2023 promises to be the biggest year yet for events and tourism in Dubai.
We’ve compiled for you here a list of all the key international sporting, music, and entertainment we know is coming to Dubai in 2023, plus the usual lineup of local cultural events and celebrations not-to-miss each month.
You may also want to check out our guides to:
Quickly jump to the month you’ll be in Dubai:
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Dubai Events January 2023
- The Dubai Shopping Festival continues throughout the month until 29 January 2023 – venues across the city. Don’t miss the nightly DSF Drone Light Show at Bliewater – 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM
- Cirque Du Soleil return to Dubai with one of their heart-stopping acrobatic shows, Ovo – January 11-18, 2023 – Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk
- Bringing live music, art exhibitions, dance shows and more – the Quoz Arts Festival returns January 28 & 29, 2023 – Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz
- Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament will take place fro 26 to 29 Janaur 2023 – Emirates Golf Vlub
Dubai Events February 2023
Dubai Events March 2023
- Art Dubai – educational workshops through to incredible installations – March 3 to 5 2023 – Madinat Jumeirah
- Dubai Challenge Cup (Polo) will take place from 11 to 18 March 20223 – Al Habtoor Polo
- The Holy Month of Ramadan will commence on or about 22 March 2023 and lasts approximately 29 days. Most live entertainment stops at this time.
- Non-Muslims should be aware of daylight fasting over Ramadan, but why not locally join in with an Iftar for breaking of the fast or overnight Suhoor to mark the occasion?
- McGettigan’s St. Patrick’s Festival presents The Script Live in Dubai
- Locally, many schools have a Spring term break from the end of March to early April, so look out for special term break camps and events that may be running.
Dubai Events April 2023
- Easter, although not formally marked as a holiday, is widely celebrated in the retail and hospitality industry (Easter Sunday, 9 April 2023)
- The end of Ramadan is marked be Eid-al Fitr celebrations across the city with special deals to fireworks – est. 22-24 April 2023.
- Dubai Food Fest is the perfect post-Ramadan event for foodies with immersive experiences across the city – April 28 to May 7, 2023
Dubai Events May 2023
Dubai Events June 2023
Dubai Events July 2023
- Locally most schools will break up for the months of July and August – when the local expat families head away, the tourists are still coming in!
- Hijri New Year (1 Muharram*) is expected to fall on 19 July 2023 with a public holiday observed on 21 July 2023
Dubai Events August 2023
- August lineup of events still to be confirmed for 2023
Dubai Events September 2023
- The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on approximately 27 September 2023 – not always marked as a public holiday
- The full September lineup of events is still to be confirmed for 2023
Dubai Events October 2023
- Dubai Fitness Challenge is always a great way to work off those summer days spent inside – running October 28 through November 26, 2023; there’s always a huge variety of events to get involved with
- Scottish Singer-Song reiter Lewis Capaldi returns for his postponed event on 7 October 2023 – CocaCola Arena
- Halloween always makes a great family and friends event to enjoy across the city – 31 October 2023.
Dubai Events November 2023
- Diwali is always widely celebrated with the local expat community, so expect plenty of dancing and fireworks – 12 November 2023, with celebrations over the surrounding week.
- Thanksgiving is another international celebration that has firmly made its way into the regular events calendar for Dubai expats, enjoying gatherings with family and friends over turkey and cranberry sauce! – Thursday 23rd November 2023
Dubai Events December 2023
- Commemoration Day and National Day – fixed public holidays from 1 to 3 December with lots of celebratory events to be found across the country.
- Dubai Rugby 7s is one of the city’s most anticipated international sporting events of the year, bringing local and international sporting talent together from 1 to 4 December 2023 – Rugby 7’s Stadium
- Christmas – 25 December. Despite being a Muslim country, the occasion is widely marked, and you’ll find many festive celebrations occur across the city
- New Year’s Eve – one of the most exciting spots in the world to ring in the new year, with the Burj Khalifa taking centre stage and many fireworks displays across the city.
Ongoing Events Throughout The Year in Dubai
Some events are more regular, such as the best Sunday brunches in town – though they may take a break over the hottest summer months.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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