Dubai’s Guide of Festivals

Dubai’s culture and religion is firmly embedded in its festivals and celebrations. Here, Islam is more than just a religion. It is a way that governs even the smallest event, whether it is a marriage or just deciding onto what to eat or drink.

Let’s see a guide for the all-around the year festivals of Dubai.

1. January to February: Dubai Shopping Festival

Although Dubai is known as a Shopper’s paradise throughout the year, the months of January and February are known to be the best months for shopping. These months are good for all the bargain hunters. Right from the month January, millions of tourists’ flock in to Dubai, for enjoying the two-month long Shopping Festival of Dubai, which involves every shop in the city, including the concerts, entertainment firework shows and other events that offer a welcome break to the tourists who are visiting Dubai.

2. January to February: Dubai Marathon

Dubai Marathon is a charitable event which allows one to take part for a small fee with a chance of winning a hefty cash prize. Within the marathon are three different types of races enabling the event to attract more visitors:

a. The fun run – a 3km race for those who don’t have the best fitness levels.

b. The over 15’s run – a 10km road race.

c. And a 50km marathon, only suitable for 18 years old and above.

3. February to March: Dubai Desert Classic

The most popular golfing event in the UAE where many of the world’s leading swingers return every year for a chance to play and win a huge prize money. This competition is held at The Emirates Golf Club and attracts tourists who enjoy the exhilaration on the final day of the event.

4. February to March: Dubai International Jazz Festival

This annual festival is held at Dubai Media City and is appealing for all the tourists who enjoy the warm and concert atmospheres. It’s a festival that celebrates Dubai as a Music Capital of UAE with concerts, food and beverages and lots more for the entertainment for every visitor.

5. February to March: Dubai Tennis Championships

One of the extravagant events that bring together, some of the world’s best tennis players including the famous Maria Sharapova. It is a fantastic opportunity to come and watch some of the best players playing under the sun.

6. March to April: UAE Desert Challenge

This is a rally that is a part of the FIA Cross Country, and is a race that starts off in Abu Dhabi and finishes in Dubai. The duration of the rally lasts for about five days and is popular within the fans of cars and fast bikes.

7. March to April: Art Dubai

The annual Art Dubai fair signifies the presence of artists throughout the region. It is an instrumental mix of artists, curators, and art lovers that creates a platform for innovative art work and local talent.

8. March to April: Dubai World Cup

Held every year, Dubai is the host to the world’s richest horse race that has a winning prize of USD$10 million dollar. Among the presence of the best horses in the world with jockeys and trainers, this million-dollar race takes place at the Nad Al Sheba racecourse that is an atmospheric venue with a massive crowd.

9. April to May: The Bride Show

During April, Dubai hosts the annual Bride Show which features a variety of event centered on the theme of weddings. This event attracts hundreds of exhibitors from all around the region who have different models displaying their themes.

10. April to May: Dubai Food Festival / Festival of Taste

This event is dedicated to the food lovers and is a place to showcase Dubai as the gastronomic capital of Middle East. It runs for a period of one week, every year. During this event, top global chefs come and prepare delicious specialties for various events and even give live cooking classes and tips.

11. June to August: Dubai Summer Surprises

Generally known as “DSS”, Dubai Summer Surprises is represented by a life size yellow springy mascot that is attractive for the younger generation and adds a comical value to the event. The event was designed to attract tourists at the peak of Dubai’s heat wave. The event is divided into separate themes such as food, arts, adventure, and nature along with hotels that offer special shopaholic packages in order to attract more guests.

12. September to October: Motexha Textile Show

This is an annual trade fair that is the largest and one of its kind in the Middle East and attracts exhibitors from right across the region. The main fair features over 500 exhibitors spread across 30 pavilions that cover every branch of clothing and the textile industry.

13. November to December: Dubai Rugby Sevens

Consistently, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club plays host to the first round of the IRB Sevens Series, with 16 worldwide groups contending more than three days for the prestigious trophy. The three days of rivalry are joined by different shows and occasions intended to keep guests of any age engaged, while those new to rugby will find the quick and enraged matches, a good introduction to the sport.

14. November to December: Dubai International Film Festival

This film festival encourages an independent and an art-house cinema to get a better recognition from the public as well as guests. This event also encourages young volunteers to participate and work for the event that is held in the prestigious venue of Madinat Jumeirah.

15. November to December: National Day Festival

Dubai’s National Day Festival is a yearly day of festivity to honor the Emirates’ freedom from Great Britain. Celebrated on the second of December every year it’s an opportunity to see large portions of the city’s driving landmarks as they open their ways to the general population and put on uncommon occasions for the duration of the day.