There is always something to look forward to in Dubai. As a local or visitor, Dubai is home to numerous world-renowned festivals and events that will keep you busy having fun in ways only possible in the grand city that is Dubai. Here is a list of 10 events to look forward to this year.
#1. The Dubai World Cup
This is the richest Horse race in the world. Bound to attract some of the wealthiest and most famous personalities in the world, it is a horseracing fans dream, and even if you are not an avid fan, you will find this to be a very fun activity on a fine Dubai afternoon. It is usually held on the last Saturday of March so give a try and you are bound to have a blast!
#2. Dubai Rugby 7’s
Rugby 7’s are a variation of the conventional rugby game in which the teams are made up of 7 players instead of the usual 15 and the games have shorter time limits.
Dubai hosts an annual international sevens tournament that attracts record-breaking crowds. The event lasts 3 days and will be taking place between the 3 and the 5th of December 2015. One can expect a loud and festive atmosphere with spectators getting into the spirit of things wearing their favorites teams jersey and painting. It is tradition to sing and dance and eat delicious snacks while you are at it. Make sure to add this one on your to-do list!
#3. Dubai Marathon
Also known as the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, it is held annual in January. It features up to 2,000 participants and three different distance bands, full-distance, 10k and 5k competitions. It is a widely publicized event which promises to inspire and entertain. As a participant or spectator be sure to not miss it!
#4. UAE Desert Challenge
The UAE Desert Challenge brings the best rally drivers from all over the world to race across the toughest courses in the world. A significant part of the race route passes through the Abu Dhabi. These brave drivers drive through the Moreed area of the aptly name Empty corner, a vast desert land space for five days.
#5. Dubai Jazz Festival
Hosting approximately 30 bands from all over the world, this is one of the grandest Jazz festivals in the world. Artists such as James Blunt have graced the Dubai Jazz festival and is a great event for music lovers who can enjoy a night of relaxing music in a scenery of sophisticated opulence unique to Dubai. So sit back relax, have a cool sip, and just let the music take you a to a very happy place.
#6. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Month
With Discounts of up to 75%, in one of the biggest shopping destinations in the world, it is no wonder that the Dubai Shopping Festival is truly a global event. It takes place every January and almost anything you can think of is up for sale, from the most luxurious perfumes to cutting edge drone designs. The Dubai shopping festival is not just about shopping, but it is also about having a good time. Other complimentary events include nightly firework displays, film festivals, great street exhibitions and children’s shows. There is everything for everyone at the Dubai Shopping festival month.
#7. Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)Â
The Dubai Summer Surprises is another shopping festival that is more family oriented than the Dubai Shopping Festival and has more of an emphasis on entertainment for kids. Adults are guaranteed to have a lot of fun too, some of the world’s biggest stars perform at the Dss so adults have no excuse to not join in the fun!
#8. Dubai Desert Classic
This is a golf lover’s paradise. Greats such as Tiger Woods, Fred Coples, Earnie Els have won Major Championships here. This is a Five Star tournament and is a great outdoor activity to look forward to while in Dubai. It is held every January so make sure you set some time aside for this one because watching the masters play in one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world is as heavenly as it gets, on earth at least.
#9. Dubai Tennis Championship
The Dubai Tennis Championship has seen the likes of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rafael Nadal and Martina Hingis play in this much anticipated annual tournament which takes place in the month of January in Dubai. Another great outdoor activity to look forward to, one of the most popular is Dubai for that matter, means that you will have to purchase tickets in time as they sell out fast.
#10. Dubai Film Festival (DIFF)
The Dubai Film Festival has become the main platform for showcasing film-making and acting talent in the Middle East. It is held annually in December and it is a great showcase of International films not only from the Middle East, but also in Asia and Africa. It is recognized as one of the major film festivals in the world and attracts Hollywood stars and other magnates in the film world.