As if to prove once and for all that the emirates is the place to be, the calendar of UAE festivals and events lined up over the next 12 months is more impressive than ever.
From insightful cultural events to enthralling art exhibitions, fabulous shows and fun for all the family, seeing and doing it all requires serious planning.
Worry not, and quell that rising sense of FOMO, here’s our handy guide to the UAE’s top festivals and events for 2022.
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Expo 2020
After all the anticipation, Expo 2020 will come to a close at the end of March, so now really is the time to see (or attempt to see) all that the world’s greatest show has to offer. From fabulous food and dining experiences to stunning country pavilions, shows, concerts, sporting spectaculars and so much more, Expo requires multiple visits to do it justice. Handily, the world’s fair has recently launched a Dhs195 season pass, offering unlimited access to the event for the next eight weeks.
Until March 31. expo2020dubai.com.
Quoz Arts Fest
The ninth edition of the hugely popular festival that celebrates homegrown creative talent and regional artistic prowess is happening this weekend and looks set to be really rather brilliant. Except modern art exhibitions, live music, all-new dining experiences, food trucks, a midnight movie marathon, dance shows, workshops, evocative talks and outdoor installations. In short, consider your Saturday and Sunday sorted.
Jan 29-30. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, alserkal.online.
Dubai Shopping Festival
We might be nearing the tail end of DSF but that doesn’t mean that the mega event shows any signs of slowing down its offerings. In fact, there’s more going on than ever. With amazing competitions (fancy winning a Lexus, anyone?), cashback deals, massive discounts across a huge variety of stores and a range of excellent events, from the firework shows that illuminate The Beach at JBR on a nightly basis to the various light installations dotted about the city, it’s fair to say that DSF is bowing out with a bang.
Until Jan 30. www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dsf
Global Village
From shopping to stunt shows, amazing cultural experiences to live performances, fabulous globetrotting food options, thrilling theme park-style rides, adventure zones and more, Global Village really does have it all. https://www.timeoutdubai.com/things-to-do/global-village-new-opening-hours Dubai’s favourite al fresco family entertainment destination shuts down for the summer at the start of April, so you’ll want to start planning a visit soon.
Until April 2022. 4pm to midnight. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road – Exit 37 – E311 – Dubai.
Ripe by the Bay
Community vibes, live music, gorgeous waterside views, laser fountain shows, brilliant local businesses and craftspeople touting their eclectic wares (jewellery, art, clothing, homeware and more) and fabulous street food eats all offered up in a lovely outdoor setting – what could be better? Make sure you visit Dubai’s best night market before the humidity calls curtains on the al fresco event in May.
Until May 2022. Festival Bay. dubaifestivalcitymall.com/ripebythebay (04 315 7000).
Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
The latest edition of the region’s favourite book-focused festival is going to be a memorable one. Spread across two weekends, the programme of events reads like an absolute dream, while the fantastic portfolio of visiting authors means that whatever genre you’re into, there’s someone to be excited about seeing. This year you can attend the event in person or download the digital festival pass and take in the various sessions remotely.
Thu Feb 3- Sun Feb 13. Al Habtoor City emirateslitfest.com.
March
Sikka Art and Design Festival
A creative-explosion of visual and performing arts, this art festival is held annually in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood as part of Dubai Art Season. The tenth anniversary edition this year follows the theme, ‘Celebrating Art, Celebrating Growth.’ The festival offers workshops, exhibitions and features interactive art installations and spaces this is where you’ll find Dubai’s edgy art crowd hanging out.
Tue Mar 15 – Thu Mar 24. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, sikkartandesign.com
World Art Dubai
Taking over three halls at Dubai World Trade Centre, World Art Dubai is a huge and totally immersive artistic experience. The region’s largest contemporary retail art fair, now in its 8th reiteration will see more than 4000 pieces of art from across the world gracing its walls. More than just paintings though, there’s live performances, sculptures, catwalks, workshops and a new NFT section to explore. With art priced between Dhs300 and Dhs60,000, you’d be wise to bring your credit card.
Wed Mar 16 – Sat Mar 19. Halls 1-3, Dubai World Trade Center, worldartdubai.com
Stars Con Middle East
Calling all TV and movie buffs! Stars Con Middle East is back and this year it’s bringing with it a stellar (get it?) line up of celebrities for you to meet. Fans will have the chance to snap pictures with Noah Schnapp (Stanger Things), Holly Marie Combs (Charmed), Holland Roden (Teen Wolf), and Matthew Daddario (Shadow Hunters) among others. Don’t forget your portable phone charger and notebook for this one.
From Dhs60 per person. Sat Mar 26 – Sun Mar 27. Sheikh Saeed Halls, DWTC starsconvention.com
Custom Show Emirates
Self-confessed petrol heads, will want to U-turn their plans for this exciting car event. The Custom Show Emirates is the biggest custom car and bike show in the Emirates, and while it’s an event for suppliers to connect with retailers, there’s plenty to see for automobile lovers too. From live saloon drifting to a biker’s build off, if driving is your thing, put the pedal to the metal and book your ticket for this three-day show.
Dhs60 (day pass) – Dhs 150 (3-day pass). Fri Mar 25 – Sun Mar 27, 10am-10pm. Dubai World Trade Centre, customshowemirates.net
Arab Fashion Week
If you’ve got a wardrobe or style that needs yearns to be seen, don your best #OOTD and head to one of the Arab Fashion Weeks happening throughout the year. Descending on Dubai Design District four times a year, October and March for Womenswear and January and June for Menswear the event is recognised alongside its New York, London, Milan and Paris counterparts.
Mar 24 – Mon Mar 28 (Women’s Fall/Winter); Mon Oct 24 – Fri Oct 28 (Women’s Spring/Summer); Tue Jun 28 – Thu Jun 30 (Men’s Spring/Summer). Dubai Design District, arabfashionweek.org (04 382 7838).
April
Ramadan
The city comes alive with sparkling lights and beautiful iftar experiences during Ramadan. Be sure to keep an eye on our comprehensive listings on iftars and suhoors to find the best places to dine of an evening. You can also participate in donation drives for food, clothes and money through registered charitable organisations. Ramadan is the time of year to try out the local cuisine and to immerse yourself in the rich Middle Eastern culture to be found on our doorstep here.
Tentatively Sat Apr 2 – Mon May 2.
May
Dubai Food Festival
A gastronomical gala, Dubai Food Festival is the event of the year for the city’s foodies. The festival sees local chefs putting on special set price meals at their restaurants and creating immersive foodie experiences across Dubai. Keep an eye on your favourite eateries as they’ll likely announce set-menu experiences that give patrons the chance to experience the food at their most affordable price of the year.
Mon May 2 – Thu May 5. visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-food-festival
Dubai Comedy Festival
Get ready to belly laugh your way through the month of May, as the annual Dubai Comedy Festival hits the city again. The 11-day comedy festival (taking place at venues across the city) will see some of the world’s best comedians throwing quips and whipping up crowds. Earlier editions have seen the likes of comedy-greats Maz Jobrani, Nemr, Eddie Griffin, Mina Liccione, Vir Das, Gad Elmaleh and Ali Al Sayed taking to Dubai’s stages.
May 12 – May 22. Tickets available soon at dubaicomedyfest.ae
June
Dubai Summer Surprises
Shelter from the sweltering heat inside a giant air-conditioned mall as you make the most of Dubai Summer Surprises. From incredible sales to raffle draws and entertainment, this is when to budget for some serious retail therapy.
Keep an eye out for updates at visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dss
November
Downtown Design
In November, dive into a world of all things art, design and architecture at Dubai’s most arty district. Taking place at D3, Downtown Design brings a buzz of exhibitions, workshops and creative related events to the city.
Wed Nov 9 – Sat Nov 12. Dubai Design District (d3), downtowndesign.com
December
UAE National Day Holidays
The UAE National Day falls on a Friday this year, which means we’re guaranteed a long weekend. As per usual the city’s hotels, restaurants and malls will be offering a top-notch roster of things to do. You could also take the chance to hop on over to one of the other emirates for a cultural and home-away-from-home staycation.
Fri Dec 2 – Sun Dec 4. Keep an eye out for our National Day articles for specific deals and ideas.
Emirates Airline Dubai 7’s
If you’ve been in Dubai for a while, you’ll be no stranger to the sporting festival of the year. Indeed, Emirates Airline Dubai 7’s is the largest sports and entertainment festival in the Middle East, and this year it promises to be even better than ever before. Teasing better music, bigger sport and bolder entertainment, we’re sure this one is going to be great.
Thu Dec 1 – Sun Dec 4. Ticket will be available at dubairugby7s.com/tickets/
SHARJAH
February
Sharjah Light Festival
The skies of Sharjah will be lighting up again next month with the return of the annual Sharjah Light Festival. Running over 11 nights, visitors can expect to encounter one-of-a-kind art projections, stunning light shows and impressive installations projected onto landmark buildings in celebration of the emirate’s heritage, history and achievements.
Sun Feb 9- Sun Feb 20. www.sharjahlightfestival.ae/
March
Sharjah Art Foundation Spring Exhibitions
If you are an art aficionado, then making the trip to Sharjah for the Spring Exhibitions will certainly be worth your while. From video and audio art pieces to historical archives, there’s plenty to see, do and hear here. With a theme of post colonialism, the exhibitions will examine the events that shaped our present, intersectionality, and gendered identities. For those interested in the vaccine debate (wait, there’s a debate?), there will be discussions on inoculations. The list of artists include Khalil Rabah, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Aref El Rayes, among others. All exhibitions and events are free, which really seals the deal for us.
Until Thu Jul 7, 9am-9pm. Sharjah Art Foundation, info@sharjahart.org (971 6 568 5050)
December
Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival
Art exhibitions? Check. Workshops? Check. Murals and art installations? Check and check. Looks like there is another event insisting you make that trip to Sharjah this year. The Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival promises to be both fun and educational, so it’s definitely one to take the little ones to. Whether you have lived in the country all your life or have just moved, this will be a great way to immersive yourself in its rich culture and heritage.
Typically takes place in December. Follow for more updates twitter.com/IslamicArtsMag
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Desert Groove by Groove on the Grass
Calling all clubbers, it’s time to go dancing in the dunes. The hugely popular Groove on the Grass returns to the UAE, this time in a new location (the Dunes Resort in Ras Al Khaimah) and under a fitting new name. Expect local and international acts (headliners include DJ Unders, experimental electronic pop trio WhoMadeWho and house DJ Behrouz), food trucks, a fashion and art market, wellbeing-focused activities and more.
Fri Feb 11- Sun Feb 13. Dunes Resort, Ras Al Khaimah @grooveonthegrass.
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival
A decade in and the fabulous celebration of art and culture that is the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival just gets more impressive. This year’s event will see over 150 artists from 45 countries converging on the emirate to showcase their work. The majority of the exhibitions will take place at the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village, with satellite events held at Jebel Jais and Al Marjan Island and various workshops and events happening throughout the emirate.
Feb 4- Thu 31. For more information visit rakfinearts.ae.
ABU DHABI
A Day in The Palace Exhibition at Qasr al Hosn
This fascinating exhibition uses oral accounts, historical documents and photographs to provide visitors with an unprecedented insight into life within the walls of Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, during the 1950s and 1960s. Expect to be fully immersed as you follow the daily activities of fictional characters inspired by historic figures (residents, guards and foreign dignitaries).
Until Feb 26. visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/a-day-in-the-palace-exhibition-at-qasr-al-hosn.
Pokémon Go Tour
Phones at the ready, in a real-world extension of the hugely popular global game, the Pokémon Go Tour returns to the capital at the end of February. Following on from the success of the inaugural 2021 event, keen gamers and Pikachu fiends can expect to have access to themed habits, extra special trades, exclusive in-game medals and stickers and photo opportunities aplenty. Gotta catch ‘em all…
Sat Feb 26, 2022, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, visitabudhabi.ae/en/events/pokemon-go-tour-2022.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
Mark your calendars, there’s just two months left to experience the utterly absorbing Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. The annual event, held at Al Wathba (around 30-45 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi), offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the rich history, culture and traditions of the UAE through various exhibitions and art galleries, performances, arts and crafts, food trucks and stalls, camel races, falconry shows, workshops for kids and more.
Until April. Open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Wathbah South (800 555).
Abu Dhabi Art
The highlight of the capital’s cultural calendar returns for a 14th year in November amidst much excitement. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) and running from November 16 – November 20 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the full line up for the fair has yet to be announced but the event promises to offer an array of fantastic exhibitions, installations and artist commissions, as well as the opportunity for local and international galleries to sell pieces of artwork.
November 16 – November 20. https://www.abudhabiart.ae/en/Art-Fair.
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022
The F1 will be roaring into town again in November for another white-knuckle, end of the year race out on the new F1 track layout at the Yas Marina Circuit. Where you go for the racing or the after party, a sensational (and spendy) weekend is guaranteed.
Nov 17-Nov 20. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, yasmarinacircuit.com.
Middle East Film & Comic Con
Proving once and for all that it’s cool to be a geek, that extravaganza that is the Middle East Film & Comic Con kicks off on Friday March 4. The region’s largest pop culture festival promises something for every movie, TV and comic lover, with international artists, a raft of adored A-listers (confirmed names include Game of Thrones star Natahlie Emmanuel, Michael Rooker of Guardian of the Galaxy fame and Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario in the Super Mario video games series, no less) as well as gaming zones, parades and the like.
From Dhs115. Fri Mar 4 to Sun Mar 6. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Rawdah, mefcc.com.
Mother of the Nation Festival
Mother of the Nation (MOTN) is the much-loved annual event that pays tribute to the legacy of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation. Although full details of the 2022 festival have yet to be announced, if last year’s Mother of the Nation was anything to go by the celebration, which takes place on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, will be a fabulous, family friendly affair. Expect live art installations, themed zones, plenty of made-for-Instagram sights, an abundance of food outlets, live entertainment and more.
December. www.motn.ae
What else is happening in Dubai?
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Read more here.
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Read more here.
