Dubai is a luxury and leisure destination, most renowned for its super-tall buildings, cultural landmarks, premium theme parks, top-notch shopping malls, beautiful beaches, and so much more. These are some of the common reasons people visit Dubai. But your Dubai holiday does not have to be limited to this. In fact, the city offers plenty of ways to enhance your travel experience, and the festivals it hosts are one of them. The festivals in Dubai are not limited to religious and cultural ones. Rather, you will enjoy a whole variety of festivals and events, right from sports to food. Here are the details about the different festivals in Dubai during which you can plan your holiday to the emirate.
Why Plan Your Dubai Trip During Festivals?
There are numerous reasons why booking a Dubai tour package during Dubai festivals is a good idea.
- One of the main reasons for this is that festivals are the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of the place. Many of the festivals here deeply rooted in the culture and heritage of the UAE.
- Moreover, Dubai does not do anything half-heartedly, and this can be said about the festivals as well. Each of the festival organized in this emirate city can be described as world-class.
- Most of the festivals of Dubai are meant for everyone, including families, solo travelers, couples, etc.
- As most of the festivals are planned during the winter months, you can combine the festivals with sightseeing, giving you the chance to enjoy the full experience of the city.
Religious Festivals in Dubai
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The atmosphere during the day is quite subdued and the timings of tourist attractions also may be affected during this time. But this is one of the best times to visit if you want to know about Islamic practices. While there are some restrictions on eating in public during the day, you will get to participate in an elaborate Iftar (fast breaking at sunset). The city comes alive with beautiful lights, exclusive shopping offers, amazing fireworks, etc. during this month. It is also the best time to venture out at night with night markets open all day through.
Dates: Varies as per the Islamic Calendar
Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are two of the most important festivals of the Muslims. Eid Al Fitr happens at the end of Ramadan, while Eid Al Adha is celebrated at the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage) season. While these happen during different times in the year, the celebrations for both are grand. You can expect bright lights and decorations, special prayers, charities, live entertainment, traditional feasts, exciting prizes, wonderful fireworks, great discounts, and more during this time of the year. Special events are hosted by shopping malls, theme parks, and other public places during these festivals.
Dates: Varies as per the Islamic calendar
Diwali
Dubai is home to a large Indian diaspora, and this is the reason why Diwali is celebrated in all its glory in this emirate. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated with fairy lights, lanterns, oil lamps, and of course fireworks. Major Diwali celebrations in Dubai happen in Global Village, Al Seef, and Bur Dubai areas. You can watch fireworks, shop at the Diwali markets, admire the colorful decorations, and enjoy the innumerable Indian delicacies, especially the Diwali sweets. This is also considered an auspicious time to buy gold, so a visit to the Gold Souk is a must.
Dates: October/November
Christmas
Christmas is another much-awaited festival of Dubai. Although December 25 is not a public holiday in Dubai, the festivities begin a couple of weeks before Christmas Day. The festive markets are the central point of the celebrations. You will find enormous, yet cozy German-style Christmas markets in different areas, the Madinat Jumeirah Festive Market being the most popular one. The city also organizes Christmas-related activities like parades, light shows, Santa’s grottos, and more. Restaurants organize lavish feasts and dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas related shows and plays also happen at the theatres, especially at Dubai Opera.
Dates: December
Cultural Festivals in Dubai
UAE National Day
The UAE National Day is important not just in Dubai but in all other emirates of the UAE. Celebrated on December 2, this day celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates with the unification of its seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quiwan, and Ras Al Khaimah. This is one of the cultural festivals in Dubai where the entire city is decorated with the colors of the UAE flag, and you will see people wearing the traditional outfits at all public places. Parades, fireworks, traditional dance and music performances, heritage exhibitions, etc., are a part of the celebrations.
Dates: December 2
New Year
One of the major events that happen in Dubai is the New Year’s Eve. In fact, tourists travel from different parts of the world to celebrate New Year in Dubai. The highlight of New Year celebration is the fireworks that happen at midnight. Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, etc., are some of the best places to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Dubai. Several hotels and resorts organize dinner galas and dance parties, complete with DJ night, delicious food, and an array of activities for kids and adults. Desert safaris, theme parks, dhow cruises, beaches, shopping malls, etc., all have their way of ushering the New Year in Dubai.
Dates: December 31
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival
Al Marmoom Heritage Festival is a massive event that commemorates the culture and heritage of the UAE. At the center of the festival is the camel race, where thousands of camel owners gather at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve for an exciting camel race. This race is highly competitive as camel owners compete to win luxury cars, cash, weapons, rifles, etc. Apart from camel racing, you will also get to check out exhibitions that showcase Emirati art and craft. Traditional music, dance, food, etc., are also part of this heritage festival.
Dates: March/April
Art, Music, and Entertainment Festivals
Dubai Jazz festival
The Dubai Jazz Festival is considered the biggest music festival in the Middle East area. Started in 2003, this music festival brings together Jazz artists and music lovers from all over the world. The festival happens on a grand scale, and you would get to see and hear some of the renowned artists from the world of jazz music. Some of the legends that Dubai has hosted are Snow Patrol, Santana, Jools Holland, Macy Gray, etc. Apart from being a part of amazing performances, you can also enjoy art and food during this festival.
Dates: February/March
Dubai International Film Festival
The Dubai International Festival began in 2004. What started as an event to showcase local cinema has become a platform with global recognition over the decades. Today, apart from Middle Eastern culture and films, you will also get to see the works of international artists as well as independent movie makers. It has become a platform to connect artists, producers, directors, etc., from all around the world. The festival has added different categories to cater to the growing number of movie lovers. In fact, DIFF is considered as a bridge that connects the Eastern and Western worlds.
Dates: November/December
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
If you are a reader or an aspiring writer, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is one of the biggest events and festivals in Dubai that you must attend. This event brings celebrated authors, poets, journalists, historians, etc., to Dubai. It is one of the best opportunities to meet and engage with your favorite writers. Book launches, author talks, workshops, book readings, panel discussions, cultural discussions, masterclasses, etc., are some of the things you can experience at this festival. Apart from popular literature, this festival also focuses on children’s literature as well as Arabic literature, including poetry and non-fiction.
Best Shopping Festivals
Dubai Shopping Festival
If there is one festival synonymous with Dubai, it has to be the Dubai Shopping Festival. A month-long event, the DSF is not limited to a particular place. In fact, the entire city is involved in it. Massive discounts and deals are offered by almost all stores, be it in shopping malls or traditional souks or markets. In fact, some days you might also find a cool 75% off on certain items. It is one of the best times to shop for clothes, accessories, perfumes, jewelry, home décor, electronics, and so much more. The city comes alive during this time with street performances, fireworks, live concerts, and more. You may also get the chance to win cash prizes, luxury cars, etc. at raffle draws.
Dates: December/January
Dubai Summer Surprises
While the DSF happens in the winter months, Dubai hosts another shopping festival in the summer months. The Dubai Summer Surprises also offers plenty of amazing discounts and deals for all kinds of products, right from fashion to electronics. Apart from the shopping malls, boutiques, and souks, you will also get to see special themed events and pop-ups across the city, where you can shop for unique items at great rates. DSS also offers entertainment programs like live concerts, performances, and many such exciting activities and attractions.
Dates: July/August
Best Sports and Adventure Festivals
Dubai Desert Classic
One of the most celebrated golf tournaments happens in Dubai. The Dubai Desert Classic brings together some of the most famous golfers and sports enthusiasts to the city. The event is hosted at the Emirates Golf Club, where top-notch golfers compete for a cool $9 million prize pool. To make it more interesting, you also get to enjoy numerous entertainment experiences, including fan villages, live music, food and beverage zones, and several family-friendly activities as well.
Dates: Jan/Feb
Dubai World Cup
Another major sport event that happens in Dubai is the Dubai World Cup. It is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world. This multi-million-dollar price race happens at Meydan Racecourse, which is in itself is an architectural landmark, offering state-of-the-art and luxury services and accommodations. Dubai World Cup has participation from top racecourses, international trainers, and jockeys as well. Apart from being a sport event, Dubai World Cup is also about fashion, glamor, and entertainment.
Dates: March/April
Food and Lifestyle Festivals
Dubai Food Festival
Dubai is a food lover’s paradise, and the Dubai Food Festival is an event that celebrates food at a grand scale. The festival happens all over the city, where you can taste cuisines from across the world. The festival brings together celebrity chefs, international cuisines, unique dining experiences, and local delicacies in one place. Apart from getting the chance to try a variety of foods, you will also get to attend workshops hosted by celebrity chefs, live cooking classes, etc., here. Street food markets and food trails are also some other interesting things to look forward to at the DFF.
Dates: February
Taste of Dubai
Another food festival that is a favorite among food lovers and enthusiasts in Dubai is Taste of Dubai. An annual event, Taste of Dubai brings some of the best restaurants in Dubai under one roof (or under one sky). You get to taste a variety of flavors and cuisines here, right from traditional Emirati foods to international delicacies. The restaurants involved at this event range from fine dining restaurants to contemporary fusion. The delicious food comes with live music, chef masterclasses, live cooking shows, entertainment zones, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Dates: February
Conclusion
Dubai festivals add value to your holiday, enhancing your entire experience like no other. Hence, do check out the upcoming festivals in Dubai before you plan your holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
