special festival in Abu Dhabi, visitors are provided with an opportunity to learn about the Bedouin way of life and engage with the desert tribes. Over 1500 camel owners from across the Gulf countries gather with their best livestock, while local women sell traditional handicrafts from the region. The highlights of the festival are the camel beauty & falconry contests. Free bus rides are available from the city to the venue.
Abu Dhabi Food Festival
5 – 21 February
This two week food extravaganza is every foodies chance to witness and sample food prepared by local & international celebrity chefs at this festival celebrating Emirati delicacies. Supported by all the major hotels, restaurants and malls, this festival is a popular event that offers visitors cooking demonstrations, workshops, live music and a lots of delectable traditional and international foods to eat.
Abu Dhabi Festival
March
Organized annually by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, this is the largest cultural celebration in the entire region showcasing various facets of Arabic culture through a myriad of events and performances. International opera performances, theatre & dance performances, instrumental concerts and so much more can be seen each year at this fascinating festival spread across different venues in the city.
Mother of the Nation Festival
22 – 31 March
The Mother of the Nation is a 10-day long celebration in honour of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak (wife of the late Sheikh Zayad) as a tribute for her benevolent work and efforts towards empowering women. The outdoor festival is one of Abu Dhabi’s most exciting events with live music, food stalls, games for children, interesting performances and fireworks during the closing ceremony. Divided into various themed zones, there is also pavilions dedicated to women in the UAE and about environmental awareness.
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
24 – 30 April
This week-long book fair is any literature and culture enthusiasts dream. With daily book signings, author sessions, poetry readings, traditional music performances and engaging activities for children makes this a noteworthy event to attend in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
29 November – 1 December
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling of the Abu Dhabi events. Cheer along the F1 drivers and experience the adrenaline rush of the race. Get the chance to book a driving experience on the 2.4Km South Circuit in a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Abu Dhabi Golf Festival
December
The Abu Dhabi Golf festival is one of the highly anticipated events for golfing enthusiasts on the capital city's social calendar. Professionals from all around the world gather annually to play in some of the most luxurious golf courses this region has to offer. Abu Dhabi is an established world-class golfing destination with many professional standard golf courses that welcome you to tee off and enjoy the ample sunshine.
Events in Other Emirates
UAE Awafi Festival - Ras Al Khaimah
December - March
The Awafi festival is an annual celebration of the culture and history of the Emirates, celebrated in the form of an outdoor sporting event. Held every summer, this festival is known for its various off-roading competitions, many cultural events, a Heritage Village show, a main bazaar as well as its coffee shops and art exhibitions. This is one of the best traditional festivals of United Arab Emirates and is a must visit if you are around during this period.
UAE Desert Challenge
March - April
Fans of fast cars and bikes will love this popular five day rally. This rally is a part of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and is the last race that starts off in Abu-Dhabi and finishes in Dubai.
National Day Festival - All Emirates
2 December
Celebrated on the 2nd of December, the National Day Festival is an annual celebration to commemorate the Emirates' independence from Great Britain and the union of the seven Emirates. Many of the national monuments are decorated or open their doors to the public and put on special events throughout the day across the seven Emirates.
Ramadan & Eid - All Emirates
Dates announced yearly
The month of Ramadan holds great religious significance and spirituality for the entire Islamic world. Visitors during this period will experience the buzz of evenings when the local’s break their fast and the markets and shops come alive. During the Eid Al Fitr celebrations, visitors and locals can attend some of the many festivals in all the major Emirates’. There are special fireworks displays, decorations everywhere and is also a wonderful time for shopping at all major malls which offer special discounts.