Holidays and Festivities in Dubai: Ultimate Guide 2025

Dubai thrives as a global epicenter for dazzling events, blending cutting-edge spectacles with deep-rooted traditions that draw millions each year. This guide breaks down the must-see festivals, cultural holidays, and practical tips to plan your trip. Drawing from my decade-plus of experience in Dubai’s travel scene, this guide has everything you need to make your visit unforgettable, whether you’re chasing massive shopping deals or immersive cultural experiences.

Calendar of Dubai’s Major Events: What to See and When

Dubai’s event lineup in 2025 packs excitement year-round, with a peak season from November to March when cooler weather makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. This calendar highlights the top attractions, helping you align your travel with the city’s standout happenings. Timing your visit around these events significantly enhances the experience.

Key Festivals: From Shopping to Gastronomy

Dubai’s flagship festivals showcase its vibrant mix of commerce, cuisine, and culture, attracting tourists eager for immersive experiences. Each event is a major highlight on the city’s calendar, offering unique attractions that make a visit truly special.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): More Than Just Shopping

From December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) transforms the city into a shopper’s paradise. This massive event features sales across thousands of stores, live shows, and prize draws, creating an electric atmosphere that blends luxury with accessibility. It’s a fantastic time to visit, as the entire city buzzes with energy and entertainment.

What you will find: Discounts, raffles, concerts and shows

Discounts can reach up to 90% on fashion, electronics, and jewelry, while major raffles offer prizes like luxury cars, gold bars, and cash. Past concert lineups have included international stars like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, complemented by nightly drone shows and spectacular fireworks. The festival’s immense popularity is clear:

“Dubai Shopping Festival remains one of the largest retail and entertainment celebrations worldwide, with discounts reaching up to 90%, nightly drone shows, and supercar raffles. Hotel occupancy near Downtown hits 95% during the opening weekend.” — Visago, 2025 Ultimate 2025-2026 UAE Events Guide.

Best Time to Visit DSF and Shopping Tips

While the festival runs for over a month, the biggest discounts often appear in the final weeks, with many items marked down by 75%. For tax-free shopping, tourists can claim a 5% VAT refund on eligible purchases by keeping receipts and processing them at the airport. For the best deals, focus on major hubs like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and City Walk. Having your own transportation offers the flexibility to move between different malls and events without depending on crowded public transport.

Dubai Food Festival (DFF): A Gastronomic Paradise

The Dubai Food Festival (DFF) highlights the city’s diverse culinary scene, running from late April to early May 2025, with a likely start date of May 2. The event spans numerous locations, from beachfront canteens to fine dining restaurants, celebrating everything from street food like shawarma to innovative dishes from Michelin-starred chefs. It’s a fantastic showcase of the city’s multicultural flair.

Main events: From beach canteens to haute cuisine

Key events include the Etisalat Beach Canteen, a pop-up on the sand offering casual bites from local eateries, and Dubai Restaurant Week, which runs from April 26 to May 12 and features fixed-price tasting menus at over 60 of the city’s top restaurants. The festival also hosts masterclasses with renowned chefs like Rahul Rana of Avatara and features unique “four-hands” dinners where two chefs collaborate on a special menu. These events create an interactive and indulgent atmosphere for all food lovers.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS): Family Fun in the Summer

Running for 66 days from June 27 to August 31, 2025, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is a major festival focused on family-friendly deals and indoor entertainment to escape the summer heat. It includes shopping discounts of up to 75%, live concerts, and a wide range of kids’ activities. The festival is structured in phases, including a “Back to School” season with special offers on children’s fashion, school supplies, and electronics, making it especially popular with families.

Cultural and Religious Holidays: The Spirit of Tradition

Dubai proudly honors its Islamic heritage through holidays that foster community, reflection, and generosity. These occasions offer visitors a deeper understanding of Emirati culture, and knowing the local etiquette is key to a respectful and enjoyable experience.

Holy Month of Ramadan in Dubai

In 2025, Ramadan is expected to take place from March 1 to March 30. It is a period of fasting from dawn until dusk, which shifts the city’s rhythm. Daytime is quieter, while evenings come alive with social gatherings and vibrant night markets. The month emphasizes spiritual growth, charity, and family.

Iftars and Suhurs: Gastronomic Traditions

Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, often enjoyed as a lavish feast in traditional tents or restaurants. Top spots range from the luxurious tent at Burj Al Arab to the authentic atmosphere at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Suhur is the pre-dawn meal, served at venues like the Hikayat Ramadan Garden at Palazzo Versace. These meals are communal and feature an array of traditional Arabic dishes.

Etiquette for tourists during Ramadan

It is crucial to respect local customs. Eating, drinking, and smoking in public are prohibited during daylight hours, and violations can result in fines. The dress code is more conservative; both men and women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. A simple greeting of “Ramadan Kareem” is a thoughtful way to show courtesy.

“Ramadan in Dubai transforms the city into a hub of Islamic communal, social, and cultural activities, emphasizing compassion, giving, and sharing. It’s a unique chance for guests from diverse backgrounds to experience Emirati hospitality and traditions.” — Representative, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), July 2025.

Celebrating Eid (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha)

Eid al-Fitr, expected from March 30 to April 1, 2025, marks the end of Ramadan with prayers, gift-giving, and family feasts. Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is anticipated from June 6-8 and involves family gatherings and charitable acts. Both holidays are celebrated across the city with spectacular fireworks, live entertainment, and special events in the malls.

New Year in Dubai: World-Class Fireworks

Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebration is globally renowned, centered on the record-breaking fireworks and light show at the Burj Khalifa. The 2025 event is expected to be another massive spectacle, featuring over 500,000 fireworks in a dazzling, technologically advanced display that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Best Spots for Fireworks Viewing and Booking Tips

Prime viewing spots include Burj Park, which is free but requires arriving by 5 PM to secure a good spot, and restaurants with a view, which require booking months in advance. Other excellent locations are Atlantis, The Palm, and the public beach at JBR. Roads around Downtown Dubai typically close early in the evening, so plan accordingly. For a truly memorable experience, check out the various New Year’s Eve dinners and parties in Dubai.

Planning Your Trip to a Festival: Practical Tips

Maximizing your festival visit requires smart planning. From booking accommodations to navigating the city, these tips will help you manage your trip efficiently.

Booking Accommodation and Flights in Peak Season

For major events like DSF or New Year’s Eve, book flights and hotels 3-6 months in advance. Hotel occupancy rates can reach 90-95%, and prices rise accordingly. Downtown Dubai offers central access to major attractions, while Dubai Marina is ideal for a beach-focused stay.

Transport in Dubai During Events

During large-scale events, the Dubai Metro extends its hours and is often the most reliable way to get around, with fares starting from 3 AED. Taxis are plentiful, with a base fare of 12-15 AED, but they can get stuck in heavy traffic near event venues. A rental car provides the most flexibility, especially for visiting multiple locations or traveling with family. Many companies offer convenient airport delivery services.

Trip Budget: What to Allocate and How Much

Daily costs in Dubai can vary widely. A budget traveler might spend $50-60 per day, while a mid-range trip could cost $75-100. For a luxury experience, expect to spend $150 or more per day, especially during festival season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is It Safe to Attend Mass Events in Dubai?

Yes. Dubai is ranked among the world’s safest cities and implements top-tier security for all mass events, including advanced monitoring systems and a significant police presence. This ensures a smooth and secure experience for all attendees.

What Dress Code Applies During Festivals?

The general dress code in Dubai applies during festivals. In public places like malls and on the street, it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools, but you should cover up when leaving these areas. No special dress code is required for most festivals, but comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

Can I Find Non-Alcoholic Entertainment?

Absolutely. Dubai offers a vast array of non-alcoholic entertainment options. These include panoramic views from the Burj Khalifa, the spectacular Dubai Fountain show, desert safaris, and world-class theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Motiongate Dubai, all of which are family-friendly.

Do I Need a Visa for a Festival Trip to Dubai?

Citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine can receive a visa on arrival valid for 30-90 days, provided their passport is valid for at least six months. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, and Canada also typically receive a visa on arrival. Visitors from other countries should check with the nearest UAE embassy to confirm visa requirements in advance.

Conclusion: Your Guide to Festive Dubai

Dubai’s 2025 event calendar offers an incredible range of experiences, from the world-class deals of DSF to the cultural depth of Ramadan. This combination of modern spectacle and rich tradition makes the city a premier destination for event-driven travel. With this guide, you can start planning your trip to dive into the excitement. To learn more about the city’s official days off, see our guide to public holidays in Dubai. What is your must-see event?