Events & Festivals in Uae

One of the world's largest shopping festivals, transforming Dubai into a retail paradise. Expect massive discounts, raffles with luxury car prizes, spectacular fireworks, live concerts, and pop-up entertainment districts across the city's malls and souks.

A premier international marathon attracting elite runners and amateurs. Features full marathon, 10km, and 4km fun run routes, offering a unique flat and fast course with iconic Dubai landmarks as a backdrop.

A prestigious international youth football tournament held in the UAE during the European winter break. Attracts top academy teams from clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, offering a glimpse of future stars.

A prestigious showcase of luxury yachts, superyachts, marine equipment, and waterfront living. A key event for maritime industry professionals and luxury enthusiasts, featuring stunning vessels and nautical innovations.

A breathtaking festival where iconic buildings and landmarks in Sharjah are transformed into luminous canvases. Using advanced projection mapping technology, artists tell stories of heritage, science, and culture through spectacular light shows.

A major music festival that has expanded beyond pure jazz to include pop, rock, and R&B headline acts. Features multiple stages over several days, offering a mix of international superstars and smooth jazz performances in a relaxed outdoor setting.

An open-air festival celebrating visual and performing arts in the scenic northern emirate. Showcases works by local and international artists installed in public spaces, heritage sites, and galleries, alongside workshops, music, and poetry.

The leading international art fair for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA). Features contemporary and modern artworks from top global galleries, alongside an extensive talks program and artist commissions.

A premier arts and culture festival presenting a world-class program of music, opera, dance, and visual arts. Features renowned international orchestras, ballet companies, and commissioned works celebrating cross-cultural dialogue.

A month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. Non-Muslims can experience the spirit through special Iftar (breaking fast) and Suhoor tents offering lavish buffets, traditional entertainment, and a unique communal atmosphere after sunset.

The world's richest horse race, held on the last Saturday of the Dubai World Cup night of racing. A glamorous social and sporting spectacle attended by royalty, celebrities, and racing enthusiasts, known for high fashion and fierce competition.

A waterfront festival on the Abu Dhabi corniche celebrating family, culture, and community. Inspired by the legacy of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. Offers interactive art installations, live performances, food stalls, adventure zones, and cultural workshops.

The festive celebration marking the end of Ramadan. A public holiday featuring special prayers, family gatherings, gift-giving ('Eidiya'), and lavish feasts. Malls and attractions are decorated, with special events, sales, and fireworks displays.

A city-wide celebration of Dubai's diverse culinary scene. Features restaurant weeks with special menus, beachside pop-ups like 'Foodie Experiences', cooking masterclasses with celebrity chefs, and the famous 'Etisalat Beach Canteen'.

The 'Festival of Sacrifice,' a major Islamic holiday. Marked by special prayers and family gatherings. It's also a key time for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Many residents travel, and it's a long public holiday period with festive public events.

A summer-long festival designed to attract visitors during the hotter months. Focuses on indoor entertainment with incredible retail discounts, modified shopping hours, kids' activities, live shows in malls, and hotel staycation deals.

Held in the Liwa Oasis near the Empty Quarter, this festival celebrates the date palm, a cornerstone of Emirati heritage. Features date beauty contests, auctions for premium varieties, traditional competitions, and cultural performances.

A massive cultural, shopping, and entertainment destination. Pavilions from over 75 countries sell crafts, clothes, and food. Features daily cultural shows, stunt performances, carnival rides, and nightly fireworks. A family favorite for over two decades.

A major platform for Arab cinema and international films, showcasing features, documentaries, and shorts. Includes red-carpet premieres, workshops, and the prestigious Muhr competition for Arab filmmakers, attracting industry professionals and cinephiles.

A trendy, curated night market in Abu Dhabi's Al Hudayriat Island. Focuses on local designers, artisans, vintage goods, and gourmet food trucks. Set against a beachside backdrop with live acoustic music, creating a relaxed, hip atmosphere.

A deep dive into Bedouin heritage held in the desert of Abu Dhabi's Western Region. The festival centers around the iconic camel beauty contest (Mazayna), along with falconry, saluki races, traditional crafts, and heritage competitions.

Celebrates the unification of the seven emirates in 1971. The country erupts in national pride with parades, air shows, traditional performances, fireworks, and buildings lit in the UAE flag's colors (red, green, white, and black).

The thrilling season finale of the F1 calendar at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit. Beyond the race, it's a four-day festival of music with huge international concert acts performing each night, making it a major social event.

A colorful celebration of Bedouin culture in the desert. Features camel races (including robot jockeys), falconry competitions, traditional handicraft markets, poetry recitals (Nabati poetry), and demonstrations of ancient survival skills.