Top 10 Festivals in Dubai: A Year-Round Celebration Guid

Dubai, the land of luxury and the largest of the seven emirates, is not only about tall buildings and shopping malls. All year round this energetic emirate celebrates numerous festivals that promote its cultural heritage, multiculturalism, and love for grandiosity. Dubai’s festival list ranges from the conventional cultural festivals to the contemporary ones, and they are all exciting. Now let us look at the top 10 festivals that put Dubai on the map as a city that celebrates all year round.

1. Dubai Shopping Festival (December and January)

Starting with the list is the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is a shoppers’ delight. This annual event is normally held in the last month of the year, December and the early month of January, alongside Christmas in Dubai. Shoppers can benefit from huge sales in all the malls, free shows, fireworks display and fabulous draws that involve cars, houses, cash and gold among others.

2. New Year in Dubai

Dubai rings in the New Year in its own style and glamor. The world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, is the backdrop for a firework show that illuminates the entire skyline of the city. Many beach parties, desert camp, and private gala dinners are possible ways of celebrating the new year.

3. Dubai Food Festival (February-March)

Food lovers rejoice! The Dubai Food Festival is a food festival that seeks to promote the various food offerings in the city of Dubai. This festival is about food walks, cooking classes, chef’s table and special menus available at restaurants across the city from street food to gourmet.

4. Art Dubai (March)

Art Dubai is the premier art event in the Middle East. It displays art of the present and the recent past including works from the Middle East and the rest of the world. It is a cultural event that brings in art lovers, collectors, artists and is one of the most important festivals in Dubai’s calendar.

5. Dubai International Film Festival – December

While it is currently inactive, the Dubai International Film Festival has been an important event in the past, which brings filmmakers and lovers of cinema from all over the world. Perhaps, one should wait for its return or similar events related to films in the future.

6. Dubai Summer Surprises (July August)

Like the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises is all about great shopping bargains but with a twist of fun for the entire family. It is a perfect opportunity for families to spend time in Dubai during summer with no sun and heat, indoor entertainment and shows.

7. Ramadan and Eid Celebrations

(Ramadan: 1st Islamic month of Islamic year, Eid: 2 days after the end of Ramadan)

Although Ramadan and Eid are not strictly speaking a festival, they are a great cultural experience in Dubai. The public is able to attend iftar banquets and celebrate the spirit of Eid.

8. Dubai in October: GITEX Technology Week

For lovers of technology, GITEX Technology Week is a perfect event. Organized in October, it is one of the biggest technology fairs in the Middle East with displays of IT and electronics products.

9. Dubai Fitness Challenge (October November)

Dubai Fitness Challenge began in 2017 and is aimed at making the residents and visitors of Dubai do 30 minutes of exercise in 30 days. This is the time the city is characterized by fitness activities, sports and other health related activities.

10. Christmas at IMG Worlds of Adventure

Rounding off our list is the magical Christmas at IMG Worlds of Adventure. This indoor theme park changes its theme to a Christmas theme during the holiday season. Special Christmas programs are to be performed for the visitors, one can also have a photo session with Santa Clause, and feel the atmosphere of the Christmas spirit in this place.

Bonus: New Tourist Spots in Dubai

While not festivals, it's worth mentioning some new tourist spots in Dubai that often host special events:

• Museum of the Future: It also provides a sneak preview of what science and technology has in store for the future.

• Ain Dubai: This is the largest observation wheel in the world and offers great views of the city.

• Deep Dive Dubai: The world’s deepest swimming pool for diving provides a rather interesting experience.

• The View at The Palm: A viewing platform that provides visitors with an opportunity to watch the views of Palm Jumeirah and Dubai.

  
  

These new attractions are usually incorporated in Dubai’s festivals and events to give new experiences to the city.

Conclusion

Festival calendar of Dubai is as colorful and vibrant as the city. From shopping events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival to religious events such as Ramadan and Eid, there is always something to look forward to in this vibrant city. Whether you're planning to experience Christmas in Dubai, celebrate New Year in Dubai, or visit Dubai in October for GITEX, you're sure to find an event that matches your interests.

Remember to check the official Dubai Tourism website for the most up-to-date information on festival dates and new tourist spots in Dubai. This is due to the fact that Dubai hosts celebrations throughout the year and the destination is continuously developing new ways to host celebrations.