Dubai is an impressive place to visit at any time of the year but with the soaring summer temperatures many of the big annual events take place during the earlier months, and boy is there a lot to choose from. Sport is big business here with golf, rugby, horse-racing and tennis to choose from, plus the Formula 1 Grand Prix (just an hour away in Abu Dhabi). Here’s some of the other top events that draw visitors over to Dubai.
Held each year at the end of February this excellent music festival attracts thousands of music fans from around the globe. Hosted at Dubai’s Media City the event runs for three days and visitors can enjoy some fantastic performances from some big names from the jazz world. There’s also many other artists and bands performing that aren’t strictly jazz but the line up each year is impressive. http://dubaijazzfest.com/
Even for those who don’t exercise their sea-legs too often, this is an impressive event that is unlike anything else. Visitors can marvel at some of the most jaw-dropping yachts that come from all over the world, and rub shoulders with boat owners, sales companies, skippers and crew as they gather to mingle and network. The event runs for five days at the end of February or early March and attracts around 30,000 people. Unlike many other boat shows events here don’t get started until the afternoon and after the hot desert temperatures have dropped a little, and then the fun goes on into the night with pop-up events, cocktail parties and DJ sets. https://www.boatshowdubai.com/
One of the best things about travelling to new places must surely be sampling the cuisine. This event may be Dubai’s unofficial food festival but it still attracts visitors from around the world since it first took place back in 2007. Attendees can enjoy live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and some of the top local restaurants offer their most popular dishes for a smidgen of the cost that diners pay in-house. Taste of Dubai takes place in March and is one of the most popular annual festivals. http://tasteofdubaifestival.com/ Taste of Dubai
Held each March at the Meydan Racecourse, this horse racing event has some serious prize money up for grabs, to the tune of a staggering 12 million US dollars. Locals and tourists flock to state of the art venue to see the skilled jockeys, trainers, millionaire owners and, of course, some of the world’s finest race horses galloping to the finish line - and hopefully bringing some winnings their way. http://www.dubairacingclub.com/ The Dubai World Cup
If you can keep your cool in temperatures of around 40C then July is a great time to visit Dubai. The Summer Surprise was set up to encourage visitors during the off-season when the desert temperatures are too unbearable for many tourists. But this month long event might just do the trick, as many of the events take place in the delightfully cool shopping malls. There’s competitions, family fun, creative workshops, discounted restaurants and shopping to be enjoyed. www.visitdubai.com
Pearl diving was once the main industry in the Arabian Gulf and the Dhow Race was established in honour of the divers. It covers 23 nautical miles along Dubai’s fabulous coastline, ending at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The event is treasured by locals and open exclusively to Emirati crew members only. Spectators will need to rise early to watch the start, which is usually 5.30am, but the white sails can be seen out on the waves until the race finishes around noon. Dates vary but it the event is usually held in September. www.visitdubai.com
Commemorating the merger of seven emirate states into one nation, which was founded on December 2nd 1971. National Day is a two day public holiday and a big event in the calendar for locals, who decorate buildings with the UAE flag and colours. Celebrations are marked by events throughout the Emirates and visitors can enjoy concerts, dance shows, car rallies and lots of discounts and free giveaways. www.nationaldaycalendar.com
There’s plenty of sporting events in Dubai throughout the year and the Rugby Sevens is one of the favourites for sports fans. It’s held in early December and runs for three days at the Seven Stadium, along with numerous other side events and attractions to keep visitors in the party spirit. The event has been running since 1970 and is the longest running sports event in the Middle East. www.world.rugby/sevens-series/ Rugby Sevens
Shopping Festival
In a location that is renowned for being an excellent shopping experience, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise to learn that there is a festival dedicated to it. Since 1996 Dubai has been celebrating one of its most extravagant pastimes, and if you were already planning some serious retail therapy then late December through January is the best time to max-out your credit cards. You can enjoy some serious discounts in every store, and the fun doesn’t stop there as there’s also food events, concerts and parades happening in every mall too. www.visitdubai.com
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