Known for its unparalleled blend of tradition and innovation, Dubai is pulling out all the stops with a lineup of events that promise to dazzle, inspire, and entertain. From groundbreaking exhibitions and world-class sporting events to vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city.
So mark your calendars and pack your bags because 2025 is set to be another extraordinary year in Dubai!
If you are heading down the road to the capital, don’t miss our complete guide to Abu Dhabi events in 2025
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Dubai Events January 2025
The Dubai Shopping Festival continues through until mid-January at venues across the city. Don’t miss the nightly DSF Drone Light Show between JBR and Bluewaters Island and all the action happening at D3 (Dubai Design District)
The Holy Month of Ramadanwill commence on or about 1 March 2025 and lasts approximately 29-30 days.
Non-Muslims should be aware of daylight fasting during Ramadan, and some places will curtail their entertainment program but why not locally join in with an Iftar for breaking of the fast or overnight Suhoor to mark the occasion? Ramadan markets are also another great experience that have popped up in recent years.
Holi Festivities for the Hindu community occur during the month with the key date of 13 March 2025 (festivities may be held before/after Ramadan instead).
Expect St Patrick’s Day celebrations to be widely marked at Irish pubs across the city after dark on 17 March 2025 – various venues
Mother’s Day occurs on 21 March annually, UK Mother’s Day is 30 March 2025 – expect special family dining offers for the occasion
The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-al Fitr celebrations across the city with special deals through to fireworks 30 March – 2 April 2025 (est – subject to Moon Sighting)
Locally, many schools have a Spring term break from the end of March to early April, so look out for special term break camps and events that may be running – and expect the city to be much busier despite it being Ramadan.
On 2 May, award-winning Egyptian singerAngham will enchant the audience with her tuneful melodies – Coca-Cola Arena.
You can catch the popular Korean DJ and singer Peggy Gou at the Soho Garden Festival on 3 May– Expo City
Sports fans, Dubai Basketball will take on Buducnost Voli on 4 May – Coca-Cola Arena
Nassif and friendswill entertain audiences on 9 May. The high-energy concert will feature Nassif Zeytoun, Rahma Riad, Mortadha Ftiti, and Ricky Rich and offer a night of incredible music – Coca-Cola Arena
Between 9 and 11 May2025, GameExporeturns with impressive showcases, tournaments and more! World Trade Centre
P-Pop Alert! Global sensation Biniwill bring their Biniverse World Tour to Dubaion 18 May! – Coca-Cola Arena
Join Greek superstar Nikos Vertis for some heartfelt tunes on 22 May – Coca-Cola Arena
Carmine Burana, a mesmerising mix of music, dance, and emotion, will be performed on 23 May – Dubai Opera
Fancy an Arctic run in the desert? Yep, it’s Dubai. Of course, you can do that. The action is happening at SkiDubai on 18 May, starting early in the morning.
Come and feel the noise asStomp creates music in a way that only they know how! This inventive act’s international tour kicks off on 19 May – Dubai Opera
Arabic music icons Tamer Hosny & Al Shami take to the stage together for one night 31 May 2025 – Coca-Cola Arena
Musical fans should also note that the Mamma Mia will be on from 11 to 22 June 2025 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi (this is just an hour’s drive away from the Marina end of the city – see how to get to Etihad Arena from Dubai here!)
Locally, most schools will break up for July and August, when the local expat families head away. The tourists are still coming in, but do expect it to be much quieter on the big event front.
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) – From 27th June until 31st of August, enjoy unbeatable sales, special offers, and prize draws citywide.
There’s an additional event been added this year by Dubai Tourism, Summer Restaurant Week from 4 to 13 July 2025 to encourage you to explore Dubai’s dining scene with some great discounts – various locations
Catch Words Meet Harmoniesa live performance by Choir Connect on 5 July 2025 – The Fridge Warehouse, Alserkal Avenue
Beat the Heat DXB Season 4 will be setting the groove for a series of summer evening music festivals from 4 to 13 July 2025 – Zabeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Center
Indian music star Shreya Ghoshal will bring her powerful vocals to stage on 19 July 2025 – Trade Center Arena DWTC
There are several indoor summer fun runs scheduled across the city, including RX Summer Run at City Center Mirdif on 6 July, Summer Mall Run at Ibn Battuta on 13 July, and Dubai Hills Indoor Run on 20 July.
Dubai Sports World – usually held all summer, this year sees a condensed version held from 3 August through until 2 September 2025. From Ninja Warrior courses to basketball, indoor football, and parkour, there’s something to keep all age groups active over the summer – Dubai World Trade Centre.
Indoor summer fitness events continue with the Wafi City Summer Runon 10 August 2025
Kingdom Festival will bring a line up of Afrobeats and Amapiano artists on 9 August 2025 – Dubai World Trade Center
Aussie singer/songwriter Natalie Imbruglia will be live on stage 23 August 2025 – Dubai Opera
Laugh off the last of summer with theDubai Comedy Festivalrunning from 2 to 12 October 2025. Acts include Tom Segura, Akaash Singh, Morgan Jay, Joanne McNally, Zakie Khan – Coca-Cola Arena/Dubai Opera
The Dubai Fitness Challenge is always a great way to work off those summer days spent inside. Running late October and through November 2025, there’s always a huge variety of events to get involved with across the city.
Dubai Comedy Festival presents Zakir Khan Live on 12 October 2025 – Coca-Cola Arena
Norwegian folk duo Kings of Convenience will bring their harmonies and acoustics to stage 16 October 2025 – Dubai Opera
Grammy-Award Winning Rapper Lil Baby Wham World Tour hits Dubai on 18 October 2025 – Coca-Cola Arena
Diwali is always widely celebrated with the local expat community, so expect plenty of dancing and fireworks – 21 October 2025, with celebrations over the surrounding week.
Grease is the word this autumn with Grease The Musicalon stage from 24 October to 2 November 2025 – Dubai Opera
Both horse racing and camel racing return during November for the winter season – exact dates TBC
The annual Dubai Design Week returns from 4 to 9 November 2025 – various locations
UNTOLD Festival returns with DJ Martin Garixx headlining from 6 to 9 November 6 2025 – Dubai Parks & Resorts
The Middle East Hunting Expo will return from 6 to 10 November 2025 – Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City
Catch one of the UK’s most influential rock bands Deep Purple on 20 November 2025 – Coca-Cola Arena
Fans of British Jazz-junk won’t want ot miss Level 42on 21 November 2025 – Bla Bla Bar
Teddy Swims will bring his ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy’ tour to Dubai on 22 November 2025 – Coca-Cola Arena
Iconic British band Madness will also be hitting town on 22 November 2025 with their unforgettably energetic hits – Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Thanksgiving is another international celebration that has firmly made its way into the regular events calendar for Dubai expats. This year, events will be held on Thursday,27th November 2025
Commemoration Day is marked on 30 November – not always a public holiday, but may be added to the Eid al-Etihad long weekend
Eid al-Etihad (National Day) is a fixed public holiday from 2 to 3 December, with lots of celebratory events to be found across the country. (Likely to be combined with Commemoration Day, making a long weekend from 29 November to 3 December 2025)
Dubai Rugby 7s is one of the city’s most anticipated international sporting events of the year, bringing local and international sporting talent together in early December 2025 – Rugby 7’s Stadium
Franz Ferdinand will make his return to Dubai on 13 December 2025 – CocaCola Arena
Once Upon a Time in Dubai:The Musical is Dubai’s first musical, born and raised in the city! With amazing choreography and an original soundtrack, catch this debut show from 20 December through 11 Janaury 2026 – The Agenda, Media City
Christmas – Despite being a Muslim country, the occasion is widely marked on 25 December, and you’ll find many festive celebrations occur across the city
New Year’s Eve – one of the most exciting spots in the world to ring in the new year, with the Burj Khalifa taking centre stage and many fireworks displays across the city.
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
