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 2026 is set to be another extraordinary year in Dubai!
Please note this guide was preapred ahead of the unpresdented events surrounding the Iran War. Not all advertised events may go ahead post-28 February
If you are heading down the road to the capital, don’t miss our complete guide to Abu Dhabi events in 2026
We have included links where possible to platforms such as TicketMaster and Platinumlist, which are major ticket sellers in the UAE authorised to sell tickets for the mentioned events. We may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases you make after clicking on these links. This does not change the price you pay.
Dubai Events January 2026
The Dubai Shopping Festival continues through until January 11 2026 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)
Dubai Polo Gold Cupwill take place over February and into March 2026 – Al Habtoor Polo
The 2026 Dubai Marathonis scheduled for 1 February 2026 – Umm Sequim/Jumeirah Beach
Basketball fans get ready as Dubai Basketball take on Greek team Olympiacos Piraeus on 3 February 2026 and Spanish stars Real Madrid on 5 February 2026 in the Euroleague – Coca-Cola Arena.
Taste of Dubai, Dubai’s largest culinary event, will return in 2026, whilst the date is still tbc, the 2025 event ran from the 14 to 16 February –Media City Ampitheatre
The Holy Month of Ramadanwill commence on or around 18 February 2026 and lasts for 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 local experience that have popped up in recent years for evening entertainment during the Holy Month.
Events below in March are subject to cancellation due to the regional conflict.
Holi Celebrations for the Hindu community will occur during the month with the festival itself falling on 4 March 2026. Celebrations may be postponed until after Eid-Al-Fitr/the end of Ramadan.
The Dubai Challenge Cup (Polo) usually takes place in March, but the dates for 2026 are TBC – Al Habtoor Polo
Expect St Patrick’s Day celebrations to be widely marked at Irish pubs across the city after dark on 17 March 2026 – various venues
Eid-Al Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, is due to fall on or around 19 March 2026, subject to the moon sighting. There will be special events, deals, and fireworks around the city to mark this three-day holiday.
Mother’s Day occurs on 21 March annually in the UAE, while UK Mother’s Day falls on 15 March 2026 – expect special family dining offers for the occasion
The 30th Edition of the Dubai World Cup, one of the world’s richest horse races, will take place on 28 March 2026 – Meydan Race Course
Locally, schools have a Spring term break from 9 March to 22 March (moved by a week due to the Iran War); look out for special term break camps and events that may be running
Easter, although not formally marked as a holiday, is widely celebrated in the retail and hospitality industry (Easter Sunday, April 5 2026 for Catholic and Anglican Church members, April 12 for Orthodox Christians).
The Laughter Factory is continuing this month with dates scheduled from 10-18 April 2026 and events across the city to bring some light-hearted relief.
Opera Under the Domeby Firadus Orchestra is scheduled to go ahead as planned on Saturday, 18 April 2026 – Al Wasl Dome, Expo City
We expect that many events may still be subject to last minute cancellation in May; please take this as only a preliminary listing until we get confirmation from organizers.
Wagef! Comedy show by Amal Taleb will be an uplifting evening of Arabic comedy on 1 May 2026 – Meyana Theatre, Jumeriah Beach Hotel
Sharmila Dance Extravaganza will take place from 1 to 3 May 2026 – New Covent Garden Theatre, Mall of the Emirates
Between 9 and 11 May2026, GameExporeturns with impressive showcases, tournaments, and more! World Trade Centre (Ticket sales currently paused)
Enjoy candlelight theatrewith French singer Édith Piaf and the Gulf String Quartet on 9 May 2026 –Al Habtoor Polo Resort
Dubai’s coolest run, the indoor DXB Snow Run, returns on 17 May 2026 – SkiDubai, Mall of the Emirates Eid Al Adha celebrations and public holidays – estimated to fall on the 26 -29 May 2026 – tbc events around town
Locally, most schools will break up for July and August, when the local expat families head away. The tourists are still coming in, but expect the big event to be much quieter.
Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) – from late June until the end of August, enjoy unbeatable sales, special offers, and prize draws citywide (TBC for 2026).
Beat the Heat DXB is likely to return this July and set the groove for a series of summer evening music festivals from exact dates TBC – Zabeel Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Center
Dubai Sports World – usually held all summer, will hopefully return in 2026 (exact dates TBC). 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
On 2 August, British rockers Def Leppardwill take to the stage with their extensive catalogue of hits – Coca-Cola Arena
Indoor summer fitness events continue throughout the month, with events like the Wafi City Summer Runexact date TBC
The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on approximately 25 August 2026 – sometimes a public holiday is observed.
Laugh off the last of summer with the Dubai Comedy Festival, which usually runs throughout October.
God Save the Queen, a Queen tribute act, will take to the stage on 5 October 20026 – Dubai Opera
The Dubai Fitness Challenge is always a great way to work off those summer days spent inside. Usually running from late October through November, there’s always a huge variety of events to get involved with across the city.
The World’s Number 1 Club brings its Ibiza-style dance partyElrow Dubai 2026 to town on 24 October 20206 – Dubai Media City Ampitheatre
Halloweenalways makes a great family and friends event to enjoy across the city – 31 October
Diwali is always widely celebrated with the local expat community, so expect plenty of dancing and fireworks – 8 November 2026 – with celebrations over the surrounding week.
Both horse racing and camel racing return during November for the winter season – exact dates TBC
The annual Dubai Design Week usually occurs in November, although the exact dates are TBC,- various locations
The Middle East Hunting Expo usually takes place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, in November.
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, 26 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
Christmas – Despite being a Muslim country, the occasion is widely marked on 25 December, and you’ll find many festive celebrations occurring 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.
