Top 10 Must Experience Festivals In Dubai (Updated 2023)

Jasika
6 min readOct 27, 2023

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Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze its visitors with its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culture. But there is more to Dubai than just skyscrapers and shopping malls. The city also hosts some of the most spectacular festivals in the world, celebrating everything from art and music to food and sports. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly event, a romantic getaway, or a thrilling adventure, Dubai has something for everyone. Here are 10 festivals in Dubai that you must experience in 2023. In this blog we will also tell you about how to book your Dubai tour packages on a budget with Dubai Travel DMC, the leading DMC of dubai.

1. Dubai Shopping Festival

If you love shopping, then you cannot miss the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is one of the biggest and longest-running shopping events in the world. The festival takes place every year from December to January, and offers amazing discounts and deals on everything from fashion and electronics to jewellery and perfumes. You can also enjoy live concerts, street performances, fireworks displays, fashion shows, and food festivals during the festival. The Dubai Shopping Festival is a great opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy and have fun with your friends and family.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

2. Dubai Food Festival

Dubai is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of cuisines and dishes to suit every taste and budget. The Dubai Food Festival is a two-week-long celebration of the city’s culinary diversity and excellence, showcasing the best of local and international food. You can explore the authentic flavors of Dubai at various events, such as food tastings, food truck festivals, chef-led experiences, and gourmet dining events. You can also discover the hidden gems and street food of Dubai at the Etisalat Beach Canteen, which is a pop-up venue on the beach with live entertainment and activities.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

3. Dubai Design Week

Dubai is not only a hub for business and tourism, but also for creativity and innovation. The Dubai Design Week is a design-focused event that showcases the latest trends and talents in various design disciplines, such as architecture, interiors, product design, and more. The event hosts exhibitions, installations, talks, and workshops that highlight the best of regional and international design. You can also visit the Dubai Design District (d3), which is a dedicated creative zone that hosts many design studios, galleries, and cafes.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

4. Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, is a significant religious and cultural event that marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and spending time with family and loved ones. The date of the Islamic New Year varies every year according to the lunar calendar, but it usually falls in August or September. The Islamic New Year is celebrated differently across the Muslim world, but in Dubai, you can expect to see festive decorations, special prayers, charitable activities, and cultural events.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

Also Read: Dubai- Do’s and Don’ts Which Every Traveler Needs To Know

5. Dubai International Film Festival

If you are a fan of cinema and entertainment, then you should not miss the Dubai International Film Festival, which is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the Middle East. The festival showcases the best of Arab and international cinema, featuring screenings of feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animations. You can also attend panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, and networking events with filmmakers, celebrities, and industry experts. The festival also honors the achievements of cinema with various awards and competitions.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

6. Dubai International Jazz Festival

The Dubai International Jazz Festival is a musical extravaganza that brings together some of the most talented jazz artists from around the world. The festival offers a diverse lineup of performances that cater to all tastes and preferences, from classic jazz to contemporary fusion. You can enjoy live concerts at various venues across the city, such as Media City Amphitheatre, Madinat Jumeirah Theatre, and Souk Madinat Jumeirah. You can also experience the vibrant atmosphere of jazz at various bars, clubs, and restaurants that host jazz nights during the festival.

festivals of Dubai

7. Taste of Dubai

Taste of Dubai is a gastronomic delight that celebrates the best of Dubai’s dining scene. The event features some of the most popular restaurants in the city that offer sample-sized portions of their signature dishes at affordable prices. You can also watch live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, participate in interactive cooking classes, and enjoy live music and entertainment. Taste of Dubai is a perfect event for foodies who want to discover new flavors and cuisines.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

8. Dubai International Boat Show

Dubai is known for its luxury lifestyle and glamorous attractions, and one of them is its marine industry. The Dubai International Boat Show is an annual event that showcases the latest innovations and trends in boating, yachting, and water sports. The event attracts thousands of visitors who are interested in buying or browsing boats, yachts, jetskis, and other marine products. You can also enjoy various activities, such as sailing, fishing, diving, and kayaking at the event.

top 10 festivals of Dubai

9. Dhow Race

A dhow is a traditional wooden sailing vessel that has been used for centuries in the Arabian Gulf for trade and fishing. The dhow race is a cultural event that celebrates the heritage and history of these boats, as well as the skills and spirit of the sailors. The race involves hundreds of dhows that compete against each other in a thrilling spectacle of speed and agility. The race takes place at various locations along the Dubai Creek and the Arabian Gulf, and attracts many spectators who cheer for their favorite teams.

You may also like: Dubai Marina V/s Palm Jumeirah- Which Is Best For You?

top 10 festivals of Dubai

10. Swim the Burj

Swim the Burj is a unique and challenging event that invites swimmers of all levels to swim around the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The event is organized by Professional Sports Group, in partnership with Dubai Sports Council and Jumeirah Group, and aims to promote fitness and wellness in the community. The event offers two distances: 800 meters and 1600 meters, and is open to individuals and teams. Swim the Burj is a great opportunity to test your endurance and enjoy the stunning views of the Burj Al Arab and the Arabian Gulf.

festivals of Dubai

Conclusion

These are the top 10 festivals of Dubai. Dubai is a city that offers a variety of festivals and events that cater to different interests and preferences. You can enjoy shopping, food, design, film, jazz, boating, swimming, and more in this vibrant and dynamic city. Dubai is a destination that will never disappoint you with its surprises and delights. If you want to experience the best of Dubai, then you should book your trip with Dubai Travel DMC, which is the best destination management company in Dubai. They will provide you with customized and flexible tour packages that suit your needs and budget. They will also ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free trip to Dubai. Don’t wait any longer and visit Dubai Travel DMC today and book your Dubai tour package at dubaitraveldmc.com. You will have the time of your life in Dubai.

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Jasika

Hi I'm Jasika from a traveller blog writer who loves to explore the different sides of world.