Festivals of Dubai Through the Year: A Month-by-Month Overview

Dubai is a city that never sleeps, and its festival calendar reflects a vibrant tapestry of culture, shopping, food, and entertainment. From the glittering lights of New Year celebrations to the culinary delights of food festivals in Dubai, Dubai offers something for every visitor and local alike. With events spanning the entire year, it’s the perfect destination for travellers looking to combine sightseeing with unforgettable festival experiences.

This guide offers a month-by-month look at Dubai’s top festivals, with timings, highlights, and insider tips. From food and shopping to art and culture, Dubai’s festivals deliver unforgettable year-round experiences.

January – March: Winter Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

Dubai kicks off the year with a dazzling lineup of festivals that attract visitors from around the world. The cooler winter months make it ideal for outdoor events, shopping sprees, and cultural festivities.

January: Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

Dates: Late December to late January

Highlights: Dubai Shopping Festival attracts over 3 million visitors annually, with discounts up to 75% across 1,200+ stores, plus concerts, fireworks, and daily raffles.

Experiences:

• Global concerts & entertainment: International artists perform at major venues including Dubai Opera and Dubai World Trade Centre.
• Fireworks at Downtown Dubai: Every weekend, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain host spectacular fireworks displays.
• Tips: Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, use the Dubai Metro to avoid parking, and combine shopping with nearby attractions like Burj Khalifa or Dubai Aquarium.

February: Taste of Dubai Festival

Dates: 14-16 February 2025

Highlights: Showcasing Dubai’s culinary diversity, the festival features 16 top restaurants, live workshops, and masterclasses with Middle Eastern and international cuisine.

Experiences:

• Food trucks and pop-ups: Over 50 stalls offering street food with a gourmet twist.
• Live entertainment: Music performances, chef demonstrations, and interactive workshops.
• Tips: Buy tickets online for early access, arrive before peak hours (5–8 PM), ideal for families and foodies.

March: Art Dubai & Dubai International Women’s Day Festivals

1. Art Dubai

Dates: Early March

Highlights: Art Dubai, a leading Middle Eastern art fair, features 100+ galleries from 40+ countries, with performances, panels, and immersive installations.

Experiences:

• Global and local artists: Meet creators and attend Q&A sessions.
• Workshops: Interactive sessions in painting, sculpture, and digital art.
• Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds and join guided tours for insights into emerging artists.

2. Dubai International Women’s Day Celebrations

Dates: 8 March

Highlights: A citywide celebration recognising women across business, art, and culture. Events include awards ceremonies, networking sessions, and entertainment shows.

Experiences:

• Workshops & panels: Focus on empowerment, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
• Family-friendly festivities: Live music, art corners, and cultural shows for children.
• Tips: Check schedules ahead of time, as some sessions need registration; ideal for travellers seeking cultural experiences.

April – June: Spring Festivals and Cultural Experiences

As temperatures begin to rise, Dubai’s festival calendar transitions into a mix of cultural, lifestyle, and music events. Spring offers a balance between indoor and outdoor activities, with festivals celebrating arts, food, and heritage.

April: Dubai Food Festival

Dates: 1-15 April 2025

Highlights: Dubai Food Festival showcases the city’s culinary diversity with over 100 participating restaurants, food trucks, pop-up experiences, and gourmet workshops. The festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually.

Experiences:

• Street Food & Pop-Ups: From traditional Emirati dishes to international fusion cuisine.
• Cooking Classes: Masterclasses by Michelin-star chefs.
• Interactive Experiences: Food tasting competitions, mixology workshops, and chef meet-and-greets.
• Tips: Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience, book masterclasses online, and pair the festival with a trip to Alserkal Avenue.

May: Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations

Dates: Varies based on lunar calendar (approx. early May 2025)

Highlights: Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated across Dubai with fireworks, family entertainment, and special shopping promotions. Shopping malls and resorts offer exclusive discounts of up to 50%, while parks and beaches host community events.

Experiences:

• Cultural Shows: Traditional Emirati music, dances, and storytelling.
• Family Activities: Outdoor games, children’s workshops, and interactive shows.
• Exceptional Dining: Hotels and restaurants offer Eid buffets and themed menus.
• Tips: Use public transport, book dining early, and check schedules as some attractions adjust for prayer and Iftar.

June: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)

Dates: Mid-June to early August

Highlights: DSS is a summer shopping and entertainment festival designed to beat the heat with discounts up to 75%, daily raffle draws, family entertainment zones, and live performances across the city. Last year, over 2 million visitors enjoyed shopping, entertainment, and leisure activities.

Experiences:

• Family Fun Zones: Waterparks, live shows, and amusement rides.
• Indoor Shopping Experiences: Malls like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Ibn Battuta Mall offer incredible comfort with shopping and events under air-conditioned spaces.
• Special Shows: Magic shows, celebrity appearances, and live concerts
• Tips: Stay indoors during peak heat (12–4 PM), check raffle timings online, and visit outdoors in the evening for cooler family activities.

July – September: Summer Festivals and Cultural Highlights

Despite Dubai’s intense summer heat, the city’s festival calendar remains vibrant with indoor entertainment, art, and music events, as well as cultural celebrations that reflect Dubai’s cosmopolitan spirit.

July: Dubai Summer Surprises (Continued)

Dates: Mid-June to early August

Highlights: Continuing from June, DSS offers massive shopping discounts, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions across the city. With over 500 events hosted citywide, visitors can enjoy indoor concerts, art exhibitions, and children’s activities alongside shopping sprees.

Experiences:

• Indoor Entertainment: Malls such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates host live shows, interactive workshops, and pop-up experiences.
• Raffles and Prizes: Daily draws offer prizes including electronics, luxury items, and even cars.
• Family Zones: Water parks and amusement areas offer cooling fun for children.
• Tips: Visit mornings or evenings to avoid heat, and book workshops or shows online to secure your spot.

August: Dubai International Dance Festival (DIDF)

Dates: Mid-August 2025

Highlights: DIDF is the largest dance festival in the UAE, featuring over 100 performances from ballet, contemporary, and traditional dance troupes across 15 venues.

Experiences:

• Workshops & Masterclasses: Learn from professional dancers in styles ranging from hip-hop to classical ballet.
• Family-Friendly Shows: Evening performances suitable for all ages.
• Cultural Fusion: Performances often blend Emirati, Asian, and European dance traditions.
• Tips: Attend evening shows for cooler conditions and book tickets online to avoid sell-outs.

September: Dubai Design Week & Eid Al-Adha Celebrations

Dubai Design Week

Dates: 1-7 September 2025

Highlights: Dubai Design Week showcases innovative architecture, art installations, and creative exhibitions across Dubai Design District (d3). Last year, over 40,000 visitors attended, including designers, students, and enthusiasts.

Experiences:

• Exhibition Halls: Showcasing local and international designers.
• Workshops: Interior design, sustainable fashion, and product design.
• Networking Events: Opportunities for artists and professionals to connect.
• Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds and check workshop schedules for pre-registration.

Eid Al-Adha Celebrations

Dates: Varies based on lunar calendar (approx. late September 2025)

Highlights: Commemorating the Islamic festival of sacrifice, Dubai hosts cultural events, fireworks, and family activities across malls, parks, and public spaces. Shopping centres also offer up to 50% discounts.

Experiences:

• Community Events: Parades, traditional performances, and charity initiatives.
• Family Fun: Petting zoos, kids’ workshops, and interactive shows.
• Dining Specials: Hotels and restaurants feature themed menus and festive buffets.
• Tips: Use public transport during peak holidays and book dining in advance at popular venues.

October – December: Autumn Festivals and Year-End Extravaganzas

As Dubai’s temperatures cool, the city comes alive with outdoor festivals, cultural events, and major shopping and entertainment celebrations. This season blends art, culture, gastronomy, and luxury shopping for an unforgettable experience.

October: Sikka Art & Design Festival

Dates: Early October 2025

Highlights: Held in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, the Sikka Art & Design Festival celebrates local artists and designers, attracting over 20,000 visitors annually. Exhibitions include installations, workshops, live performances, and interactive art experiences.
Experiences:

• Art Galleries & Installations: Discover paintings, sculptures, and multimedia art by emerging Emirati talent.
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions in painting, design, and calligraphy.
• Live Performances: Music, dance, and theatre in heritage settings.
• Tips: Visit early for a quieter experience and better photos, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

November: Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)

Dates: Mid-November 2025

Highlights: DIFF is the UAE’s premier film festival, screening over 100 films from around the world. The event draws filmmakers, celebrities, and 50,000+ attendees annually, making it a hotspot for cinema enthusiasts.

Experiences:

• Red Carpet Premieres: Attend high-profile screenings and gala events.
• Workshops & Panels: Learn filmmaking techniques and industry trends.
• Short Film Competitions: Spotlighting emerging regional talent.
• Tips: Book tickets online for popular premieres and attend evening screenings for comfort.

December: Dubai Shopping Festival & New Year Celebrations

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

Dates: Late December 2025 – Late January 2026

Highlights: Kicking off the winter festivities, DSF is a world-renowned shopping extravaganza, offering discounts up to 75%, daily raffle draws, fashion shows, and live performances. Last year, over 3.5 million visitors attended across the city’s malls and retail districts.

Experiences:

• Fireworks & Entertainment: Iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks at Downtown Dubai.
• Global Concerts: International artists perform at major venues like Dubai Opera and Atlantis, The Palm.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Ice rinks, amusement rides, and interactive shows.
• Tips: Arrive 2–3 hours early for fireworks, shop on weekdays for a relaxed experience, and combine DSF with cultural visits for a balanced day.

New Year Celebrations

Dates: 31 December

Highlights: Dubai’s New Year events are globally famous, featuring one of the largest firework displays in the world at Burj Khalifa and multiple hotel and beach parties. Over 100,000 visitors flock to Downtown Dubai alone to witness the countdown.

Experiences:

• Burj Khalifa Fireworks: Iconic display synchronised with music and LED projections.
• Luxury Dining & Parties: Rooftop bars, gala dinners, and themed events across hotels.
• Cultural Shows: Traditional performances and live concerts accompany modern celebrations.
• Tips: Book dining or parties months ahead, use public transport or rides, and dress comfortably for cooler evenings.

Conclusion: Experience Dubai’s Festivals All Year Round

If you want to truly experience the magic of Dubai, plan your visit around its year-round festivals. From shopping extravaganzas and culinary delights to cultural and art celebrations, every festival offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy.For an elevated experience, booking a table at Doors Dubai Mall allows you to enjoy world-class dining alongside stunning views of festival highlights and fireworks. Bring your curiosity, your camera, and prepare to be dazzled. Dubai’s festivals promise unforgettable memories for everyone.