Hi, Sunil here to talk about the various festivals in Dubai

Dubai is very rich in culture. And in addition to having its own set of festivals, it also permits other cultures and organizations to hold festivities in Dubai throughout the year.


After all, Dubai is over 70% expats (as of 2009 at least).

The number and magnitude of the festivals also draw in crowds from various corners of the world, thereby pumping in more tourism and money into the Dubai economy.

Who can deny such a proposition after all?

So while I certainly won’t pretend that I know each and every festival in Dubai, here is a brief list of the festivals Kish and I know about and have had the pleasure to attend and enjoy the festivities over the years.

Winter Festivals in Dubai

Diwali Festival

Usually held toward the end of the year. Both being Indians, this festival means most for Kish and I. Indians are also the single largest group of expats in Dubai.

Diwali marks the Indian New Year, so you will see lights all over Dubai during this time. You will also see restaurants set up stalls on the street and give out snacks and sweets for free.


National Day

This is arguably the biggest day in Dubai. Streets change overnight as flags of UAE go up in every corner. This is the day of the UAE’s independence from Great Britain. The Burj al Arab (Dubai’s iconic symbol) usually lights up in the UAE flag colors on this day.


Dubai Marathon

This a fun event that contributes to a good cause. each year the Dubai marathon consists of three main races (beginner’s fun race, intermediate 10km race and the advanced 50km race).

The event costs a small fee which is contributed to a charity. The winner of the marathon usually gets a large cash prize. Are you the next winner of the Dubai Marathon?


Dubai Shopping Festival

Calling all shopaholics! The world famous Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) attracts over 2 million visitors annually (as of 2009) to enjoy the best variety in shopping. It is also supposed to be a season of great bargain, although I personally disagree.

The event is held each January and lasts the full month. Most stores / shops participate actively in the event. Shoppers and their families typically enjoy the entertainment displays such as concerts and fireworks as well.


Dubai Rugby Sevens

A very popular international event that attracts people from all around the world, the Dubai Rugby Sevens is a 3 day competition between 16 or so teams (as of 2009).

The tournament is held at the Dubai Exiles Rugby Club, which also arranges for special entertainment events such as concerts to keep the visitors entertained in between matches and at nights.


Dubai International Film Festival

The DIFF is not quite the Hollywood Oscars, but it is quite the event to be at for the low budget, independent film world as well as the artsy types. This event has traditionally attracted even the biggest names in Hollywood cinema.

Late Winter, Early Spring

Dubai Jazz Festival

My favorite genre of music late nights and early mornings. The International Jazz Festival in Dubai is hosted in the Dubai Media City. The event attracts a ton of tourists and features some of the best names in Jazz. Coming from Detroit (where Jazz was born), it is one of my favorite festivals in Dubai.


Dubai Desert Classic

I am not quite a golfer myself but this event is apparently the most popular golfing event in the entire UAE. And because it is held in Dubai, it is no surprise that the prize money (or ‘Purse’ as they call it is quite a healthy amount).

The Dubai Desert Classic tournament is held at the beautiful Emirates Golf Club. As you can imagine, this event attracts the big names in golf from all around the world and likewise, the crowd follows.


Dubai Tennis Championships

I am not too good at it but I enjoy playing tennis a lot. More than playing it I enjoy watching it. Something about that ‘tik-tock’ type of sound that comes from hitting that ball with a tennis racket.

Every big name in tennis makes it a point to join this tournament. It would only behoove them to. The Dubai Tennis Championship is held at the Aviation club in Dubai. It is definitely one of my favorite festivals in Dubai.

Spring Festivals in Dubai

Dubai Desert Rock

This event is a 2 day event held every March in Dubai. It is a wide display of music, mainly rock. When I was learning the guitar, one of the first songs I tried was Mega Death's 'Almost Honest'. I remember hearing shortly after that Mega Death was performing at the Dubai Desert Rock concert.


Taste Festival

A great event for ‘foodies’ like Kish and I. This week long event is held every year at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. You will see some of the biggest names in cooking globally (like Emerald). There is a lot to learn from this event as the cooks engage in discussions with the audience providing cooking tips as they cook and give you a sample.


Dubai Art Fair

I am not quite sure when during spring season this event takes place. I have seen it float all around the place. The event itself is geared toward the artsy types (my mother in law) and is held every year at the Madinat Jumeirah. As you would expect, you will see the biggest names in art from all around the world as well as their work on full display.


The Dubai World Cup

Arguably the most popular annual event in Dubai. Known as the world’s most expensive horse racing event, the Dubai World Cup gives out over $6M USD in prize money (as of 2008). Like anything else in Dubai, the biggest names (owners, jockeys, trainers) in horse racing can be found here. The event is held at the Nad Al Sheba race tracks.

Summer Festivals in Dubai

The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)

This festival kicks in toward the back end of the Dubai Shopping Festival. It is called summer surprises because 1) it is held in the summer and 2) the deals are surprising as most locals leave Dubai during the hot summers.

The festival is to encourage tourists to visit Dubai when the Emirate is quite dead. The event lasts a long 10 weeks and features all kinds of attractions like art exhibits, nature, food, etc.

Fall Festivals in Dubai

Ramadan

This month long event trumps all others listed on this list. The event dates fluctuate based on the lunar calendar and typically lasts an entire month (or lunar cycle which is typically 30 days long).

Ramadan is a religious Muslim festival that is celebrated globally. Food intake is not permitted during day time. Although you may not be a Muslim, you are expected to abide by the rules, or at the very least do not break them in public. Doing so will mean insulting the religion.

The event ends when a full moon is seen at the end of the 30 days. Local celebrate as they indulge in the best foods and drinks at the end of Ramadan.

I hope you enjoyed this short list of festivals in Dubai. Keep coming back as Kish and I will be updating this section as we learn more about the many and ever growing festivals in Dubai.