Events in Dubai

Dubai is renowned for the huge number of events and exhibitions it organises throughout the year.  In the past Dubai was probably most known for the Dubai Shopping Festival, but today there are so many other longstanding regular events, notably the the Dubai Rugby Sevens, Dubai Desert Classic and world famous GITEX exhibition its no wonder Dubai is not just a beach holiday destination.  Flights and hotels are now busy throughout the year so its best to book your tickets and accomodation well beforehand.  Whether you have a passion for food, pets, films, sports, shopping or beer, there is sure to be an event  that will tickle your fancy - we guarantee it!  You'll notice more events take place during October - April due to the cooler months and locals/expats usually take their vacations during hotter months.  To find out what’s going on check out Time Out, Abu Dhabi Week, What’s On and Concierge when you get into town.  As a guide, we have listed the events name, what it is, the location and the website where you can find out more information.  

January

Dubai International Racing Carnival

Racing events will begin from November and run through till March every week.  Please check website for details on races and schedule.  Access is free to the beautiful Meydan Racecourse and guests will have a view of the horses in the Parade Ring before and after the event.  If you want a seat, tickets are between 50 AED- 150 AED and if you want to make it an evening to remember spend 600 AED for a 3 course carvery meal overlooking the racetrack. For more info visit: http://dubairacingclub.com/

Dubai Marathon

If you fancy taking a dive at this and perhaps getting the million dollar jackpot, there are 3 race options: the 43 km full marathon, the 10km road race, or 3km fun run all circuiting through the famous landmarks of Dubai.  To register and for more info visit: http://dubaimarathon.org/

Dubai Shopping Festival

If you happen to be visiting Dubai during mid January to mid February, you should pick up some pretty good bargains as most malls will be running promotions with some goods up to 70% off.  Additionally, there will be a lively atmosphere with raffles, special events and concerts running through the month. Visit the official site for more info, although please note, it normally gets updated nearer the event: www.mydsf.com

February

The Dubai Desert Classic

The world's top golfers meet at the Emirates Golf Club in the European PGA Tour golf tournament to compete for a cool USD 2.5 million prize money. More info, check out: http://www.dubaidesertclassic.com

Dubai International Jazz Festival 

Running since 2003, Dubai International Jazz Festival has kicked up a storm with appearances by some of the world's well known artists such as David Gray, James Morrison and John Legend.  Atmosphere is perfect in the open air surroundings of Media City, perfect for mid February temperatures.  More info: http://www.dubaijazzfest.com

Dubai Pet Show

Having pets in the UAE is not exactly a common thing, but for all you dog and cat lovers who crave to coo at cute puppies and kittens in clothes, the Dubai Pet Show will bring you a few hours of happiness and you may even decide you want a pet of your own.  This hugely successful show runs at a new location 7he Sevens Stadium.  More info: http://www.dubaipetshow.com

Dubai Tennis Championships

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships have been running since 1993 and been hosts to many superstar players over the last few years.  The Dubai Tennis Stadium is within The Aviation Club Tennis Centre and totally self contained with a 5000 seat centre court including a Royal enclosure. The surroundings are a great entertainment facility and include the popular Irish and Century Village with its huge selection of dining options.  The championships normally run during February, for more info on match schedules go to: http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/

Gulf Food Exhibition

If you are connected with the food industry then the annual Gulf Food Exhibition will be of interest to you, normally held mid February.  Admission is strictly for those in the food business and if you register online before the event, admission is free of charge.  On the day, you will have to pay a 200 AED entry.  For more info visit: http://www.gulfood.com

The Terry Fox Run

The largest single day fundraiser in the world which started in Canada by Terry Fox is now in its 17th year in Dubai.  Normally held mid February at the Mamzar Park, this 8.4km route is open to all ages whether you want to run, walk, cycle or sccoter.  Refreshments will be held along the route and partcipants are encouraged to collect sponsorships or donate.  Admission is free.  More info visit: http://www.premiermarathons.com/event/Dubai_Terry_Fox_Run

March

Taste of Dubai 

With most UAE locals and expats eating out more then they eat in,  Taste of Dubai has captured the heart of all true foodies.  The exhibition normally runs between 3/4 days over a weekend in March at the Media City amphitheatre.  Watch your favourite Chefs and Celebrity Chefs walk you through their popular dishes at fun cooking demos and sample hundreds of dishes at a fraction of the price.  A belly filling day out for all the family!  For more info: http://www.tasteofdubaifestival.com/

Art Dubai

An extensive collection of worldwide as well as Middle Eastern art displayed at the Madinat Jumeirah.  More then 80 galleries displayed their work last year along with daily presentations and talks on topics such as fashion.  Normally held over 4- 5 days over the 3rd week in March.  For more info: http://www.artdubai.ae/index.php

Bastakiya Art Fair

A smaller but intimate art fair mainly focusing on the work of local artists and middle eastern art.  Held in the Bastikiya area within 16 traditional houses and the XVA Gallery and some other hotels where exhibitions, talks and movie screenings take place.  Normally runs alongside Art Dubai so people can visit both shows.  For more info: http://www.bastakiyaartfair.com/index.html

Dubai Polo Gold Cup

Dubai's premier polo competition of the year where teams from around the world compete to win the prestigious Gold Cup trophy.  Spectate and have a fun day out with the kids and a picnic whilst watching the fierce competition.  Gold competition normally held between late February and early March.  For more info: http://www.dubaipologoldcup.com/about.html

Dubai Football 7s

If you love playing football and want to play at team level, the Dubai Football 7s is a great way to enter your team and compete against a host of others whilst having fun and making new friends.  Last year, the Dubai Football 7s saw over 3000 entrants making it the largest football tournament in the Middle East.  Any level of playing is admitted and the matches normally run over 4 consecutive weekends during late February and early March.  If you love to spectate, entry is free for all during all match days. Enjoy the lively atmosphere. For more info: http://www.football7s.com/

Dubai World Cup

Probably one of the most glitziest shows Dubai puts on is the annual Dubai World Cup, which is the finale to the Dubai International Racing Carnival. Supreme horse racers from around the globe partake in this world famous race by invitation only and compete with the some of the fastest horses on the planet for a whopping USD10million prize.  The whole race or show is such entertainment with competitions for the 'Best Dressed Lady' and 'Best Hat' all taking place in the Bubble Lounge complete with live DJ.  General Admission is free but views are limited to a certain area, otherwise if you want to be seated in style on the grandstand with unlimited beverages and canapes, ticket prices start from AED 1,200 and rise to AED 3,000 per person.  For more info: http://dubaiworldcup.com/dubai-world-cup/about-dubai-world-cup

Emirates Literary Festival 

An impressive book festival playing host to over 70 authors from around the Middle East and worldwide including names like Kate Adie and Tony Parsons all join together in a 4 day event partaking in panel discussions, workshops, listen to readings and generally promote education through reading.  A great day out for both adults and kids.  Held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Festival City normally for 4 days days during early March.  For more info: http://www.eaifl.com/

Dubai International Boat Show

If you're not short of cash, why not visit the Dubai International Boat Show and perhaps even buy a yacht! Seriously, you will be tempted.  High end buyers and top of the range suppliers connect at this luxurious event where men really do enjoying window shopping!  Held at the DIMC Mina Seyahi during the beginning of March. For more info: http://www.boatshowdubai.com/

April

Gulf Film Festival

Concentrating on the talents of regional film makers, the Gulf Film Festival aims to provide a springboard for aspiring local film makers to showcase their work with a view to develop partnerships and make future film projects.  Not as big as DIFF but a great way to enjoy arab cinema.  Most films will be in arabic with english subtitles but check the schedule nearer the time.  All screenings take place at the Grand Festival Cinemas, Festival City during April.  More info: http://www.gulffilmfest.com/index.php/en/about-gff/

Dubai Fashion Week

Up and coming fashion designers from the Middle East and around the region showcase their collection for interested trade buyers and this trendy five day event normally held during mid April.  For more info: http://www.dfw.ae/

May 

Dhow Racing

A very different type of boat race, traditional dhows race against one another to test out their power and robustness whilst maintaining the long standing UAE traditional culture.  This event is hosted by the Dubai International Marine Club.  For more info: http://dimc.ae/

June

Dubai Summer Surprises

When the heat is on, Dubai need an excuse to organise more indoor events in the air conditioned malls, so Dubai Summer Surprises is essentially a summer sale spree with the bells and whistles of activities for the kids, competitions and entertainment.  Huge bargains to be had especially as its the summer months and the emirate is quiet whilst the locals are away on holidays.  Normally starts mid/end June and runs till end of August.  More info: www.mydsf.ae

July/August

Hop Fest

For all the beer lovers, the Irish Village hosts the annual HOP FEST.  Sample over 100 different beers from around the globe and mingle, sit or dance in a huge air conditioned marquee amongst some lively entertainment from live bands.  This event can get loud so not really recommended to bring young kids unless going for the early afternoon part.  Open all day from noon - 2am with pub grub served all day.  Normally held during late July early August for 3 days.  For more info: http://www.irishvillage.ae/EventsPage

October

GITEX

This is probably one of the largest events Dubai holds annually and is the Middle East's premier ICT exhibition.  You'll find over 3,500 IT vendors all vying for your business or cash for their products.  If you love gadgetry, make a stop here.  Just bear in mind, all hotels get booked up pretty quickly around GITEX time so plan your holidays accordingly if you are not interested in attending GITEX!  Normally held for 5 days during the beginning of October. More info and dates for this year: http://www.gitex.com/

OktoberFest

Dubai's answer to the popular German based exhibition celebrating homegrown food and drink.  This festival normally runs mid October for 2 days from 7pm, recently its seen so many visitors that booking is now advised.  More info: http://www.irishvillage.ae/EventsPage

Desert Rhythm Festival

This one day festival celebrates music, entertainment, food, drink and shisha.  Brinng the kids along too and they will be entertained with face painters, trampolining, magicians although better to plan the day to start early with kids rather then later as it will get loud.  This event is normally held end of October at Dubai Festival City.  More info on the next one: www.desertrhythmfestival.com

Camel Racing

November

Dubai Rugby Sevens

A hugely popular sporting event in Dubai which now sees an average of 120,000 visitors through its gates over the 3 day event.  Played in its purpose built stadium the Dubai Rugby Sevens sees international players vying for maximum points score.  Watching a game is a true experience and hang about afterward for the traditional Rugby Rock Concert held on the first two nights (normally a Fri and Saturday) where the whole place is turned into a loud party atmosphere.  More info on dates for this year: http://www.dubairugby7s.com/index.html

Dubai World Championship

This golf championship replaces the previous Volvo Masters and has been running since November 2009.  In 2010 the Dubai World Championship saw about 50,000 spectators attending free general admission although if you fancy viewing in style, premium viewing packages are available from 2,600 AED to 5,500 AED.  More info:  http://www.dubaiworldchampionship.com/

The Big 5

For a city that prides itself on building the tallest tower in the world, what better then to be the annual host of one of the world's largest building and construction exhibitions and the largest in the MENA.  The Big 5 has been in operation for the last 30 years and proved extremely succesful.  If you're connected with construction or building work you will find this exhibition hugely beneficial.  More info: http://www.thebig5.ae/

December 

Dubai International Film Festival

Dubbed as the largest film festival in the Middle East, the Dubai International Film Festival brings together local talents aswell as global producers in one location to celebrate the success of new releases.  General public are able to buy tickets for individual screenings of movies which will showcase throughout several locations in Dubai, take the opportunity to watch atleast one movie as chances are they may not be screened as a general release.   The DIFF has become so prominent now that its regularly frequented by A-listers such as Colin Farrell and Sean Penn. The festiival is normally held early December for about a week at Dubai Media City.  More ticket info will appear closer to the date of the festival: http://www.dubaifilmfest.com/

UAE National Day - 2nd December

The whole country celebrates UAE's independence by taking to the streets and watching the local emiratis go by in their huge cars waving flags and honking.  Park yourself at one of the many prominent streets such as Jumeirah Road and watch the fireworks displays and party atmosphere.