Dubai Festivals

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is an annual month-long event conducted together by the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment (DFRE). Although Dubai is well known as a shopper's paradise throughout the year, DSF time is perfect for bargain hunters to visit Dubai!

During this time, over two million visitors flock to Dubai for the month-long Shopping Festival. Almost every shop in the city offers discounts. Concerts, children's entertainment, firework shows and other events are organised thorughout the city.

The Dubai Marathon is an annual road-based marathon hosted by Dubai since 1998. It is a charitable funding event allowing one to participate for a small fee with the chance of winning a hefty cash prize. This marathon is categorised as a Gold Label Road Race by World Athletics. There are three types of races enabling the event to attract a broader scope of entries: the 'fun run', which is only a 3 km run for those without much training; the over 15's run, which is a 10 km road race and the long distance, and 50 km marathon which is only suitable for 18 years and above.

The Dubai Desert Classic is a European Tour tournament usually held on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. Almost every year, the title sponsorer changes. It is the most popular golfing event in the Middle East. Many of the world's leading swingers return yearly for a chance to win a grand prize. The competition attracts many tourists and golf enthusiasts. The tournament is part of a more comprehensive strategy via a government program called "Dubai Golf" to develop professional and casual golf tourism in Dubai.

Dubai International Jazz Festival appeals to many tourists who have enjoyed the engaging lineup of Jazz icons in the past and the warm, friendly atmosphere. Toto, Robin Gibb, Stanley Jordan and Jamie Callum are famous artists who have performed at this festival. The Dubai International Jazz Festival also helps boost the city's tourism sector. The best thing about this festival is the variety of performances it offers.

Dubai Tennis Championships is one of the most exciting sporting events that brings together the best tennis players from the world. The Dubai Tennis Championships or Dubai Open occurs at the end of February and organises men's and women's events. It comprises a WTA 1000 women's event and the ATP 500 men's tournament. It is a fantastic opportunity to come and watch tennis stars playing in Dubai. The event is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The tournament helps to promote Dubai as a sporting destination and attracts fans from around the world.

The event was initially known as the UAE Desert Challenge. This rally is a part of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and is the race that takes place in Abu Dhabi.

The annual Art Dubai fair is a stage to showcase the work of local artists. It has been instrumental in drawing on the city's enigmatic mix of artists, curators and art lovers, thereby creating a growing platform for innovative artwork and local talent. The thriving contemporary art galleries and success of Art Dubai make Dubai an essential visit for any art connoisseur. The fair successfully put the art from the Middle East and surrounding region (MENASA – Middle East, North Africa & South Asia) onto the global map. It continues to celebrate art excellence through its extended fair programme and brilliant initiatives.

Dubai Racing Club (DRC) organises and hosts horseracing at Meydan Racecourse, including the Dubai World Cup, from November to March. It started in 1992 to develop and promote horseracing in Dubai. Dubai World Cup is the world's richest horse race, with a whopping prize of 12 million USD for the title, and the total prize money is USD 30.5 million! Amidst the presence of the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers, the action takes place at the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. It is the brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In April, Dubai hosts the annual Bride Show. It exhibits fashionable bridal dresses from international brands at its fashion show and includes events like marriage guidance, cooking shows and parlour treatments accompanying the wedding theme. Over 20,000 visitors participate in the Bride Show Dubai every year. It is held at the Dubai International Convention Centre.

Taste of Dubai, held at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, is an uttermost celebration of food, drink and entertainment and is dedicated to food lovers. During this three-day event, UAE's best restaurants, world-famous chefs, and local artisan producers present their most delicious specialities. Taste of Dubai, in partnership with Philips, brings together over 21,000 foodies, friends and families to enjoy the region's best chefs and restaurants, interactive masterclasses, live entertainment, and more.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) lasts ten weeks during peak summer. Its mascot is a life-size yellow springy Modhesh, who adds comical value and attracts the younger generation. DSS was implemented to encourage tourists to visit Dubai in the summer months. The ten weeks of DSS are divided into various themes: food, arts, adventure and nature. Hotels in Dubai also offer special 'shopaholic' packages to attract more guests during DSS's incredible shopping deals throughout the festival.

Every year, the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club hosts the first round of the IRB Sevens Series, with 16 international teams competing for the prestigious trophy over three days. The competitions are accompanied by various shows and events designed to entertain visitors. At the same time, those new to rugby will find the fast-and-furious matches an excellent introduction to the sport.

The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is the largest in the Arab region. In 2018, the DIFF announced it would take place every two years. It emphasises showcasing Arab, Asian, and African cinema; it also helps to develop industry and talent in the region. This film festival encourages independent and art-house cinema to get better recognition from the public, with special guests attracting large audiences, such as George Clooney and Morgan Freeman. The Muhr Awards, including the Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards, are the prominent festival awards.

UAE National Day Festival is an annual celebration commemorating the Emirates' independence from Great Britain. It is celebrated on the 2nd of December in the United Arab Emirates, with fireworks, car rallies, music and dance shows. The seventh emirate, Ras al Khaimah, was added to the federation on 10 February 1972, making it the last emirate (state) to join. Holidays are given from National Day until two days later. Shopping malls, Burj Khalifa malls, and institutions are decorated with UAE flags. People usually dress in UAE national flag colours and decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to celebrate the day. Heritage Villages are set all over the UAE to celebrate this event traditionally.