Dive into the heart of Dubai’s vibrant scene with exciting events and festivals that promise to kickstart the year 2024 in grand style. From literary galas and international music extravaganzas to festive light displays, sports events and food festivals, the city is set to host a diverse range of experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Explore distinctive events like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, UNTOLD Festival Dubai, and Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival each offering a one-of-a-kind experience that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. So, whether you’re passionate about culture or looking for family-friendly fun, here are some highlights from Dubai’s festival calendar that deserve your attention.
Join the celebration and create unforgettable memories in this dynamic city.
1. Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the region’s premier celebration of the written and spoken word, is set to captivate audiences from January 31 to February 6, 2024 at InterContinental Dubai Festival City.
Beyond showcasing local talent, the festival invites visitors of all ages to engage with their favorite authors, participate in literary debates, and attend workshops.
The opening gala promises an imaginative journey with acclaimed writers, while Desert Stanzas, an evening of poetry and spoken word amid dunes, returns on day two. The event features luminaries like Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, meditation expert Gelong Thubten, and UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansoori and Sultan Al Neyadi, addressing diverse topics from pop culture to psychology, AI, and history. You can also enjoy a murder mystery dinner, the TikTok Book Award Ceremony, and LitFest AfterHours, featuring activities for all ages. The festival concludes with a live concert by Emirati singer Rashes Al Nuaimi.
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2. UNTOLD Festival Dubai
The Middle East debut of the international musical fiesta, UNTOLD Festival, is finally happening from February 15 to 18, 2024, at Expo City Dubai. This electronic music extravaganza, renowned as one of the world’s largest, boasts an impressive lineup featuring headliners such as Armin Van Buuren, Hardwell, Tiesto, Timmy Trumpet, Ellie Goulding, G-Eazy, PSY, Major Lazer, Beba Rexha, Don Diablo, and Paul Kalkbrenner.
With a history of seven sold-out showcases in Europe and over 375,000 festivalgoers in attendance, the Dubai edition is set to leave music enthusiasts in awe. Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren, known for his record-breaking feats, has already made a special announcement for the festival, including a spectacular performance atop the Burj Khalifa. You can easily expect a crowd of over 280,000 people over four days, along with performances by more than 100 globally-recognized artists.
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3. Marvel Universe Live
You can’t absolutely miss the opportunity to witness your favourite superheroes in action. Marvel Universe Live, a one-of-a-kind live show featuring The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy from January 31 to February 4 2024 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Join them in an epic battle to save the universe and experience the thrill as Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk, Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Rocket, and Drax face off against the conniving villains Loki and Green Goblin. With immersive video projection and cutting-edge special effects, you’ll be transported into another realm. Spider-Man and Captain America will also be part of the mission, showcasing death-defying aerial and motorcycle stunts that are sure to leave you impressed.
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4. Dubai Lights: Festive Garden at Nakheel Mall
The enchanting Dubai Lights: Festive Garden, running from December 8, 2023, to January 30, 2024 at Nakheel Mal is a winter wonderland, perfect for the whole family, offering a host of special holiday activities.
You can explore a world-class mall adorned with picturesque winter decorations, a mesmerizing water fountain installation, an impressive festive tree, flower installations, and other captivating winter highlights. The Festive Garden, free to attend, provides a perfect backdrop for memorable photos and shared moments during this season. Located in Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel Mall offers spectacular shopping experiences and a taste of next-generation shopping. Additionally, diners can indulge in delicious flavours throughout the mall during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
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5. Dubai Lights: Amazon Wonder at West Beach
Experience the enchantment of Dubai Lights: Amazon Wonder at West Beach in Palm Jumeirah, taking place from December 13, 2023, to January 30, 2024. Immerse yourself in the beauty of life-size installations showcasing Amazonian parrots and stunning artworks depicting flowers and leaves from the world’s largest tropical rainforest. As part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, this wonder-filled event is free to attend, providing the perfect opportunity for families to explore and relish the festive season.
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6. Winter Garden at Habtoor Palace Dubai
The Christmas carnival at Habtoor Palace Dubai’s Winter Garden, from November 1 to January 31 2024 is a festive extravaganza that offers a delightful mix of delicious food trucks, live performances, a towering lit up Christmas tree, and entertainment for all ages. The joy of the season is not yet over at this outdoor celebration, where you can experience festive dishes from various eateries amidst talented local singers, and enchanting holiday decor. Little ones can also look forward to daily visits from Santa, making it the perfect destination for a season of food, fun, and festive cheer.
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7. Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival
Explore the fusion of creativity and culture, as Expo City Dubai plays host the inaugural Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival, from January 26 to February 4 2024. Immerse yourself in a visual extravaganza at Al Wasl Plaza, featuring stunning light installations and artworks. This 10-day celebration aims to nurture local talent, offering a unique perspective on the UAE’s values and way of life.
This annual event serves as a canvas for local artists to transform light into a language of creativity and cultural storytelling. Each installation becomes a dialogue, inviting global visitors to experience the fusion of traditional Emirati heritage and cutting-edge artistic innovation. Join in this radiant exploration where Dubai’s art and culture are brilliantly illuminated, offering a realm of interaction and energy with installations like Solar Canopy, Elysian Arcs, and the magic of responsive art with Sun Dance and “Speed of Light” in collaboration with XDubai, where skateboarding transcends into an art form. Don’t miss the chance to participate in workshops and attend thought-provoking talks by experts, making this festival a truly enriching experience.
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8. Polo Silver Cup
Get ready for an exhilarating chukker of the polo season as the prestigious Silver Cup takes centre stage in Dubai from January 18 to February 3 at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. This 14th edition features six of the world’s top polo teams competing in an 18-goal handicap, promising an exceptional blend of sophisticated sport, world-class entertainment, and high-fashion sightings. Whether you opt for a polo-picnic experience with family-friendly fun or indulge in a fabulous brunch with a view of the polo field, the Silver Cup offers a thrilling and stylish ambience for polo enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to witness the excitement, cheer for your favourite teams, and secure your spots for an unforgettable experience.
It will soon be followed by The Gold Cup (Dubai Open) , an 18-goal handicap competition considered the most important trophy of the Dubai Polo series from 7 to 24 February 2024.
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9. Whimsical Family Funfair
If you’re on the lookout for an exhilarating weekend escapade, Gate Avenue’s Whimsical Family Funfair is your perfect ticket to joy. Transforming the DIFC venue into a lively wonderland until February 4, this buzzing pop-up is open from Friday to Sunday, offering a myriad of activities for your little ones. With popular homegrown eateries like D’lish and Mamafri serving up delectable treats, kids can immerse themselves in arts and crafts workshops, go-karting, rodeo bull rides, and bounce around in a castle with a ball pool. The fun doesn’t end there – a soft play area, bungee jumping, and a superhero slide await, along with the chance to enjoy a movie under the stars every Friday evening, featuring classics like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Matilda
10. Dubai Fashion Week
Continuing the legacy of the Arab Fashion Week, the third edition of Dubai Fashion Week is set to unfold from February 4 to 8, 2024, at the Dubai Design District, solidifying its position as a key event in the region’s fashion calendar. Over five days, this catwalk extravaganza will serve as a bustling hub for designers, luxury brands, editors, and guests, providing an insider’s look into the industry.
Showcasing couture and ready-to-wear collections from the region and beyond, renowned names like Lulu Liu, Dhruv Kapoor, and The Giving Movement will grace the DFW, fostering new business opportunities between brands and buyers. Additionally, attendees can explore pop-up stores, workshops, and special activations to stay at the forefront of fashion trends. While some shows are invite-only, the complete schedule is available on their website for fashion enthusiasts to plan their experience.
11. Bombay Borough’s 4th Anniversary
Join the festivities at Bombay Borough in DIFC as they celebrate their fourth anniversary with a limited-edition menu, available exclusively from January 19 to February 11 2024. On this culinary journey with seven progressive plates, you can taste innovative dishes like the Bun Parotta Benedict – a modern twist on the classic eggs Benedict with Kerala parottas.
Get yourself prepared to taste the rich spices of South India in signature dishes, including the creative pot pie-style Rezala Chicken Pot Pie infused with Kolkata’s local flavors. There’s also a diverse array of offerings from modern Indian cuisine such as Goan Rissois, Himachali Duck Siddu, Batti Toast, inviting you to make your reservation at the earliest.
12. Performances : The Sonu Nigam Show and Anirudh Ravichander Live
Don’t miss the upcoming performances featuring Anirudh Ravichander on 10 February and Bollywood hitmaker Sonu Nigam on 11 February at the Coca-Cola Arena. The Padma Shri award winner will captivate the audience with a range of fan-favorite songs like Kal Ho Na Ho, Main Agar Kahoon and Tumhi Dekho Na. Indian composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander on 10 February as part of the Hukum World Tour promises an evening of genre-fusing sounds. Known for hits like Why This Kolaveri Di and Arabic Kuthu, Anirudh is all set to bring to life chart-topping tunes from his impressive discography.