What's On - Dubai | ArrivalGuides.com

What's OnGuide was updated: September 17, 2025

Dubai has it all: from world-class performances and revered art exhibitions to award-winning fairs and concerts by global superstars.

Rugby 7s

The Emirates Airline Dubai 7s is a weekend of high-octane sport and lively entertainment. Watch regional and international teams go head-to-head on the pitch, while off the field, the festival atmosphere continues with family-friendly activities, live music, and a variety of food and drink offerings.

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Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is a city-wide celebration of retail, fashion, and entertainment. From bustling outdoor markets and street style runways to spectacular fireworks and immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone. Families, fashionistas, and bargain hunters alike can enjoy exclusive deals, pop-up activations, and a lively festival atmosphere that turns the city into a shopper’s paradise.

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Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Dubai’s premier celebration of the written word attracts authors, readers, and literature lovers from around the globe. The festival features engaging talks, panel discussions, book signings, and interactive workshops, alongside opportunities to meet both emerging and internationally renowned writers.

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Dubai World Cup

One of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events, the Dubai World Cup attracts top thoroughbreds and elite jockeys from across the globe. The atmosphere is as spectacular as the race itself, with luxurious hospitality suites, premium lounges, and terraces hosting an international crowd of celebrities and horse racing enthusiasts alike.

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Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai's annual fitness initiative encourages residents and visitors to commit to 30 minutes of physical activity each day for 30 consecutive days. The challenge transforms the city into a vibrant hub of health and wellness, offering a diverse array of free events, fitness classes, and community activities. The event usually takes place in October and November.

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Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

This event kicks off the international tennis calendar in Dubai each year. Top players from around the world compete in back-to-back WTA and ATP weeks at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. See every spin, slice, and smash from the world’s best in tennis, right here in the city.

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Dubai International Boat Show

With Dubai’s beautiful coastline, world-class marinas, and a thriving yachting scene, it’s no surprise that the city hosts one of the region’s leading marine events each year. The Dubai International Boat Show brings together an impressive line-up of luxury superyachts, cutting-edge watercraft, and the latest innovations in marine technology at Dubai Harbour. Visitors can explore everything from state-of-the-art yachts to water sports gear, as well as enjoy live entertainment, dining experiences, and interactive displays that celebrate the city’s deep connection to the sea.

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Dubai Desert Classic

Since its first edition back in 1989, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has drawn some of the world’s best golfers to Emirates Golf Club — names like Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Ernie Els have all lifted the Dallah Trophy. It remains one of the Middle East’s premier golf tournaments, a Rolex Series event with prestige, large crowds, and often a festival-like atmosphere around the course.

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Art Dubai

Art Dubai remains the Middle East’s top platform for contemporary and modern art, bringing together galleries, collectors, and creatives from around the world. At its home in Madinat Jumeirah, it showcases work across multiple curated sections, plus installations, performances, artist talks, and workshops. The fair is a good way both to discover rising artists and to see how Dubai’s art scene is evolving, with strong representation from the Gulf, Africa, South Asia, and West Asia.

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Sikka Art & Design Festival

Sikka Art & Design Festival is Dubai’s chance to see creativity everywhere — in courtyards, alleyways, heritage homes, and public spaces in Al Shindagha. Artists from the UAE, GCC, and beyond bring installations, murals, interactive art, and performances. Workshops, panels, and live music are common, making the festival a full-on dive into arts, culture, and design.

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World Art Dubai

Thanks to World Art Dubai, buying art doesn’t have to feel exclusive or intimidating. Each spring, hundreds of artists and galleries from around the world gather at Dubai World Trade Centre, showcasing one of the largest collections of affordable contemporary art under one roof. The range is as diverse as it gets, encompassing paintings, photography, sculptures, and street art, with prices to suit every budget.

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Al Gaffal Long Distance Race

Since 1991, the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race has celebrated the UAE’s maritime heritage, with traditional 60-ft dhows sailing more than 50 nautical miles from Sir Bu Nair Island to Dubai. It was founded to honour the practice of pearl diving and seafaring in Emirati history. The race remains a major cultural and sporting event, exclusively featuring Emirati competitors and attracting a large fleet each year.

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Eid in Dubai

Eid comes twice a year, and the city really comes alive for both. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid Al Adha follows the Hajj pilgrimage and is considered the 'Greater Eid'. Expect family entertainment, traditional feasts, shopping offers, festive decorations, and extended hours at major malls and public places. Dubai often celebrates with fireworks, cultural shows, and plenty of chances to experience Emirati hospitality and generosity.

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Dubai Summer Surprises

As the bright summer sun lights up the city, Dubai turns the festivity up a notch by kicking off one of the year's major shopping and entertainment events. Dubai Summer Surprises is an annual festival that fills the hottest months of the year with incredible sales, live entertainment, amazing deals and fun for the whole family.

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What's On in Dubai

Rugby 7s

Dubai Shopping Festival

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Dubai World Cup

Dubai Fitness Challenge

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship

Dubai International Boat Show

Dubai Desert Classic

Art Dubai

Sikka Art & Design Festival

World Art Dubai

Al Gaffal Long Distance Race

Eid in Dubai

Dubai Summer Surprises