Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a city widely known for its luxurious lifestyle, skyscrapers, beaches, technological developments and great hospitality. The world’s tallest structure “Burj Khalifa” is one the major attractions of this city. This city also has many festivals to offer that are celebrated for different aspects including culture, food, and music.
Festivals have great significance on different aspects of life. They help in bringing the people from different social, religious backgrounds and even nationalities together. People celebrate their traditions and rituals during the time of festival which helps in preserving their culture. They attract a large number of tourists across the globe which in a way benefits the economy of the nation as the tourists on their visits spend money on their accommodation, transportation, food and other services. Also, they can provide a refreshing break from the monotony of our life.
In this article, we’ll look up the top 10 festivals in Dubai that everyone visiting must attend to experience the perfect blend of culture, traditional values, entertainment and lively events. So, let’s dive into this.
Unmissable Festivals in Dubai
1. New Year’s Eve
Dubai is the host to one of the most wonderful and vibrant new year parties around the globe. Whether you want to celebrate the eve with your family or someone special, whether you’re a party person or an introvert, Dubai has something to offer to everyone. Many people gather at the Burj Khalifa for the final countdown of the new year which is followed by dazzling fireworks, light and water shows.
The Atlantis fountain fireworks are also there to amaze you. Also, you can attend the new parties in the clubs to make your experience unforgettable. Barasati, Bahri bar and the Cavalli club are some of the clubs known for hosting the most vibrant new year parties. So, these are some events that you can’t miss if you truly want to enjoy this festival in Dubai.
2. UAE Awafi Festival
The Awafi festival, which is held every year in spring, is a unique festival in Dubai and in the world. The Ras al-Khaimah desert hosts outdoor sporting activities to celebrate this festival in an effort to preserve the ethnicity and cultural heritage of the emirates. The major attention of this festival is the event of ascending the desert’s sand dunes with their vehicles. Other attractions of the festival venue include a Heritage Village show, a Bazaar and kids’ play area. Conveniences like food stalls, coffee shops etc. are also available there. The Awafi festival is a must to attend among the top festivals in Dubai.
3. National Day Festival
The National Day Festival of Dubai is celebrated every year on 2nd December. On 2nd December in the year 1971, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed as the rulers agreed to unify the emirates into a single nation.To commemorate the historical event of unification of seven emirates as one nation this festival is celebrated as one the biggest events in Dubai. On this day the national monuments of the city are decorated and remain accessible for the public. A massive crowd gathers at the Global Village to sing the national anthem, marvelous events of lights and fireworks are organized at Burj Khalifa. Other events like dance performances, parades and concerts are also organized for the public display.
4. Dubai International Jazz Festival
The International Jazz Festival Dubai is one among the several reasons which favors the tourist attraction of the city. This festival in Dubai is celebrated every year in the month of February. For music lovers across the globe, this event is a major attraction and fantasy that has become real. The visitors can enjoy the performances by great artists and legends like Ricky Martin, Duran Duran, John legend etc. The other artists and bands whose genre isn’t strictly jazz also perform here. Special emphasis is given on young musicians and good guidance is provided which can help them pursue their career in jazz. This is a must catch event in Dubai to make memories for life.
5. Dubai International Film Festival
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is one of the biggest film festivals and is a major attraction for all the cinema lovers around the world. The major objective of this celebration was to support, cheer and motivate local filmmakers. It is not an event meant for financial profit, rather it is dedicated to honor the work of regional filmmakers on an international level. This festival is attended by talented actors, producers and directors from different nations of the world. DIFF is among the top festivals in Dubai that welcomes visitors from different countries across the globe.
6. Dubai Shopping Festival
The Dubai Shopping Festival which is a heaven for all the shopaholics, is one of the most captivating festivals in Dubai. Exciting offers and budget friendly deals are offered by all the shopping outlets across the city. Great discounts are given on outfits, home decor, appliances and everything. This festival is something that can be enjoyed by everyone whether you’re someone who doesn’t like spending much on shopping or someone who is obsessed with it. During the time of DSF, every mall or shopping venue organizes fun events like concerts, games, fireworks at night etc.
7. Dubai World Cup
The Dubai World Cup, which is the richest horse race around the world, has been hosted annually in Dubai at Meydan Racecourse.Held as part of the Dubai World cup Night of Races since 1996, it is a thoroughbred horse race. Every year this event is held on the last Saturday of march. It has been remarked as one of the largest social gathering events in the city. It’s such a joyful event for someone who is a regular participant of horse racing events and its magnificent venue makes it magical for them. For everyone visiting Dubai during March this event is unmissable.
8. Dubai Marathon
Dubai Marathon is another thrilling event and one of the top social events of the city. Every year thousands of participants register their participation in this marathon event from different regions of the world. The marathon isn’t organized to raise any kind of financial profit and is completely devoted to charity. The marathon is grouped into three categories and the eligibility criteria for them is different for the three of them. Apart from being a sporting event, the Dubai Marathon has cultural significance also. This event brings together people from different nationalities and ethnicities. It encourages people to choose and embrace a healthy living. This is one of the most exciting festivals in Dubai.
9. Emirates Airline Festival of literature
A perfect event for all the bibliophiles, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is Dubai’s biggest International Literature Fest. For the first time this event was held in 2009. It is celebrated every year in the Intercontinental hotel. The event provides a great opportunity to the talented young writers. It also hosts seminars on writing, poetry, reading, group discussions, storytelling sessions , etc. The event also gives a chance to the book lovers to meet and interact with their favorite authors as it also hosts authors sessions, book launchings book signings. This festival in Dubai is indeed a heaven for all the bibliophiles.
10. Dubai Food Festival
For all the foodies around the globe, the Dubai Food Festival is an inevitable event. It is a great opportunity to experience the delicious and delightful cuisine of the city. It promotes regional cuisine as well as the festival welcomes chefs and restaurants around the world to serve the visitors with their unique and exciting flavors. Variety of options are provided for vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan visitors. The major spotlight of this festival includes workshops for cooking enthusiasts for improvising their skills by world’s best chefs, family-friendly activities like food themed games, cooking competitions, games for kids, food trucks etc.
Conclusion
All these festivals in Dubai will surely catch your eye on your visit to this city of skyscrapers. Make sure to not miss these events on your visit to Dubai. Hopefully, this article was helpful for you.
Also read:- Advantages and Disadvantages of Horror Escape Room in Dubai