Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
When: January - February (4-5 weeks)
Duration: 4-5 weeks of shopping extravaganza
Highlights: 25-75% discounts citywide, daily raffle draws (gold, cars, cash)
Where: All malls and retailers across Dubai
Events: Concerts, fireworks, street performances, special promotions
Note: Best time to shop - biggest sales of the year!
Dubai Food Festival
When: February - March
Duration: 4 weeks
Highlights: Restaurant offers, celebrity chef events, Beach Canteen, food trucks
Where: Citywide - beaches, parks, restaurants
Activities: Cooking classes, tasting menus, street food markets
Admission: Many free events, some ticketed experiences
Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr
When: Varies (Islamic lunar calendar, ~11 days earlier each year)
Duration: Ramadan month + 3-day Eid holiday
Highlights: Iftar tents, night bazaars, charity events, Eid celebrations
Where: Hotels, public spaces, malls (extended hours)
Experience: Unique cultural immersion, festive atmosphere
Note: Daytime dining restrictions, evening festivities
Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
When: ~70 days after Eid Al-Fitr (Islamic calendar)
Duration: 3-4 day public holiday
Significance: Commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice
Celebrations: Family gatherings, special prayers, charity
For Tourists: Shopping sales, hotel deals, festive atmosphere
Note: Most businesses closed first 2 days
UAE National Day (اليوم الوطني)
When: December 2 (formation of UAE in 1971)
Duration: 2-3 days (public holiday)
Highlights: Fireworks, parades, UAE flag displays, concerts, air shows
Where: Burj Khalifa, Hatta, Global Village, beaches
Colors: Red, green, white, black (UAE flag colors) everywhere
Free events throughout Dubai
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)
When: July - August (6-8 weeks)
Target: Families and residents escaping heat indoors
Discounts: 50-70% off summer collections, hotel deals
Activities: Kids' events, indoor entertainment, mall promotions
Note: Extreme heat outdoors (40-48°C), all activities indoors
Global Village
Season: Late October - April
Duration: 6 months
Concept: 90+ country pavilions, cultural shows, shopping, dining
Where: Dubailand
Hours: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM daily
Admission: AED 20
Highlights: International entertainment, shopping, food from around world
Dubai World Cup (Horse Racing)
When: Last Saturday of March
Where: Meydan Racecourse
Prize: $12 million USD - world's richest horse race!
Atmosphere: Glamorous, dress code (smart casual), celebrity sightings
Tickets: AED 200-5,000 (hospitality packages available)
Entertainment: Concerts after races (major international artists)
Dubai Jazz Festival
When: February
Duration: 3 days
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Lineup: International jazz, blues, and contemporary artists
Past Artists: John Legend, Alicia Keys, James Blunt
Tickets: AED 295-795
Dubai International Film Festival
When: December (dates vary)
Duration: 1 week
Venues: Multiple cinemas across Dubai
Focus: Middle Eastern cinema + international films
Events: Premieres, Q&As with filmmakers, red carpet
Tickets: AED 50-200 per screening
Dubai Marathon
When: January
Route: Along Sheikh Zayed Road, JBR, Downtown
Categories: Full marathon (42km), 10km, 4km fun run
Participants: 30,000+ runners from 100+ countries
Prize: $200,000 total prize money
Registration: Opens September/October
New Year's Eve Celebrations
When: December 31 - January 1
Main Event: Burj Khalifa spectacular fireworks and light show
Other Venues: Atlantis The Palm, Global Village, Dubai Marina, beach clubs
Where to Watch: Downtown Dubai (arrive early!), Burj Lake area
Note: Biggest celebration, book hotels 6+ months ahead (prices triple!)
