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Top Events and Festivals in Dubai You Shouldn’t Miss in 2025

Last updated on January 20, 2025 | 8 min read
Written By
Shruti Gupta
Edited By
Sachin Nayi
Top Events and Festivals in Dubai You Shouldn’t Miss in 2025

Dubai exudes luxury, elegance, and sophistication due to its majestic feel and significant cultural heritage. Being at the convergence of East and West with leading transport infrastructure, it has stealth of trade opportunities and has become a city of economic importance

Apart from its glory and majestic feel, the city is celebrated for its festivals and other major getaways. With immense corporate importance, tax-free, and diversity, you can add certain Dubai events 2025 to your travel or business itinerary. So, let us check the details!

13 Best Festivals and Dubai Events 2025

Every nook and corner has something to offer because it is a city of rich cultural heritage and economic importance. From luxury cars to the Dubai Mall and Burj Al Arab, everything is always in buzz.

Yet, Dubai events 2025 remains underrated. Whether you are a resident or tourist, you can witness them, including exhibitions, shows, and free concerts of pop culture.

1. Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)

Just imagine shopping at unbelievable discounts and affordable prices throughout the city annually. The DSF is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your lifestyle at stores and malls.

These deals accompany many events, including game shows, live concerts, street performances, and fashion shows. Shop at huge discounts irrespective of high-quality brands or regular stores.

Date: Upto January 12, 2025

2. e& MOTB

How about coupling your experiences of DSF with getaways at the outdoor market?

If so, then e&MOTB is the perfect place for shopaholics to eat, entertain themselves, and even shop in the Dubai Design District. Besides, 2025 has a unique, Vibrant Neo-Vintage theme that redefines 50s fashion with a modern touch.

From music to dance and thrilling competitions, the event has it all. You can even use their retro-inspired setups for Instagram-friendly pics. Be it all age groups, the event will feature activities for all.

Its opening week contains enthusiastic concerts of GenZ global artists like Naïka and Saint Levant. The free concerts will even take place between 4th and 10th January.

Date: January 3-12, 2025

3. AHPC League

How about sports lovers feeling the high spirits of high-stakes polo?

If so, the Polo League will occur in early January at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. With a 4-6 goal handicap, it will comprise players and amateur teams to battle upon the five-day league. Thus, the event is a perfect day out for sports enthusiasts.

Date: January 4-11, 2025

4. Dubai Desert Classic

What if golf lovers could witness a European tournament in Dubai?

Dubai Desert Classic is one such event at the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club in the city. Witnessing the biggest golf professionals playing in the Middle East makes it a perfect getaway for good performance, food, and a tournament of the year.

Date: January 16-19, 2025

5. Green Day Live

How about witnessing one of the best-seller American bands in their Middle East debut for an enjoyable day,

Green Day, the American rock band, will perform in Dubai at Expo City for all rock music lovers. They have sold nearly 75 million more records globally since 1987 and are considered legends of rock, royalty, and punk music. With a trio of Billie Joe Armstrong, Tee Copl, and Mike Dirnt, they would perform their biggest hits like Broken Dreams and Weak Me Up When September Ends.

Besides, even the veteran band, which has over 10 studio albums and sells 40 million records globally, will perform their hits like Original Prankster and Pretty Fly. You can choose between Rear standing, Golden circle, Fan pit, and VIP seats with varying costs.

Many of you would book VIP seats to witness the authenticity and see your favorite stars; hence, coupling with a luxury car like Rolls Royce will let you match the class without long-term ownership commitment.

Date: January 27, 2025

6. Arab Health Exhibition

The second largest medical Expo in the world and largest in the Middle East, the “Arab Health Exhibition,” is said to occur at the end of this month. It connects healthcare experts, thought leaders, and policymakers. It will feature the latest medical technology, services, and equipment.

Thus, it is an exclusive learning, networking, and collaboration meeting. It will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. You can check the Arab Health website for more information.

Date: January 29-February 1, 2025

7. Dubai Food Festival

Tantalize your taste buds with the authentic flavors of Dubai layered in Dubai’s royal yet rich cultural heritage touch. The two-week-long food festival will let you experience the delights. From exploring the hidden gems in the city to the best fine-dine experiences, the event will have food tastings, food truck events, gourmet dining, and those with chefs.

Date: February 17-21, 2025

8. Dubai International Boat Show

How about experiencing the most lavish boat show in Dubai featuring global brands?

If yes, then the Dubai International Boat Show is a must-check!

It will feature the classiest yet luxury yachts worldwide at the Marina Art Gallery at Dubai Harbour. Various professionals and casual people like VIPs will be attending the boat show. You can even arrive in style with a luxury sports car rental like Ferrari or McLaren.

Besides, it will contain meticulously selected models to satisfy your aesthetics with a chill vibe between 3 pm and 11 pm.

Date: February 19-23, 2025

9. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha

Witness the pomp and reverence of Islamic festivals like Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. The former marks the beginning of Ramadan and celebrates this holy month of fasting. Besides, the latter, Eid Al Adha, is a tribute to Prophet Ibrahim and his deep feelings to sacrifice his son to God. Though the dates depend on the Islamic lunar calendar, you can witness the prayers, gift-giving, gatherings, and much more near the mosques.

Eid Al Fitr: March 20- March 31, 2025 | Eid Al Adha: June 6-June 7, 2025

10. Dubai World Cup

Dubai has always been a beacon of luxury and sophistication. The city has conducted some of the richest horse races and has a prize-winning amount worth USD 10 million. Besides, it’s held in the presence of leading jockeys, trainers, and horses at the Meydan Racecourse.

It features top-notch quality races at Nad Al Sheba, one of the city’s most stunning venues. For racegoers, it’s a large social event that occurs every year in March and promotes real estate in terms of surrounding regions.

Date: March 30, 2025

11. Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)

How about some feast to your mind that is intrigued with anime, comics, movies, manga, and gaming?

The Middle East Film & Comic Con would be heaven for pop culture lovers. It features anime, gaming, movies, and manga with Cosplay competitions, panel discussions, celebrity meet and greet, and gaming leagues. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will wait for you to witness the theme-based events.

Date: April 18-20, 2025

12. Al Gaffal Dhow Race

How about experiencing dhows sailing smoothly in the waters coupled with a glimpse of sunlight?

The Al Ghaffal Dhow Race commemorates the city’s past of commercial activity and pearl diving. Its views are picturesque and unforgettable, covering over 50 nautical miles with 100+ dhow boats with sailors and captains in this annual event. These classic Emirati boats had immense significance for fishermen and their activities, thus helping the city prosper as a massive trade port. The sailing race of maritime heritage is the largest worldwide and begins with Sir Bu Nair.

Date: May 16, 2025

13. GITEX Global 2025

So, tech freaks and investors, are you ready to witness the most renowned tech exhibition?

The Computer Expo, which converges the latest developments for innovation, brings visionary leaders and freaks under one roof. It occurs yearly and the most advanced companies will participate and attend it. This biggest event will last 5 days at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Date: October 20-24, 2025

14. Winter: Dubai International Film Festival

What if you relish the nostalgia of films from different countries in the luxe city of Dubai?

Like every year, the Dubai International Festival will be the guiding awaited for December 2025. Open to the public, the five-day event would occur at Madinat Jumeirah, where visitors can watch movies from different countries in a luxurious setting for the theatrical feel

Date: December 6-12

Final Words

The city has much to offer, whether it be an outing in Dubai or a long-term trip for tourists. There’s something for all age groups, from sports and corporate events to traditional festivals and concerts. Dubai events 2025, like shopping and food festivals, are something akin to all age groups and are evergreen. The locations of these events also hold economic and real investors for the cities.

While commuting might be a concern for some, opting for flexible car rentals at a nominal price with Phantom Rent A Car would be efficient in meeting your needs and parking concerns.

So, what stops you? Check the events, and if you need to make any reservations, choose in advance. Besides, car rentals will be affordable on prior booking!

Shruti Gupta

Shruti Gupta is a passionate automotive writer who brings insightful expertise to the Phantom Rent A Car blog.

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