Simply put, Dubai is a festival city. Its event calendar is packed with festivals throughout the year for both tourists and locals. With more than 200 nationalities living together in the Emirate, Dubai has succeeded in integrating a truly diverse cultural mix into shared social and cultural festivals. From literature, jazz music, food and film to shopping, Dubai has an extensive array of festivals for the whole family. When visiting Dubai, you should also experience the celebrations and fireworks during the national holidays; Eid-Al-Fitr and Eid-Al-Adha. Now, let’s go and check out some colourful Dubai festivals.
Dubai Shopping Festival
With incredible sales and discounts at all major brands and shopping malls, the Dubai Shopping Festival turns every shopper’s dream of abundant bargains into reality. The month-long festival is visited by thousands of people from around the world. But shopping isn’t the only upside. Visitors can also experience prize-loaded raffles, concerts, children’s entertainment, fireworks and much more.
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
One of the world’s leading international literary festivals, the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, is a yearly event spread across three weekends and various venues. The festival holds about 250 different sessions with hundreds of writers from around the world. There are writing and poetry workshops, readings, discussions and live performances, catering to both children and adults. The festival focuses on cultivating the writers of tomorrow and promote the talent within the country.
Dubai Jazz Festival
Dubai Jazz Festival is a popular yearly music festival in Dubai. The three-day, award-winning festival is happening all around the city of Dubai and features legendary musicians, artists and critically acclaimed jazz- and contemporary bands.
Dubai Food Festival
Foodies, get ready for a tasty offering at Dubai’s annual food festival. Dubai Food Festival takes place at various venues across Dubai, showcasing street food, fine dining, chef’s tables, workshops, cooking shows, appearances by world famous chefs and, of course, top value menus. Plate up for regular favourites such as Dubai Restaurant Week, Etisalat Beach Canteen and Foodie Experiences.
Taste of Dubai
Yet another food festival, Taste of Dubai attracts guests from all over the world to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for a three-day festival of live cooking demonstrations, signature dishes from some of Dubai’s best restaurants, appearances by celebrity chefs, cooking challenges, live music, kids’ activities and much more.
Dubai International Film Festival
The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is a yearly festival with the aim of showcasing original films from the Arab world and beyond. The internationally acknowledged festival sets itself apart from other film festivals by not only providing red-carpet glamour by Hollywood A-listers but also cultural exchanges for the film-lovers and cinephiles.
National Day Celebration
UAE National Day, which falls on the 2nd of December, commemorates UAE’s independence. This annual festival lights up all of Dubai with decorations in the colours of the flag, parades, special events and stunning fireworks.