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Dubai is home to some of the most vibrant and engaging festivals across the world, where they celebrate almost everything. There are multiple competitions that you can engage in when you make it to the festivals in Dubai. Thousands of participants, not just from the Middle East but from various corners of the world, visit these grand festivals to participate and enjoy to the fullest. Take a look at the below-listed festivals that should definitely be a part of your itinerary if you are looking to dive into the Abu Dhabi festival culture.
Festivals In Dubai You Must Experience
There are several cultural and religious festivals in Dubai that are celebrated by the locals and tourists every year, such as:
1. Dubai Shopping Festival
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Inaugurated in the year 1996, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual shopping event and one of the most happening festivals in Dubai, held usually in the year’s first quarter. Every single store and shopping mall in the country offers mind-blowing discounts and offers during this festival. The Dubai Shopping Festival gives options for everyone and anyone to go and shop, irrespective of how high-end the brand is that you want to shop for. If you are looking for live performances, cultural displays, entertainment, and the best possible discounts on premium brands, electronics, designer wear, or even gold, then this festival is for you.
Best Time: December to Mid-January
Location: Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City Mall, The Dubai Frame, Al Seef
Suggested Read: Best Shopping Places In Dubai For Your Next Adventure
2. Art Dubai
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Art Dubai was established in the year 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is not only the Ruler of Dubai but also the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates. Usually held in March, this festival is known to be one of the world’s most globally divergent art events and the most artistic among the festivals in Dubai. With a rough visitor headcount of around 28,000 every year, this festival attracts museums, art collectors, patrons, curators, and other organisations. There are three essential divisions in this gallery, namely Contemporary, Modern, and Residents.
Best Time: March to April
Location: Mina a’Salam, Jumeirah Beach Road, Al Sufouh 1, Dubai
3. UAE Awafi Festival
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Primarily an outdoor festival, the Awafi Festival in Dubai is held in the Ras Al Khaimah desert and is one of the few traditional festivals in Dubai. It is a symbolic celebration of the Emirati culture and heritage of the union. Conducted in the summer every year, this festival is mainly known for the various kinds of competitions where locals and tourists try to climb the tallest sand dunes in different types of modified vehicles, mostly SUVs. This festival also includes a cultural front, where there are main bazaars, heritage village shows, theater performances, art exhibitions, and coffee shops.
Best Time: January to March
Location: The Desert of Ras Al Khaimah
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In UAE
4. Dubai International Film Festival
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The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is one of the most prominent film festivals in Dubai. Lots of important film personalities like Hollywood directors, producers, actors, and actresses visit this festival, giving indie filmmakers an amazing chance to present their art in front of a live audience, bag awards, and gain global recognition. Various screenings are held throughout the city during this fancy festival in Dubai, which is a sign of increasing respect and interest towards Cinema and the industry. For tourists exploring popular places to visit in Dubai, this festival is a unique cultural highlight. The streets are filled with celebrities, cinephiles, and viewers, and it has successfully presented a total of 500 Arab films.
Best Time: December
Location: Dubai Media City, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai
5. Dhow Race
Photo: FredD / Wikimedia Commons
The Dhow Race, also commonly known as The Al Gaffal Dhow Race, is considered one of the cultural festivals in Dubai, which is held as a reverence to the history of the country. This festival encourages the most vital commercial activity of the country – pearl diving. The participants use typical Dhow boats that are made in Emirati style, and pearl divers from way back in the past used such kinds of dhow boats in the process of trying to establish a name for Dubai in the trading industry. This sailing festival in Dubai is a competition that is usually held in spring, and the long-distance sailing starts at Sir bu Nair Island and comes to an end at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Hotel with a midway checkpoint at Moon Island.
Best Time: September
Location: Sir Bu Nair
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Dubai For A Luxurious Holiday
6. Dubai International Jazz Festival
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This is one of the most happening annual music festivals in Dubai, widely recognised for its extensive lineup of both domestic appeal and international art. Typically held in the months of February and March, this effervescent jazz festival, also popular as the Dubai Music Festival, features some of the most well-known stars in the jazz music industry. A global headcount of around 500,000 people is said to have visited this music festival in Dubai over the years. Some of the greatest jazz legends like Jools Holland, Snow Patrol, Macy Gray and Santana have performed live in this festival, attracting crowds internationally.
Best Time: February
Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7. Dubai World Cup
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One of the grandest horse races in the world is held in Dubai, and if you are in Dubai during the months of March and April, you are in luck. This celebration has been held in Dubai since 1996, and the prize money is $10 million, making it even more enjoyable. Some of the World’s top horse coaches, jockeys, and horses attend this rich celebration of sport and culture combined. The lush track, combined with the state-of-the-art facilities, gives an unforgettable experience to the racegoers at the largest social event of the city. A total of nine races are conducted, with eight thoroughbred contests and one purebred Arabian contest.
Best Time: March
Location: Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Dubai For An Adventurous Outing
8. Taste Of Dubai
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Inaugurated in the year 2007, the Taste of Dubai is one of the most awaited food festivals in Dubai. Roughly 27,000 people attend this festival every year, looking for a good time amid food, drinks, and music. Multiple brands come here and showcase their products while top DJs perform live and well-known celebrity chefs conduct their exclusive workshops. Sixteen of the city’s top restaurant chains attend this event, all in one place to showcase their delicious recipes and conduct workshops to allow the guests to try creating some of their best food.
Best Time: March
Location: Skydive Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9. Eid Al Fitr And Eid Al Adha
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Muslims worldwide have two major festivals in the Islamic tradition, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Marking the end of Ramadan, which is the sacred month where muslims fast, Eid Al Fitr is a highly celebratory festival. Eid Al Adha, on the other hand, memorialises the consent of the revered Prophet Ibrahim to selflessly sacrifice his own son in an act of proving his obedience to god. These festivals in Dubai are colourful, vibrant, and full of excitement, especially for tourists who happen to be in Dubai at that time of the year. Hotspot areas like Jumeirah Beach, Global Village, Bluewaters Island, and Dubai Parks and Resorts are filled with fireworks and spectacular displays of colours.
Best Time To Visit: March
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do On Eid In Dubai
10. UAE National Day
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This is more of a patriotic, celebratory event that signifies the unity and Independence of the United Arab Emirates, also named Eid Al Etihad. This patriotic festival in Dubai commemorates the coalition of the seven Emirates in 1971, which was then being ruled by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Military motorcades are conducted, and Air shows are organised by the government at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for all Emirati citizens, Federal National Council members, and the rulers of the Emirates.
Best Time: December 2nd
11. Dubai Summer Surprises
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Dubai Summer Surprises is among the top anticipated shopping and entertainment festivals, held during the hot summer months. As one of the most vibrant festivals in UAE, it offers unbeatable discounts across malls, live performances, exciting family activities, and interactive kids’ workshops. People get to enjoy incredible promotions, raffles, and giveaways. The festival also features themed entertainment shows, food offers, and cultural activities, making it a perfect time to experience Dubai indoors.
Location: Across Dubai
Best Time: June to September
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Dubai In Summer
12. Dubai Design Week
Photo: Aakdtd / Wikimedia Commons
Dubai Design Week is one of the Middle East’s largest creative festivals. It features innovation, architecture, interiors, and product design. It is held yearly at Dubai Design District and brings together artists, designers, and thinkers from all over the world. The festival brings together young talent and recognised brands, highlighting Dubai’s growing importance as a worldwide design powerhouse. From furniture and fashion to sustainable projects, Dubai Design Week celebrates innovation, cooperation, and forward-thinking design, making it one of the famous festivals in Dubai.
Location: Dubai Design District
Best Time: November
13. Al Marmoom Heritage Festival
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The Al Marmoom Heritage Festival is a cultural event rooted in Emirati traditions that takes place at Dubai’s Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. It is famous for its thrilling camel races, in which hundreds of camels compete on specially created tracks, attracting participants from all across the Gulf region. The event also celebrates traditional Emirati crafts, music, dance, and local cuisine. Families can enjoy cultural exhibitions and heritage displays, which are both amusing and educational.
Location: Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack, outskirts of Dubai
Best Time: March to April
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dubai With Family That Are Bound To Leave You Amazed
14. Sikka Art & Design Festival
Photo: brunocoelho / Shutterstock
The Sikka Art & Design Festival is held in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, providing a creative platform for UAE-based and regional artists. The festival features visual arts, installations, photography, video, literature, and music in historically significant locales. Visitors can participate in live workshops, panel discussions, and interactive art spaces. It honours Dubai’s cultural heritage by combining contemporary ingenuity with historic origins.
Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
Best Time: February to March
15. Dubai Food Festival
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Dubai Food Festival is the city’s largest annual gourmet event, attracting foodies from all over the world. It offers a variety of dining experiences, including street food markets, gourmet pop-ups, celebrity chef displays, and seaside feasts. Visitors can take advantage of special restaurant offers, themed food tours, and family-friendly events. The festival further highlights Dubai’s multicultural culinary scene, which includes dishes from every cuisine.
Location: Citywide – including Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Mall, Global Village
Best Time: February to March
Suggested Read: Best Food Items In Dubai To Try On Your Next Trip
Whether you are a bachelor visiting Dubai with the gang for a fun time or a family visiting together, Dubai is the perfect place to spend your holidays, especially if you visit during the festival season. The vibrant, colourful, and cultural festivals in Dubai are completely open for foreign tourists to enjoy and participate in. Get ready to indulge yourself in the Emirati culture and plan your trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Teeraza88 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
