Top Famous Festivals in Dubai

Dubai is the leading Arab emirate in tourism. In this way, the country becomes a reference for events and celebrations taking place in the region and around the world. All the festivities are in keeping with the development, luxury, extravagance, and taste of Dubai; in a way, it is known as the city of events. The calendar of annual events is fairly extensive; however, most events take place during the cooler spring and winter months.

Unusual celebrations and competitions attract large numbers of tourists from all over the world. Have a look to the famous festivals of Dubai that are attractive yet surprising for the tourist:

Dubai Shopping Festival

This festival showcases what makes Dubai special. Since its opening in 1996, it has been held annually in the first quarter of each year, the first week of January and February. The event is notable because attendees received incredible discounts at the mall. The development of the festival is inclusive, and anyone is part of the shopping crowd.

Besides shopping, Dubai Shopping Festival has other events such as food tastings, sports shows, parades, concerts, fireworks, and competitions. Most events take place in malls and designated squares.

Dubai Arts Festival

The festival takes place every March with the help of new and world-renowned artists. In 2007, the event was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Arts Festival is one of the most diverse celebrations, with nearly 30,000 participants from around the world, including art collectors, curators, sponsors or sponsors, museum gallery owners, and those interested in art mechanisms.

The exhibition center is divided into contemporary, modern, and other artistic areas. In addition, a series of global technology forums related to the Gulf region were held. Artists, leaders, and writers from all over the world participated in the event.

Dhow Race

Al Gaffal Regatta is an annual event commemorating Dubai`s history and business history related to pearl diving. Dhows are traditional vessels used by fishermen in the past to find pearls on the bottom of the sea, an activity that has helped Dubai become a trading port. The national pride of the people of Dubai was recognized at the event as all crew members on board were required to be Emiratis and the crowd gathered to watch them set sail were citizens.

Dubai International Jazz Festival

The Dubai International Jazz Festival, held annually since January 2003, has been held for three days at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

Famous jazz artists perform at this festival; again, it has grown in importance over time, attracting more than half a million people from all over the world. The Emirates Jazz Festival won Best Festival at the 2010 and 2018 Nightlife Awards.

Presentations by festival participants took place in the city of Dubai. They are all award-winning artists, legendary musicians, jazz and contemporary music groups, and critically acclaimed. Tickets are available ahead of the festival, and subscribing to the official website ensures you`re notified of the festival.

Dubai Marathon

Beginning in 2000, the Dubai Marathon has become an annual event attracting thousands of participants. In 2008, it was named the richest marathon in the world, offering $1 million in prize money to the world-record marathon runner and $250,000 for first-place winners in the men`s and women`s categories. Again, this is the largest mass event in the Middle East with over 28,000 participants from all over the world.

The marathon route is about 42.2 kilometers in length. Professional athletes and wheelchair athletes start at 6:00 in the morning, and the rest of the runners start at 7:00; the registration fee is $135. Ten-kilometer and four-kilometer races were also developed, starting at 9:00 and 11:00 respectively. Registration fees are $90 and $55. To participate in marathons and races, online registration is required.

Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup is one of the most popular horse racing events, with prize money of over $10 million. The race has been held every year since 1996 on the last Saturday in March at the Nader Sheba Racecourse.

During the Cup, you can admire experienced jockeys, trainers, and some of the best horses in the world. The facilities are state-of-the-art, it features a special track where entrants can maximize their competition, and it`s a unique and wonderful place to celebrate Dubai`s biggest social event.

Dubai Food Festival

The Dubai Casual Food Festival is one of the most popular and delightful festivals in the Arab country. Its celebrations began in 2007. Dubai cuisine attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world who come to taste the preparations of both novice and professional chefs.

At every culinary event, you`ll find celebrity chefs throwing culinary shows to wow attendees, children`s playgrounds, and exclusive shopping areas.

Dubai International Yacht Show

The Dubai International Boat Show is one of the best events in Dubai. Every year, the world`s most luxurious yachts take part in this celebration, and suites from the most important commercial yacht brands come into existence. The Marina Art Gallery is open to VIP visiting galleries, and gallery organizers select outstanding works from the most prestigious galleries around the world. The event takes place between 3:00 pm and 11:00 pm.

Dubai International Film Festival

This celebration is one of the largest and most attractive in the Middle East. It is currently considered one of the best film festivals in the world. It was first launched in 2004 and has been held every December since then. The festival attracts Arab, Asian and international films. The festival kicked off with some Oscar-winning films. The films are shown in upscale venues in the city, making it a very attractive event for tourists, movie fans, and entertainment celebrities. Sessions, Q&A sessions, special presentations, and interviews are organized during the festival.

In addition to the gorgeous red carpet at the festival, cultural exchanges among moviegoers are potential as many films come from different regions with different languages and cultures.

Burj Al Arab New Year Fireworks

Burj Al Arab is one of the most impressive buildings in Dubai, and the building is widely used as a filming location. The festival takes place in March every year, and swimming in the tower is an event that allows participants to watch sailing boats. Races and participants in the 1600 or 800m class must be at least 16 years old. All proceeds from the event are donated to charities.

Other Festivals That Celebrated in UAE

Here are some of the main festivals of the UAE that are celebrated around the UAE with full zest. 

Awafi Festival UAE

Awafi is an annual celebration of union culture and history, especially in the form of outdoor sports, making it one of the few traditional festivals in the United Arab Emirates. Held every summer, the festival is mainly known for competitions of various types of makeshift vehicles to climb the dunes.

There are also many cultural events during the festival, including Heritage Village shows, the main market, cafés, and art galleries. This is one of the best festivals in the UAE and you should know if you are nearby. However, it is usually celebrated on 11 January to 27 January at Ras Al Khaimah Desert

 Eid Ul Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays in the United Arab Emirates as it marks the end of Ramadan when all Muslims fast. Eid ul Fitr is celebrated around the world the night after the moon appears in the sky, and the United Arab Emirates is not far from it. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are ideal places to take part in these festivities, as many events are organized to celebrate the occasion. No matter where you are in the United Arab Emirates, the end of Ramadan and the devout festivities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will make for a wonderful experience. Celebrate in costume throughout the UAE and the stunning fireworks will win your heart.

 UAE National Day

United Arab Emirates National Day is one of the most important as it marks the union of the six emirates and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The main reason for celebrating National Day is to celebrate the official independence of the United Arab Emirates from the United Kingdom. Every year on December 2nd, the streets are filled with flags, and the neighbors organize some dance performances and parties to make the day even more special. If you`re celebrating National Day in the UAE, you`ll also have the chance to enjoy concerts and live performances at Zayed Stadium. However, you can experience very interesting Emirati culture and traditions through innovative performances representing Emirati history.

Prophet`s Birthday

The Prophet`s Birthday is celebrated according to the Islamic calendar around the world on the 12 Rabi ul Awal. If one has to mention the most important festival in the Islamic calendar, the birthday of the Prophet is the birthday of the Prophet. This one-day festival is dedicated to celebrating the life of the Prophet Muhammad. If you`re celebrating the Prophet`s birthday in the United Arab Emirates or any of its emirates, you can experience a procession held by the locals to show their respect for the Prophet. This special holiday ends with a traditional meal with friends and family, including a birthday cake.

Al Dhafra (Festival of Bedouin culture)

Al Dhafra is one of the largest celebrations of local Bedouin culture in the world. Held near the Empty Quarter, the festival showcases a variety of Emirati traditions, from falcon and camel races to handicrafts and musical performances. The Children’s Village also has many kid-friendly activities, including art workshops, cooking classes, and more. However, the whole family will enjoy the famous Mazayna, the main event of the festival. Mainly camel beauty pageants, important to the locals. Who can blame them for winning over $15 million? Yes, you`re not mistaken. This is a beauty extravaganza you don`t want to miss.

Final thoughts

Our list of popular festivals to celebrate in Dubai here is sure to give you an idea of the beloved traditions and culture followed in Dubai. Next time you are in Dubai, don`t forget to enjoy these festivals in Dubai with your family, friends, and relatives. 

Book your flight to Dubai in time for any of the festivals there, so you can fully enjoy the colors of Dubai.