Festivals & events

41 celebrations through the year — pick a day to see what's on.

• New Year's Day (1 January · All regions · National) — National public holiday marking the start of the new calendar year with celebrations across the UAE.
• Dubai Marathon (All January · Dubai · Dubai) — One of the world's largest marathons with over 30,000 participants running through Dubai's iconic landmarks.
• Arab Travel Market (All January · Dubai · Dubai) — Leading travel and tourism trade show in the Middle East attracting industry professionals from around the world.
• Ajman Heritage Days (All February · Ajman · Ajman) — Celebration of Ajman's rich cultural heritage featuring traditional arts, crafts, music and local cuisine.
• Dubai Shopping Festival (All January · Dubai · Dubai) — Month-long shopping extravaganza with discounts, entertainment, and cultural events across Dubai's malls and streets.
• Dubai World Cup (All March · Dubai · Dubai) — World's richest horse race held at Meydan Racecourse, attracting elite equestrian competitors globally.
• Sharjah Heritage Days (All March · Sharjah · Sharjah) — Festival celebrating Sharjah's cultural identity through traditional performances, crafts, and authentic Emirati experiences.
• Ras Al Khaimah Food Festival (All March · Ras Al Khaimah · Ras Al Khaimah) — Celebration of regional and international cuisine with cooking demonstrations and culinary competitions.
• Fujairah International Biennale (All March · Fujairah · Fujairah) — Contemporary art exhibition showcasing regional and international artists in Fujairah's cultural venues.
• Umm Al Quwain Beach Festival (All April · Umm Al Quwain · Umm Al Quwain) — Beach-based festival featuring water sports, entertainment, and local food celebrations along Umm Al Quwain's coastline.
• Eid Al Fitr (All April · All regions · National) — Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan with family gatherings, prayers, and festive celebrations across the UAE.
• Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (All February · Dubai · Dubai) — Premier tennis tournament attracting world-ranked players competing in the desert courts of Dubai.
• Abu Dhabi Film Festival (All October · Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi) — International film festival showcasing Arab and world cinema with screenings, seminars, and awards.
• Sharjah International Book Fair (All November · Sharjah · Sharjah) — One of the largest book fairs in the Arab world attracting publishers and readers for literary celebrations.
• Eid Al Adha (All June · All regions · National) — Islamic festival of sacrifice celebrated with prayers, feasts, and family reunions across the Emirates.
• Islamic New Year (All July · All regions · National) — Islamic calendar new year marked as a public holiday with religious observances throughout the UAE.
• Fujairah Eco-Tourism Festival (All May · Fujairah · Fujairah) — Celebration of Fujairah's natural environment with hiking, wildlife viewing, and sustainable tourism activities.
• Dubai Summer Surprises (All June · Dubai · Dubai) — Summer festival featuring entertainment, shopping deals, and family activities during the hot season.
• Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (All September · All regions · National) — Islamic holiday celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad with religious prayers and communal gatherings.
• Ajman Dhow Festival (All April · Ajman · Ajman) — Celebration of traditional Emirati maritime heritage featuring dhow races and seafaring exhibitions.
• Sharjah Light Festival (All January · Sharjah · Sharjah) — Stunning light and art installations illuminate Sharjah's landmarks in this contemporary cultural celebration.
• Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (All February · Ras Al Khaimah · Ras Al Khaimah) — Annual running event attracting local and international participants along scenic Ras Al Khaimah routes.
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (All November · Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi) — Formula 1 racing championship on the Yas Marina Circuit, attracting top drivers and motorsport fans globally.
• UAE National Day (2–3 December · All regions · National) — National celebration marking the UAE's unification with parades, fireworks, and patriotic events across all emirates.
• Umm Al Quwain Heritage Festival (All December · Umm Al Quwain · Umm Al Quwain) — Traditional cultural festival celebrating Umm Al Quwain's maritime heritage and local customs.
• Sharjah Art Biennial (All September · Sharjah · Sharjah) — International contemporary art exhibition showcasing diverse artistic perspectives in Sharjah's galleries.
• Dubai Food Festival (All February · Dubai · Dubai) — Celebration of global and Middle Eastern cuisine with chef collaborations and street food events.
• Fujairah Water Sports Festival (All November · Fujairah · Fujairah) — Festival featuring diving, snorkeling, and marine activities showcasing Fujairah's rich underwater heritage.
• Ajman Music Festival (All October · Ajman · Ajman) — Festival bringing classical and contemporary music performances to Ajman's cultural venues.
• Ras Al Khaimah National Day Parade (2–3 December · Ras Al Khaimah · Ras Al Khaimah) — Regional celebration of UAE National Day with parades, performances, and cultural exhibitions.
• Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Festival (All March · Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi) — Multidisciplinary festival featuring international and Arab musicians, dancers, and visual artists.
• Umm Al Quwain Sports Festival (All October · Umm Al Quwain · Umm Al Quwain) — Multi-sport event attracting athletes for competitions in traditional and modern sports.
• Dubai Design Week (All November · Dubai · Dubai) — Premier design event showcasing emerging and established designers with installations and exhibitions.
• Sharjah Organic & Farmers Market (All November · Sharjah · Sharjah) — Weekly weekend market celebrating local and organic produce with sustainable farming practices.
• Fujairah Municipality Sport Festival (All January · Fujairah · Fujairah) — Annual sports competition showcasing various athletic disciplines across Fujairah.
• Abu Dhabi Classics (All May · Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi) — International classical music festival featuring world-renowned orchestras and soloists.
• Dubai Gourmet Festival (All May · Dubai · Dubai) — Culinary celebration featuring Michelin-starred chefs and gastronomic experiences across Dubai.
• Ajman Art Exhibition (All November · Ajman · Ajman) — Contemporary and traditional art showcase by local and regional artists in Ajman's galleries.
• Ras Al Khaimah Classics (All December · Ras Al Khaimah · Ras Al Khaimah) — Golf tournament set against the backdrop of Ras Al Khaimah's dramatic mountain landscapes.
• Sharjah Comedy Festival (All April · Sharjah · Sharjah) — Entertainment festival featuring stand-up comedy performers from across the Middle East and internationally.
• Umm Al Quwain Aquatic Festival (All January · Umm Al Quwain · Umm Al Quwain) — Beach and water-based celebration featuring marine activities and traditional boat exhibitions.