Dubai Monthly Events Calendar Guide 2026

What makes Dubai a unique city among many urban metropolises is how it harmoniously brings together. It has a rich, historical & cultural identity, along with a promising future. By adding new experiences for residents & visitors in 2026 via sporting events, art exhibits & festivals. There will be many more events for visitors, residents & tourists alike to experience when visiting this incredibly diverse & fast-growing city.

Travelers to Dubai in 2026 will want to also check for public holidays in the UAE. As they generally, but not always, create additional activities/events happening throughout the city. Typically during the time frame around major holidays.

January 2026: A Month of Luxury and Sport

• The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is currently taking place until January 11. Includes the world-famous Drone Light Show on the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Bluewaters.
• The DP World International League T20 will be bringing back cricketing action to Dubai Cricket Stadium again from January 10, 2026.
• Dubai Desert Classic Catch world-class golf at the Emirates Golf Club from January 22 to 25.
• Quoz Arts Festival A weekend of live music and art at Alserkal Avenue (January 24–25).
• Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Celebrating the written word from January 21 to 27.

February 2026: Romance and Endurance

• Marathon Dubai will host its largest marathon on 1st February.
• Euroleague Basketball The Coca-Cola Arena will feature a matchup between Dubai Basketball and Real Madrid (5 Feb) and Dubai Basketball and Olympiakos (3 Feb).
• The Dubai Tennis Championships are a great opportunity to watch some of the greatest players in the world play, from 15 February to 28 February.
• Valentine’s Day is a big day to be at some of the best rooftop venues across the city that are very romantic, 14 February. Ask your girlfriend or boyfriend to meet you there.
• Ramadan is likely to begin around 17 February, and you will have many opportunities to enjoy lovely evenings with family and friends sharing a delicious Iftar and engaging in peaceful, spiritual contemplation.

March 2026: Festivals of Light and Reflection

• Holi Festival of Colors The festival of colors will take place this year on March 4 (some community events may be held sooner/later due to Ramadan).
• Eid Al Fitr This is the end of Ramadan, and festivities will occur on or around March 19 with fireworks and celebrations throughout the city.
• Mother’s Day local celebration on March 21 with exclusive family dining offers.

April 2026: Innovation and High Seas

• The Dubai International Boat Show, a a five-day exhibition of luxury yachts taking over the entire Dubai Harbour, will be held from April 8 to 12.
• Art Dubai A global contemporary art festival held at Madinat Jumeirah from April 18 to 20.
• Dubai Food Festival Following Ramadan’s end, this month-long celebration of food includes immersive culinary experiences located at various locations throughout Dubai.
• The celebration of Easter is prominent in multiple sectors of hospitality on both April 5 and April 12.

May 2026: Gaming and Grand Holidays

• GameExpo is being hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 8 to May 24 and will showcase upcoming games and other products, as well as a large area for players to play games and connect with other gamers.
• Eid Al Adha will occur between May 26 and May 29 and will provide more public holidays and firework celebrations.
• The Ski Dubai Arctic Run is a “cool” event, occurring in the middle of the desert and held around the middle of the month, 18 May.

June 2026: Summer Surprises Begin

• Dubai Summer Surprises is the largest yearly summer sales event in Dubai, with unbelievable sales on retail products that will start at the end of June.
• The Islamic New Year, Hijri, is expected to take place on approximately June 15 and is usually celebrated as a public holiday.

July 2026: Indoor Beats and Treats

• Beat the Heat DXB is an ongoing series of indoor music festivals held at the World Trade Centre through the entire summer.
• Summer Restaurant Week is a popular culinary week where you can find fine dining at discount prices.
• Indoor Fun Runs are a way to stay active (in a climate-controlled environment) by running at either City Centre Mirdif or Dubai Hills.

August 2026: Sports and Rock Legends

• The British rock band Def Leppard will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE this August. They are one of the biggest acts in the UK and will be performing in the country for the first time ever.
• Dubai Sports World is the largest indoor sports venue in the UAE, and it is open every day this month.
• On Sunday, August 25th, people in the UAE will celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

September 2026: Cultural Immersion

• Saudi Arabia’s National Day on September 23rd is marked by large celebrations and fireworks shows.
• La Perle by Dragone is an aqua show and will be performed every night in September.
• The Laughter Factory is a comedy tour featuring some of the biggest names in comedy from around the world.

October 2026: Fitness and Frights

• Get ready to push yourself with the Dubai Fitness Challenge (30×30 Challenge). Starting in late October with 30 minutes of daily exercise.
• Halloween is going to be a lot of fun on October 31st. With Halloween-themed events throughout the city’s parks and major beach clubs.
• The Dubai Comedy Festival will celebrate both international and local comedians throughout the month of October.

Dubai Events November 2026

• Diwali Festival of Lights Extravagant parties and fireworks will take place on November 8.
• Dubai Design Week is the Region’s largest creative festival that is usually hosted in Dubai Design District (D3)
• Dubai World Cup Carnival During the winter racing series, when the Meydan begins ramping up.

December 2026: National Pride and Festive Cheer

• Eid al-Etihad National Day Holidays are celebrated throughout the entire country on December 2nd and 3rd in 2026. Massive parades, concerts, and fireworks shows are all part of this holiday. Which often takes place with Commemoration Day (December 1st), creating a splendid long weekend of national pride.
• Emirates Dubai 7 is one of the world’s most anticipated events for both sport and music, taking place at The Sevens Stadium early December, combining top rugby talent and global musical acts into an amazing party atmosphere.
• Christmas in Dubai Though the UAE is a country ruled by Islam, Christmas will be celebrated on December 25. The city will be filled with spectacular seasonal markets, tree-lighting events, and luxury holiday-priced Christmas brunches.
• New Year’s Eve Celebrate 2027 in one of the world’s most exciting cities. View the Burj Khalifa as it is illuminated by the largest firework show ever recorded and enjoy various live entertainment at every important landmark in the city.

Book This Special Occasion With Royal Eagle Tourism

To ensure your trip is truly unforgettable, make your booking for these special events with Royal Eagle Tourism. From securing hard-to-get attraction tickets to organizing a luxury Dhow Cruise. Whether it’s a private yacht charter or a sleek limousine transfer. We handle the logistics so you can focus on making memories.