dubai events and festivals

Dubai Events and Festivals

By Dom Bewley

Heading to Dubai this year and want to add a little festive spice to your trip? Check out our guide to the best events and festivals in Dubai!

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Dubai Shopping Festival

When: All of January to the first week of February

Where: Dubai Festival City Mall

If shopping is your jam, then you'll love this shopping-themed festival! Since it began in the mid-90s, shops all over the country have offered amazing deals on brands from the high and low streets!

Besides the bargains, numerous food-related events take place, as well as concerts, parades, game shows, ramp walks, and other activities. For you shopaholics, this is easily the best of Dubai's events and festivals!

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Dubai International Jazz Festival

When: February

Where: Al Sufouh

While it's labeled a jazz festival, the Dubai International Jazz Festival is more of a celebration of music in general. Many non-jazz mainstream performers like Duran Duran and Ricky Martin have taken the stage in years past, alongside jazz provocateurs from the past half-century. So even if you're not a jazz fan (which, to be fair, is an acquired taste), you might still get something out of it!

If you do attend, you'll be rubbing shoulders with nearly half a million people. Yes, it's that big, and you may not have even heard of it. It's also won awards. Who knew? Not you, that's for sure.

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Art Dubai

When: March

Where: Mina a'Salam

Art Dubai is a celebration of all art forms, giving both established artists and up-and-comers a platform to strut their stuff. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum back in 2007, it's one of the most diverse artistic events on the planet - drawing nearly thirty thousand collectors, curators, and museum representatives from all corners of the globe.

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Taste Of Dubai

When: March

Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre

Food lovers, rejoice! Dubi has its own fantastic festival just for you foodies. For the past 15 years, Taste of Dubai has brought chefs and eaters together for a one-of-a-kind celebration of the region's cuisine.

Every year the festival is visited by world-famous chefs and, if you're lucky, you might even get to see them put on a live cooking demo. Good luck, because these draw the biggest crowds at the festival.

On top of all that, you've got places to buy new and exciting ingredients, stalls to try delicious local cuisine, and Dubai's restaurants also offer huge discounts on some of their most popular dishes. What a time to be alive. If you want to try local culinary delights, the Taste of Dubai is easily the best of Dubai's events and festivals.

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The Dubai Marathon

When: March

Where: Dubai Creek Club St

Dubai even has its own marathon, if you can believe it. Mercifully taking place in the cooler, pre-summer month of March, it draws thousands of people to participate and spectate every year.

But it wouldn't be a Dubai Marathon without a little Dubai opulence. That comes in the form of the prizes on offer, with 1st place netting the winner a cool $250k. Not bad for a bit of jogging. And, if anyone manages to break a world record, they'll receive $1 million! That's a lot of paper.

So, what are you waiting for? Get practicing and see if you can make it home a millionaire!

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Dubai World Cup

When: March

Where: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse

Not to be confused with the soccer world cup that takes place every four years, the Dubai World Cup is all about horses. And, with a prize pool of $10 million, it's one of the richest races in the world.

Unsurprisingly, top jockeys, horses, and coaches flock to Dubai in March to try and win a piece of the pie.

So, if you're into horse racing and think luck is on your side, why not head there and play the odds?

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Swim the Burj

When: March

Where: Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is quite the sight to behold, and easily one of Dubai's most recognizable landmarks. Standing mightily on an artificial island, this fin or sail-shaped building is rather pretty.

And what does an artificial island have around it? Water. And what does that mean you can do around the Burj Al Arab? That's right, bright sparks, you can swim it! Every year, hundreds of sea runners take to that moat around this capitalist behemoth and attempt to beat each other in a race.

And you can watch, if you so desire.

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Dubai International Boat Show

When: March

Where: Dubai Marina

In a city known for its wealth and wealthy residents, it's hardly surprising to discover that Dubai has its own boat show. But the Dubai International Boat Show is one of the city's most prestigious events, drawing boat brands and boat lovers from all over the place. You'll see big boats, bigger boats, and the biggest boats you've ever seen. Boats!

But it isn't all boats. No siree. There's also a lovely art gallery to explore (that may be primarily focused on seafaring vessels), live music, and other entertainment to keep you, well, entertained. Are you not entertained? You will be.

Looking to be wowed by extravagance? The Dubai International Boat Show is easily the best of Dubai's events and festivals!

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Al Gaffal Dhow Race

When: September

Where: The ocean

Speaking of boats, let's talk about boats! But instead of the luxurious, opulent boats on display at the boat festival, we're talking dhows. What are dhows? Well, they're a traditional middle-eastern boat. And what is the Al Gaffal Dhow Race? Well, it's a race. A race with dhows.

Part historical homage, part marketing push to Dubai's original trade of pearl diving, if you like boats and races, then they don't get much more boat-racey than this boat race.

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Dubai International Film Festival

When: December

Where: Al Sufouh

The biggest of its kind in the region, the Dubai International Film Festival was first conceptualized as a way to encourage local filmmakers to bring their ideas to life on the silver screen. Since then, it has become somewhat of a haven for big-time actors, directors, and producers, who attend the show every year to find promising projects, or even more promising filmmakers, to work with.

Since 2006, the festival has shown over 500 Arab films, and was responsible for the creation of two-thirds of those. As such, it's a great success for Arab cinema and one definitely worth checking out!

And that's our guide to Dubai's biggest and best events and festivals! Looking for more fun for your vacation? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.

Dom Bewley

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best beach clubs in dubai
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Dubai in June

If you're planning a vacation in Dubai, you'll need to know when to go. June might sound like the ideal month to pack your bags and jet off, but Dubai's intense summer can beat even the best of us. Check out our guide to Dubai in June below, and see if it's the perfect month for you! Including: Dubai weather in June Snowy escapes Beach beauties Shady clubs Water worlds and more! Dubai in June: What to Expect June is the beginning of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere. But in Dubai, what you think is summer started long ago. In this desert oasis, June is the beginning of the end times. Fire, brimstone, and every other joke you want to make about really, really hot places. Because temperatures in Dubai typically hit highs of 100°F, lows of 80°F, and not a drop of rain in sight. That could be a bit much for some of you. That's understandable, given what we're used to. As such, if high temperatures and 12 hours of sun aren't your thing, consider traveling in the winter months, where temperatures are much more bearable. It goes without saying that if you do decide to travel to Dubai during the summer, leave the jumpers and jackets at home. Pack the lightest clothes you own, the largest hats in your closet, and stuff the rest of your suitcase with factor 1000 sunscreen. It's the only way. In the interest of keeping you alive, we're going to mix up our recommendations with plenty of outdoor, indoor, and nighttime experiences. After all, everyone needs a break. You are very welcome. Dubai in June: What to Do Risky Beaches Dubai's known for its beautiful beaches, and we really have to talk about them. After all, kicking back and relaxing might be the main reason you're taking your Dubai vacation in June. However, might we suggest avoiding the searing sun and instead going at night? Your skin will thank you. Thankfully, Dubai's beaches are open 24 hours. Umm Suqeim Beach may be your best bet, as you can swim there until midnight. Most beaches ban swimming after dark due to the risk to swimmers, but at Umm Suqeim Beach, Smart Lights keep the shores lit until the clock strikes 12, so you can still get your lounging and swimming done in the dark. Nice. Watery Goodness Another way to keep cool when the heat rises is by submerging yourself in H20. But why stay static in a pool when you can blitz around at a water park? Dubai's full of brilliant places to slide, glide, and dive into the refreshing goodness. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. Another top water park is Yas Waterworld, but you'll need to travel to the nearby Yas Island to get there. Featuring over 40 amazing rides, including a flooded 5D Cinema experience, it's the perfect place to get your water fix. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Magical desert tour If you want to see the dunes around Dubai's outskirts but fear the mix of heat and desert could have you passing out, you're in luck. Thanks to this evening tour and BBQ experience, you can fit your experience around the weather. After an air-conditioned ride from your hotel to a camp in the dunes, you'll be treated to a fantastic BBQ meal with plenty of succulent meat and veg to fill you up. After the meal, the entertainment begins. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Hideaway on the slopes When the heat wins out, it might be an extreme suggestion to up sticks and escape to a snowy paradise. But just because you take a few hours out to carve some powder doesn't mean Dubai has you beat. Far from it. Ski Dubai is what you seek - a winter wonderland right in the heart of Dubai. The biggest indoor skiing center on the planet, Ski Dubai lets you ski, board, or sled down a multitude of artificial hills. Catering to newbies and experienced sorts, you'll have the chance to take a ski lift, see penguins, and get your chill on even in the oppressive June heat. And best of all, everything is provided for when you arrive, so there's no need to lug your skis on the plane. Easily one of the best ways to beat the June heat in Dubai. Go clubbing And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in June with some more R&R. If you want all the relaxation of the beach with none of the direct sunlight, hit up one of Dubai's beach clubs. You'll find plenty of these relaxation stations in Dubai, but let's talk about our top picks below. Twiggy by La Cantine matches its arresting all-white facade with the biggest infinity pool of all Dubai's beach clubs, a rocking 60s aesthetic, and light Mediterranean bites that hit the spot. Nikki Beach marries live music and even a resident saxophonist with a refreshing drinks menu, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline. And DRIFT Beach offers not only lounge beds, cabanas, and light bites typical of the beach club scene in Dubai, it also gives you access to their own private beach. Sometimes, the draw of the sand is just too great. And that's our guide to Dubai in June! If the above wasn't enough, do you want to know what else awaits you in Dubai? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley
Dubai Marina by night
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Things to do in Marina, Dubai

A city within a city, Dubai Marina lies to the southwest of the Palm. Built around an entirely artificial three kilometer waterway and eight kilometer promenade, the marina is just a couple of decades old, yet already around 50,000 people reside in its waterside apartments. But visitors will find plenty of things to do in Marina, Dubai too. The long stretch of sand at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a favorite haunt of beachgoers, Dubai Marina Mall has 140 stores for all day shopping and the marina’s waterways are similarly inviting. Here’s our guide to the attractions of Dubai Marina! Take your pick of the views Lined with stunning glass and steel towers to one side and gleaming private yachts bobbing on the gentle swell of this inlet of the Persian Gulf on the other, there’s so much to look at it can leave your head in a bit of a spin. Arrive by metro, tram or taxi and one of the best things to do first is get a feel for the neighborhood’s elegance by strolling a stretch of the marina promenade, lining its entire length. You don’t need to be an ardent hiker to get a feel for the marina though, since even the shortest walk between cafés will give you a good sense of what the marina is all about. Should you want to save your shoe leather completely, it’s also very easy to explore Dubai Marina from the water. Hop aboard a traditionally-built dhow on a marina cruise and as you take in the cityscape you’ll learn all about how the marina was turned from empty desert to what you see today. To get the adrenaline flowing there are at least two further options to consider. Head to Amwaj Towers, the departure point for the XLine zipline, and you’ll get a thrilling ride across the marina to the mall, and a video for prosperity. If even that’s not a big enough adrenaline rush, Skydive Dubai has to be the place for you, operating parachute jumps over the Palm. For views without the need of a parachute, Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel could be the answer, rising to twice the height of the London Eye. Get on the water Marina cruises aren’t the only way to get on or near the water. The clean sands of the marina’s two main beaches – The Beach and JBR Beach – are an alternative to the main channel. Broad expanses of gold running for more than a kilometer, even on the busiest of days it’s not usually hard to find a spot to throw down a towel with views of the Burj Al Arab. Family-friendly, behind the beach there’s a selection of places to grab a bite to eat, with many turning into much-loved bars and nightclubs as the sun sets behind Ain Dubai. One of the hottest spots of the moment is Zero Gravity, nestled within the landing ground for SkyDive Dubai. Beach club by day and sophisticated night club come evening, sip a cocktail before dancing till dawn to sets from the best DJs around. Before that there’s ample opportunity to experience life from the viewpoint of a jet ski or try your hand at flyboarding, wakeboarding and kayaking at Water Adventure. Relax with some retail therapy Looking to take advantage of Dubai’s reputation as a magnet for shopping? Look no further than Dubai Marina Mall. Occupying four floors and with a total area of 36,000 square meters, choice is not going to be an issue whatever you’re searching for. Its dome is a great place to grab a coffee whilst deciding whether it’s high fashion or simply some window shopping that’s your main objective. In the cooler months, the exterior also hosts a number of kiosks serving up tasty takeaway treats. Reel Cinemas also has all the latest movie releases across its six screens. Art lovers, both collectors and gallery goers, aren’t short of things to do in Marina, Dubai either. Although there’s no state backed collection in the neighborhood, there are more than enough private and independently run art spaces welcoming browsers. What unites them is a focus on contemporary works from artists yet to make their name worldwide, but within that vast spectrum of delights you’ll discover everything from pop art to sculpture inspired by Asia. Enjoy a round of golf Sports fans are also well catered for by what to see and do at Dubai Marina. In addition to the raft – excuse the pun – of water sports, other reasons Dubai Marina is worth visiting are the golf courses that lie close at hand and club. On the less serious side of swinging a golf club there’s not just minigolf but 3D blacklight minigolf. The marina’s indoor course has been decorated with hand-painted three dimensional art from some of the best artists around and promises to be the world’s largest blacklight golf adventure. There are three different themed rooms in all, totaling 18 bending, obstacle-ridden holes. For the real thing you’ll have to step outside of the official boundaries of Dubai Marina, but only by 200 meters or so until you reach the Emirates Golf Club. The region’s original golf club, it has three different courses blending desert scrub with perfectly manicured greens – and all with views of the skyscrapers which have made Dubai such a must-visit destination. If that’s not enough, there’s also the Montgomerie Golf Club at Emirates Hills, designed by none other than eight time holder of the European Tour Order of Merit Colin Montgomerie with the help of the late Gordon Desmond Muirhead, full time course creator. Discovering what there is to do in Dubai Marina It forms only a small part of Dubai, yet the marina has plenty to keep visitors entertained. Just a short trip from the Burj Khalifa and other top sights, it now forms an unmissable part of most people’s vacations. Hit the neighborhood with Go City and you’ll be able to discover all the things to do in Marina, Dubai for yourself. And you’ll make big savings on admission to many major attractions at the same time!
Ian Packham
Dubai
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10+ Things to Do in Dubai for Teens

Keeping the teenagers entertained in Dubai.
Katie Sagal

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