Events in Dubai
Dubai Events Calendar November to January
By Admin November 5, 2026
November 2026
3–8 NOVEMBER
Dubai Design Week
Dubai Design District (d3)
The region's biggest design festival returns for its 12th edition, with installations, talks and the Downtown Design fair (open to the public from 5 November).
7 NOVEMBER
Ministry of Sound Classical ★
Dubai Opera
Club anthems reimagined by a live orchestra.
7–8 NOVEMBER
Noor: Festival of Lights
Souk Al Seef
A free Diwali celebration with a procession, live music and dance, 6pm to 11pm each evening.
UNTIL 29 NOVEMBER
Dubai Fitness Challenge
Citywide
The 10th edition of the city's 30x30 challenge: 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days, with free fitness villages at Kite Beach, Zabeel Park and Al Warqa'a Park.
12–15 NOVEMBER
DP World Tour Championship
Jumeirah Golf Estates
The season finale of the DP World Tour, where the Race to Dubai is decided.
22 NOVEMBER
Dubai Run ★
Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai
The free flagship run of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, with 5km and 10km routes. Registration and bib collection are required (TBC: routes and registration dates).
25–29 NOVEMBER
Trevor Noah ★
Dubai Opera
The award-winning comedian brings his stand-up to Downtown for a five-night run.
27 NOVEMBER
Hiba Tawaji & Ibrahim Maalouf ★
Dubai Opera
The Lebanese singer and the acclaimed trumpeter share the stage for one night.
27–29 NOVEMBER
Emirates Dubai 7s
The Sevens Stadium
Three days of rugby, netball, cricket, padel and, new this year, Gaelic football, plus live music every night and a huge family zone.
December 2026
2–3 DECEMBER (TBC)
Eid Al Etihad: UAE National Day ★
Citywide
The UAE celebrates 55 years of the Union with fireworks, cultural performances and Downtown dressed in the national colours. Holiday dates are expected to be officially confirmed closer to the time.
2–6 DECEMBER
Bolshoi Theatre ★
Dubai Opera
Russia's legendary company visits as part of its UAE tour, with opera, ballet and symphonic performances.
3–6 DECEMBER
Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
The F1 season finale, an easy day trip from Dubai.
4 DECEMBER – 17 JANUARY
Dubai Shopping Festival ★
Citywide, including Dubai Mall
The 32nd edition brings 45 days of deals, raffles and entertainment, including DSF Nights at Festival Bay and the new Beach Canteen at Sunset Beach (TBC: full programme).
8–11 DECEMBER
GITEX Global
Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai
One of the world's largest technology events, now at its new home in Expo City.
11 DECEMBER
Guy Manoukian ★
Dubai Opera
The Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer in concert.
11–31 DECEMBER
Winter City
Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai
This year's festive village teams up with Disney+, with zones inspired by Frozen, Toy Story and Home Alone, snow under Al Wasl Dome and Santa's grotto. Open 4pm to 10pm daily.
16 DECEMBER
Denis Matsuev: Classics & Jazz ★
Dubai Opera
The virtuoso Russian pianist moves between classical favourites and jazz.
18–19 DECEMBER
Abracadabra ★
Dubai Opera
A family-friendly evening of magic and theatre.
31 DECEMBER
New Year's Eve at Burj Khalifa ★
Downtown Dubai
The world-famous countdown, with fireworks, lights and the Dubai Fountain. Roads around Downtown usually close from late afternoon, so plan ahead (TBC: traffic plan and viewing areas).
January 2027
1 JANUARY
New Year's Day
UAE public holiday
A day to rest after the celebrations.
10 JANUARY
Tony Ann ★
Dubai Opera
The pianist and composer, known for his viral piano pieces, performs live.
14–17 JANUARY
Swan Lake on Ice ★
Dubai Opera
Tchaikovsky's classic ballet performed on ice.
17 JANUARY
Dubai Marathon
Umm Suqeim
Full marathon, 10km and 4km races, a great way to start the new year. The Dubai Shopping Festival also ends today.
21–24 JANUARY
Hero Dubai Desert Classic
Emirates Golf Club, Majlis Course
The 38th edition of the region's most historic golf tournament.
24 JANUARY
Buena Vista Social Club Legacy Concert ★
Dubai Opera
Cuban classics from the music of the legendary ensemble.
All Season Long
UNTIL MAY 2027
Global Village
Dubailand
Season 31 brings pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, plus street food, shows and the Carnaval funfair. Open from 4pm daily.
Planning Your Winter in Dubai
Book early. National Day, the Shopping Festival, the winter school holidays and New Year's Eve make December one of the busiest months of the year in Dubai.
Take the Metro. For Downtown events, the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station is the quickest option on busy evenings.
Check before you go. Organisers sometimes change dates and timings, so confirm details on the official event websites or the Visit Dubai events calendar before booking.
Stay central. Many of these events are on our doorstep, and the rest are an easy drive or Metro ride away. Ask our concierge team for help planning your days.
Your Base in the Heart of It All
After a day of concerts, races and celebrations, come home to Wyndham Downtown Dubai. Our suites and apartments come with fully equipped kitchenettes and views of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain or the Boulevard. Dine at Kenza or Downtown Perk, relax by the pool or at Rayya Wellness, and take in the skyline from our viewing deck. Book directly through our website for exclusive perks, and make this the winter you see Dubai at its best.
