Dubai World Cup

Dubai's malls and shopping destinations come to life at this annual event (Dec - Jan), where shoppers will find unbeatable deals on everything from fashion and jewellery to electronics and accessories. The world's biggest shopping festival, this month-long celebration isn't just about searching for bargains and shopping 'til you drop. There's also a line-up of thrilling entertainment, such as firework displays, fashion shows and live concerts, and visitors will also get the chance to win unforgettable prizes, such as SUVs and gold. For more information, please visit:

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is an annual event that usually takes place in March, with exciting activities based around all things literature. In addition to readings, interviews and panel discussions, the festival features a line-up of international writers. There are also literary lunches with famous chefs and many opportunities to meet literature fans and like-minded people. Former events featured various bestselling authors like Jacqueline Wilson, Anthony Horowitz, and Mark Billingham. For more information, please visit:

The Dubai World Cup is one of the biggest annual events on the region's event calendar. With USD 10 million going to the overall winner and a staggering total pot of USD 30 million, it's no wonder that it's known as "the world's richest horse race". The Dubai World Cup is a star-studded affair. While it's all eyes on the world's best thoroughbreds on track, many glittering international and regional celebrities may be found in the exclusive premium lounges and private terraces. The event usually takes place at the end of March. For more information, please visit:

All it takes is 30 minutes to stay fit. The annual Dubai Fitness Challenge – an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council for Dubai Government – sees the entire city take part in 30 minutes of physical exericise for 30 days. With plenty of family fun at weekend carnivals to workouts by the beach, this event in mid-October makes exercise fun. For more information, please visit www.visitdubai.com/en/events.

A celebration of all things gastronomic, the Dubai Food Festival takes place annually around February and March, celebrating the diverse culinary offerings of the city with a jam-packed schedule of mouth-watering events and offers. From enjoying special set menus at Dubai’s finest eateries during Dubai Restaurant Week to discovering wallet-friendly hidden gems, Dubai Food Festival satisfies all tastes and budgets. Other highlight events of the Dubai Food Festival include Beach Canteen, which brings together the city’s best home-grown food concepts at a fun-packed family event, and Taste of Dubai, where foodies get the opportunity to sample delicious dishes from top restaurants and meet celebrity chefs from around the world. In addition, malls and restaurants across the city join in the festivities by hosting special events and offering exclusive menus and discounts. For more information, please visit:

Art Dubai is an annual event that takes place in March and presents the who’s who of the current art scene. Visitors have the opportunity to see contemporary and modern art from around the world and attend the many workshops, lectures, and exhibitions on offer. Held under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the event kicks off the art season throughout the city. For more information, please visit:

The SIKKA Art Fair, an initiative by Dubai Culture, is an annual event that usually takes place around March and showcases feature works of artists based in the UAE and GCC region. It represents numerous nations, encouraging them to share their talent with the wider community while fostering a culture of art in Dubai. Taking place in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the fair showcases an array of visual arts, performing arts, music and film. Head down to see audio, video and interactive artistic installations, music performances, screenings, poetry readings, painting, photography and sculptures. It’s an exciting line up of 10 days crammed with entertainment, workshops and all things creative. For more information, please visit www.visitdubai.com/en/events.

Thanks to the World Art Dubai fair, buying art doesn’t have to be an expensive, appointment-only affair. At World Art Dubai, numerous artists come from around the world to exhibit, resulting in the largest variety of artworks under one roof. The diversity caters to everyone, and so does the price tag. Now you can both fall in love with and invest in affordably-priced artworks. There’s something for everyone at the fair: creatives with their eye on the art scene can see new concepts and techniques, while those looking for an interactive experience can sign up for one of the many creative workshops on offer. From art talks and live painting to relaxing lounges and Ripe market experiences, all ages will find this event quite enjoyable. The World Art Dubai is an annual event that takes place in March or April. For more information, please visit:

Marking the end of a month-long fast known as Ramadan, Eid al Fitr in Dubai is a truly joyous time when the city of Dubai is united in a sense of generosity and sharing. The city as a whole feels renewed, and spirits are kept high with staycations, holiday offers, shopping sprees, and of course, dining experiences. Friends and family come together to celebrate at home and outdoors around the city. Some fun family options include heading to one of Dubai’s theme parks, which experience record numbers of attendance during this holiday period. Watch this space for more details closer to the holiday. Please note that Eid al Fitr takes place in June after Ramadan, but the actual dates are subject to the moon sighting. For more information, please visit:

As the bright summer sun lights up the city, Dubai turns the festivity up a notch by kicking off one of its major shopping and entertainment events. Dubai Summer Surprises is an annual festival that takes place in the summer months (June - August) and fills some of the hottest months of the year with the most enjoyable, activity-filled experiences for residents and visitors alike. Brace yourself for an exciting summer with malls and retailers featuring the greatest sales to fuel your shopping spree, raffles and draws to send you home a winner, and shows and live entertainment to never leave you with a dull moment. For more information, please visit:

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre in association with Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Sports World is the place to be for the UAE’s sports fans during the long summer months, from June to August. Over these months, you can play all of your favourite sports in the Emirate’s largest indoor sports venue. With over 25,000sqm of air-conditioned halls, there’s a wide range of activities and events on offer for athletes of all ages and fitness levels. The sports and activities you can take part in include football, ping pong, badminton, and trampoline jumping – and there’s also a ninja warrior course. You can join a sports academy for some lessons, or simply rent a court or a pitch with a group of friends. For more information, please visit: