Events
Hardly a month goes by without Dubai hosting a major world-class sporting event, festival or some kind of celebration, bringing the community together as a whole and welcoming the many visitors attracted to participate in the fun and festivities !
January
Dubai Shopping Festival
In its 10th year, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a month long festival dedicated to shopping ! Virtually the whole city goes ‘on sale’ and there are bargains galore to be picked up in every shopping mall, souk and store. A lively calendar of entertainment and events accompanies the festival and the city is adorned with street decorations and nightly firework displays explode against Dubai’s stunning cityscape.
Dubai Marathon
An enduring 42.195km course which completes a clockwise circuit of Dubai, encompassing many landmarks of architectural and historic significance.
February
Dubai International Jazz Festival
A three day outdoor Jazz Festival showcasing the very best in Jazz and Blues musicians from all over the world.
Dubai Tennis Championships
Held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, the two week Dubai Tennis Championships is a Tier II WTA and an ATP International Series event where many Tennis superstars are drawn to take part.
Terry Fox Run
Annual Marathon held in aid of raising funds for Cancer Research.
March
Dubai Desert Classic PGA Golf
Hosted at the Emirates Golf Club and held over 3 days in early March, the Dubai Desert Classic is a world-class tournament, attracting some of the best-known names in Golf to play the 7,211-yard, Par-72 Majlis Course.
Dubai International Kitesurfing Tournament
A three day competition open to international and local kitesurfers, with long distance racing and freestyle tricks categories.
Dubai to Muscat Offshore Sailing Race
A 365 nautical mile ISAF category 3 offshore Sailing race held annually.
Dubai World Cup
Home to the world’s richest horse race and the highlight of Dubai’s social calendar, the Dubai World Cup is the grand finale of the horseracing season and is a day not to be missed !
Rally Al Khaleej
UAE Classic Car Rally cover 1000 miles in 11 days. The Rally starts in Abu Dhabi, stop en route in Dubai, proceed to Oman, returning to finish in Abu Dhabi.
April
Dubai International Boat Show
The largest marine exhibition in the Middle East, the Dubai International Boat Show is a classic showcase of luxury yachts, sailing boats and nautical innovations and technology from both local and international manufacturers.
June, July and August
Dubai Summer Surprises
A two month festival aimed at making the school holidays more entertaining for the little ones. Every week, a new theme brings the city alive with educational activities, workshops, play areas and entertainment which is fun for all of the family. Heritage Surprises, Food Surprises, Techno Surprises and Arts Surprises are just some of the regular themes that decorate the streets and shopping malls.
October
Dubai the City that Cares
A Ramadan festival which aims to promote the spirit of giving and charitable activities during the Holy month.
Horseracing Season
The official start of the six month horseracing season, where the crème de la crème of Dubai society mix with owners and breeders at weekly Race nights held at Nad Al Sheba Club.
Emirates Cup:
A sailing race for traditional Arabian Dhows (boats) which attracts as many as 700, 60ft boats to compete and race along the Jumeirah coastline – a breathtaking sight to behold.
November
UAE Desert Challenge
A spectacular off road, cross-country Rally for cars, quad bikes and trucks, held deep in the desert over six days.
Camel Races
The start of the five month camel racing season with weekly races at Nad Al Sheba Club.
December
UIM Class 1 World Offshore Power Boating Championship
Home of the Victory Team, Dubai hosts two heats of the Grand Prix at the Dubai International Marine Club.
Dubai Rugby 7s
Held at The Dubai Exiles Rugby Ground, the opening round of the IRB Sevens World Series features 16 of the world’s best 7s nations. With over 150 teams and 1,750 players, the unique carnival atmosphere of this sporting event and the post match ‘Rugby Rock’ live entertainment makes this one of the biggest party weekends of the year !
Dubai International Film Festival
An annual five day film festival celebrating true excellence in Arab Cinema and aimed at developing cultural understanding and inter-cultural dialogue.
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