Festivals enthusiasts, just like shopping or nightclub fans, most often find the place to be, no matter how far, as these types of activities require its own brand of passion and lifestyle.
Perhaps Dubai is aware of that sizable demand as it is home to some of the most thrilling, world-class festivals, each offering unforgettable experiences and naturally, or one might say magnet like, draws visitors from every corner of the world. From celebrations of art, food, sport to design, Dubai’s calendar is packed with festivals proudly showing off its culture, innovation, and boundless energy. If all that adventure excites you, and this truly is the tip of the iceberg, we decided it time to list Top Festivals in Dubai you need to know about!
If you are passionate about shopping, then we can’t wait for you to check out our Top Shopping Centres in Dubai. We have mentioned in our guide the DSF festival a little bit too, but it’s worth anyone’s attention twice as the Dubai Shopping Festival has been going on since 1996, earning its place on a shopper’s dream list, providing massive discounts and irresistible deals at every turn. High-end luxury brands, local markets, and everything in between offer unbeatable prices during DSF. But DSF is more than just shopping—it’s a full-on citywide celebration with live concerts, thrilling parades, fireworks, food events, and even fashion shows. Every mall becomes a festival hub, with entertainment for all ages. Visitors are welcomed with excitement, especially as fireworks light up the night sky at Creek Park.
A food lover’s haven indeed! The Dubai Food Festival is an odyssey of flavors, smells, and culinary innovation for two weeks, highlighting the remarkable food scene of Dubai. Be it fine dining or the food hotspots hidden deep inside the city and known to selected few, it is an invite to discover the emirate’s culinary diversity. One of the most exciting elements at the DFF is its focus on the in-depth exploration of Dubai’s vibrant street food and local eateries. It also includes chefs’ master classes and food truck meet-ups; as you see, these only add to the ultimate experience any food or culinary lover would not want to miss.
Do you consider yourself an experienced swimmer? Ready for an epic challenge? We found one that is hard to miss.
Burj al Arab, The sail-shaped architectural masterpiece is one of the most iconic structures in Dubai, standing on an island 280 meters offshore. You must have at least seen it often appearance in nearly every film shot in the city. Swim the Burj is an annual event in March that allows you to get up close, where as many as 700 participants take the plunge and swim around the island. You can actually stroke past the Burj al Arab in either the 1,600 m or 800-meter racing categories. The tournament is open to anyone above the age of 16 years. All the money raised from the event goes to local charities.
How do you like our Top Festivals in Dubai suggesting so far? Is it time to introduce some art into it or not? Dubai International Jazz Festival is the place to be if you enjoy the engaging lineup of Jazz icons and the warm, friendly vibe. Toto, Robin Gibb, Stanley Jordan, and Jamie Callum are famous artists who performed in this festival. Dubai tourism benefits from the huge number of people in love with the Dubai International Jazz Festival. If you are looking for a variety of jazz performances in a chill, comfortable setting, this festival is calling your name. They claim to redefine and incorporate diversity into the genre, moving away from the traditional boundaries of Jazz. There is also food, and a vibrant atmosphere to meet new people. Don’t miss it.
For creatives and art lovers, attending Dubai Design Week is a must, bringing together top talent from around the world. This November gathering celebrates all forms of design, from architecture to product design and interiors. If you get yourself there, you can explore installations, exhibitions, workshops, and listen to discussions between experts in the field. The event transforms Dubai into a hub of design, with unmatched exhibitions and interactive activities presenting the most recent trends and developments in the design industry.
The Hijri New Year, popularly known as the Islamic New Year, represents one of the most critical happenings among Muslims. It marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year. It is a very special time for reflection, prayer, and being with the family. In Dubai, the celebrations are highly community-based, with much family gathering over or after special meals. You can join all these gatherings regardless of your faith, it is only necessary to respect the process and dress modestly.
The Dubai Desert Classic is a prestigious European golf tournament that is usually held on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. In nearly every year, it has a different title sponsor. It is the most popular golfing event in the Middle East. Many of the leading swingers around the world return yearly for a chance to win a grand prize. This is one of the Top Festivals in Dubai, attracting many tourists and amateur golfers as well. It is part of a broader approach to professional and casual golf tourism development in Dubai through a government program entitled “Dubai Golf.”
Eid, meaning ‘celebration’, is a significant word in Islam. There are two dedicated times of Eid that Muslims celebrate as per the Prophet Muhammad’s guidance: Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. These are times at which God asks Muslims to be happy and encourages joy amongst themselves.
Needless to say, these two major Islamic festivals are celebrated in Dubai with respect and much merriment. Eid Al Fitr at the end of Ramadan is a day of prayers, feasts, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. People often pray, enjoy feasts, and make donations these days. Both are celebrated with gatherings that emphasize unity and giving back. Just remember, do not confuse Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha together, they are two separate celebrations and have different stories behind them.
UAE National Day is where proud residents celebrate UAE’s independence and national unity. Fantastic parades, fireworks, and cultural events that highlight the country’s rich heritage in its full swing in Dubai on December 2nd. It is a patriotic festival filled with joy and pride, offering you the opportunity to experience Emirati culture firsthand. People will usually dress up in UAE national flag colors and decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to join the celebrations. Palm trees are also decorated with lights and hotels and other public sites are adorned with flags and beautiful lights.
This hasn’t happened overnight but Art Dubai is now one of the most respected art fairs in the world. Many artists, collectors, and curators try to get a glimpse of it in person. It happens every March and features the renowned Global Art Forum. You get to see leaders in the world of art come together to discuss issues that shape their industry. Renowned galleries and artists from less-represented parts of the world, presents around 120 contemporary and digital works.
DIFF’s journey from a regional film festival to a global cinematic event reflects its lasting impact on the film industry. The Dubai International Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the Middle East which naturally attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinema lovers. It is a red-carpet event where you can watch and discuss various films from the Arab world and elsewhere. If you attend, you can also enjoy film screenings, meet the actors, and attend workshops on films. Among the key figures behind this festival is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who wished for a gathering that not only celebrates cinema but also boost cultural exchange and understanding
This one is a fantastic summer celebration befitting of its name. Dubai Summer Surprises is the best place to be for families and tourists if they appreciate amazing shopping deals, entertainment, and other exciting events running across the city. The city celebrates endless days of summer fun with staycation offers, prize draws and more. Families in particular are in for a treat at Modesh World – the indoor edutainment destination where kids can enjoy a multitude of games, learning zones and fun activities. You can take day trips with your friends to water parks and attractions, then enjoy Dubai and its The Majestic Towers of Dubai after dark with non-stop entertainment and unforgettable concerts. From movie tickets to stage shows, hotel offers, couples offers and surprisingly affordable deals, there’s something to keep everyone happy.
If over 28,000 participants are looking for an epic event for athletes and fitness, then the Dubai Marathon is where to be, each and every year! This is the Middle East’s largest running event, it includes a 42.2 km marathon, a 10 km road race, and a 4 km fun run. Spectators cheer for runners and everyday participants as they race along a beautiful route. One of the Top Festivals in Dubai, the atmosphere here is amazing, there is also music, lots of supporters to encourage you, and an unmatched sense of achievement in the air. The marathon starts on Umm Suqeim Street, a few blocks southeast of Madinat Jumeirah, and it’s over about a few hundred meters further southeast
Happening every March at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, the Dubai World Cup is among the fanciest horse races in the world. Want to know why? Because of its jaw-dropping prize pool of USD 10 million! This grand event is a must-see for horse-racing fans, offering a glamorous experience with famous jockeys, horses, and trainers all competing on a top-notch track. The racecourse transforms into a classy venue, where fans can sit and enjoy thrilling races, elegant dining, and all sorts of entertainment.
Food lovers would find the Taste of Dubai festival an unforgettable, not to mention educational event and for a good reason. In this event you get to see some of the city’s top restaurants’ presentations and celebrity chefs, and that’s saying something when we are talking about Dubai and its high standard of dining.
Happening at Skydive Dubai, this exciting food festival is full of people watching together live cooking shows, tastings, and all sorts of culinary experiences. With plenty of fun and areas to explore for kids and places to shop, Taste of Dubai festival seems like a vibrant event perfect for families. 3 days of ultimate cooking experience, you could try creating your own recipes, and learn some new tricks on the BBQ. Whether you are all about the latest beats, or prefer chilled throwback acoustics, Taste of Dubai also features music from day to night in 2 different music areas all through the venue.
Dates: TBA.
This is one of the classiest events in the city, and if you attend the Dubai International Boat Show you’ll get to enjoy extravagant yachts and luxury boats from all around the world. The event shows off the best of the yacht industry, with a marina gallery open to VIP guests. There is also exclusive art on display from international galleries. With a relaxed vibe, this show is some sort of a leisurely experience, starting in the late afternoon and stretching itself into the night. Marking its 30th anniversary in 2024, the event is a celebration of luxurious living and heart-pounding water sports, alluring to enthusiasts and aficionados alike
This one is about boats too, but we most call them Dhows, which are ancient boats once used for pearl diving. Held since 1991, the Al Gaffal Dhow Race is a beloved Emirati tradition that honors Dubai’s maritime heritage and pearl-diving roots. Each dhow is crewed entirely by Emiratis, so it is sort of a patriotic event full of national pride. The race celebrates Dubai’s past, and spectators come to watch as the beautiful dhows sail across the water. This festival embodies the spirit of Dubai’s early trading history. This festival is also supported by royalty: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, is the race’s patron.
To keep it fair, we need to have a noteworthy festival for literature lovers out there, don’t we? We sure do, in fact this one is one of the biggest literary festivals in the Middle East. The Emirate Airline Festival of Literature, invites all book lovers, writers, and indulge in the beauty and depth of storytelling. In addition to panels featuring well-known authors, book signings, workshops, you can dive into discussion sessions related to literature. Be with other readers and writers and enjoy your conversation with some of the most beloved authors in the world. Some other events happening there include a murder mystery dinner, a TikTok Book Award Ceremony and a closing concert.
The demand for this one has been high for a long time and event organizers finally made it happen.
Inaugurated in 2012, the incredible Middle East Film & Comic Con represents one of the most crowded festivals by all kinds of pop culture enthusiasts. It masterfully unites comic, movie, anime, manga, and gaming fans under one roof. If you are a cosplayer or into this art, this is indeed a hub of amazing costumes, not to mention the amazing workshops, exhibitions, and the chance to meet your popular celebrities. The festival also houses the Artist Alley, which offers up-and-coming local artists a platform to display and sell their pop culture creations.
Do Arabian Horses look majestic and otherworldly to you too? Be happy as you have many like minded friends from all around the world. As a matter of fact, the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship is there to celebrate these creatures. All the competitions, parades, and exhibitions held for them is a testament to the beauty, grace, and heritage of these stunning horses. As an audience, you will learn about the history of the Arabian horse; you could also participate in auctions in which you can take one of these precious horses home. This festival has earned its place on the Top Festivals in Dubai list as It is an elegant gathering with rich history and appeal of the Arabian Peninsula.
Festivals in Dubai are not only culturally important but also strong drivers of tourism and growth in the real estate market. Major festivals like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Art Dubai, and the Dubai World Cup magnet international attention, drawing in thousands of visitors from all over the world. The great number of tourists coming creates demand for places to stay, transportation, and dining. Hotels, particularly high-end, also experience full bookings during peak festival periods. That naturally stimulates further investment in Dubai’s hospitality and tourism.
With the growth of tourism, the demand for short-term rented properties increases, hence making Dubai a more attractive city for real estate investment. A reasonable number of people have particular interests in vacation rentals and serviced apartments. Many festival-goers fall in love with the city’s lifestyle and then come back to live here either on a permanent or holiday basis. From continuous high-profile events that display the lifestyle of the city, Dubai’s festivals play a vital role in the surge of property prices in Dubai, cementing it as a top global investment hub.
Planning to attend Dubai’s festivals can be an exciting but detailed process, here are our insiders tips of what to expect and how to be prepared:
Getting around and finding the right place to stay in Dubai during festival season can make or break your whole experience. That is only if you haven’t given our How to Use Public Transportation in Dubai a thorough read.
We have said it before and we will say it again, there is no need to worry. Dubai has an excellent public transportation network, including the metro, buses, and taxis. They make it easy to access major festival venues like the Dubai Mall, Dubai World Trade Centre, and Madinat Jumeirah. If you have some doubts concerning the taxi system or the subway, the guide we mentioned has you covered.
We are not finished with the tips and tricks part of our post. How about staying at hotels nearby large events like the Dubai Shopping Festival or Dubai International Film Festival for convenient access and to reduce your travel time?
Many hotels offer special deals to attendees during festivals, which include perks like free shuttles to key venues and even event tickets. And if by any chance you’re staying further from festival sites, check for a place to stay close to metro stations for quick and easy access to the events. All in all, booking your place to stay as early as possible is key, demand surges during popular festivals and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The most reasonable and delightful time to visit Dubai for festivals is between November and April. Why, you might ask, and the answer is cooler and ideal weather for outdoor events. Between these months, many of Dubai’s biggest festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, Art Dubai, and the Dubai Marathon are held and attending would be the most comfortable. You could also go for some sightseeing or if you are enthusiastic about culture, visit The Museums of Dubai.
That being said, Dubai’s calendar also includes tempting summer events like Dubai Summer Surprises, designed to be as seductive as possible and draw visitors with incredible shopping deals, despite the heat.
We strongly recommend you to check the dates early and book accommodations and transportation in advance If you are planning to attend any of these festivals.
Dubai has proven time over time its passion to celebrate life with energy, luxury, and an unwavering commitment to culture. With these world-renowned festivals you just read about, visitors can indulge in everything from fine arts and gourmet dining to thrilling sporting events. No matter when you visit, although there are those recommended months we mentioned, Top Festivals in Dubai are always around the corner, offering unforgettable experiences for every interest and age. It is best to plan ahead and explore these amazing festivals and make the most of your time in dazzling Dubai!
The best time to experience Dubai’s festivals is from November to April. That is simply because the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor events. Many of Dubai's best festivals, like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Food Festival, and Art Dubai, happen during these months, so you are guaranteed an exciting time.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is citywide. So to attend, you only need to visit any mall, market in Dubai from December to January. Major malls like the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City Mall hold special DSF events, sales, and entertainment. Most events there are free, though some concerts or performances might require tickets.
Art Dubai is unique because it is a blend of contemporary and modern art from around the world. Although it has a strong focus on artists from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Somewhat different from many art fairs, Art Dubai hosts the Global Art Forum, a conference where notable speakers in art and culture get together and discuss trends and issues affecting the art world.
Yes, non-Muslim visitors are welcome to observe Dubai’s Islamic festivals. It includes Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and the Islamic New Year. These festivals have public celebrations that anyone can enjoy, like fireworks displays and public feasts. Although visitors must show respect for local customs during these religious events by dressing modestly and following public etiquette.
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is open to the public, with screenings, red carpet events, and panel discussions, the whole package for film lovers. You can buy tickets online through the festival’s official website. You can also book for specific screenings or events.
